Lot 106
Asian Art. Southeast Asia, Java, Indonesia, ca. 19th century CE. A striking kris (keris) with a sumptuous dark-toned iron-nickel blade with a polished wooden handle with elegantly carved sides. The blade has the characteristic kris form: wide below the guard area with flared and curling tendrils extending from one tapering side; the remainder of the blade has a serpentine profile and tapers to a thin point. A ring of eight natural ruby cabochons are inlaid in the thin round copper guard. The wooden handle sits above the guard and has a graceful yet functional profile with a rounded pommel end. The sheath is comprised of a singular type of wood which, in light and dark tones, gives it a naturally-marbled appearance. A wonderful example of traditional Indonesian craftsmanship. Size: 21" L x 6.5" W (53.3 cm x 16.5 cm); size of blade: 14" L x 3" W (35.6 cm x 7.6 cm).
The kris is both a weapon and a spiritual object. The oldest known are from the 10th century CE; they are thought to have originated on the island of Java. The bladesmith, called an empu, formed the blade from layers of different iron ores and meteorite nickel. In high quality ones, the metal is folded dozens or even hundreds of times. Krises were worn every day and in special ceremonies; both men and women wore them. They were passed down through families - used for display, as talismans with magical powers, weapons, heirlooms, accessories for ceremonial dress, and indicators of social status. Kris blades are narrow, with wide, symmetrical bases. The aesthetic value has three elements: dhapur, the shape and design of the blade, with 40 variants; pamor, the pattern of metal alloy decoration on the blade, with 120 variants; and tangguh, the age and origin of kris. In 2005, the kris became a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Provenance: private Rochester, Michigan, USA collection
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#126792
- Condition: Light patina and expected wear on handle and sheath commensurate with age and handling, with minor separation to end of sheath. Guard and sheath sections are held together with a small amount of adhesive. The blade itself is in excellent condition.
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