Lot 95A
**First Time At Auction**
Southeast Asia, Indonesia, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A beautiful ceremonial short sword or large dagger known as a kris, with a sheath adorned with inlaid high-quality (91.98% to 93%) silver and elephant ivory. The gently oscillating blade is forged-iron known as wootz or watered steel- the veins of nickel contrasting with the rest of the surface. The hilt neck is 93% silver molded into a repousse floral motif, and the ivory grip is intricately carved into an abstract figure. The blade fits into a wooden sheath and guard that is covered with a (92%) silver jacket and an ivory chape button. Size of blade: 9.75" L x 2.125" W (24.8 cm x 5.4 cm); in sheath: 13.5" L x 4" W (34.3 cm x 10.2 cm); silver quality: 91.98% to 93%
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. Kris were worn every day and in special ceremonies; both men and women wear them. They were passed down through families. They were used for display, as talismans with magical powers, and weapons, and as heirlooms, as 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.
This is an ESA antique exempt piece of ivory and cannot be sold internationally or to anyone residing in the states of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. We guarantee that the piece was made prior to 1972.
Provenance: private New Haven, Connecticut, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
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#176174
- Condition: Stable hairline fissures on wood guard. Chip to ivory on sheath tip. Minor nicks to blade and ivory grip. Some patina on silver areas and scuffs to surface layers on sheath. Overall great condition and high quality material.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |