Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Java, Madura, & Sumatra, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A fine collection of 5 hand-carved wooden handles, meant to be affixed onto the tang of a personal sword known as a kris (also keris). The largest is stylized with the curved knob emerging from series of scrolling and swirling motifs. The next is polished and grooved with two faces on the interior curve. The third depicts the bird-human deity Jawa Demam with an elongated beak. The fourth is abstract with an elaborate carving of floral pattern, with upper knob emerging from a series of angular petals below and original red pigments remaining especially near lower section. The last is the most club-like in form carved with a mask of a fanged demon on one side. Its dramatic visage enlivened with wide almond-shaped eyes framed by a grand unibrow. A lustrous patina has formed across these handles and creates a wonderful presentation! All are similar in size. Size of largest: 4.5" L x 1.5" W (11.4 cm x 3.8 cm); 5.25" H (13.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Ami Brown collection, New York City, USA, acquired 1950 to 1970

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#162998

Largest handle has deep pressure fissures and a small cavity on verso. Minor stable pressure fissures and chips to high pointed areas on the rest. Loss and chips to socket of 2 handles. Excellent patina and signs of age on all!