Lot 83
Indonesia, blade is the 19th century CE and the handle and scabbard are 20th century CE. This is a keris (kris), with a simply carved, beautiful contrasting light and dark wood handle and a metal scabbard ("wrongko") carved with flower and ivy designs. The keris is both a weapon and a spiritual object, with a short stabbing blade from Indonesia but used throughout Southeast Asia. The oldest known are from the 10th century CE and they are thought to have originated on the island of Java. Keris were worn by both men and women every day and in special ceremonies and 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. Keris blades are narrow, with wide, symmetrical bases, and are made of Damascus steel, with the metal folded and refolded dozens to hundreds of times. 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 keris. In 2005, the keris became a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. For this keris, the dhapur ("dapor") is "put hut"; the pamor is "keleng"; the handle is a style called Java Kraton Surakarta. The scabbard is in the "Ladrangan" form, which is related to the Madurese form from Java. Size: 15-1/4"L x 6"W (38.7 cm x 15.2 cm).
Provenance: Ex- Rochester, MN private collection
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#110898
- Condition: The piece is in excellent condition with no wear or chipping visible; the metal covering of the scabbard is loose and can be removed, revealing wood underneath.
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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 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |