Keris Dagger from Bali are considered some of the finest among the Indonesian archipelago. As Bali is a Hindu society, the influences on the keris have survived the Islamization of form and design found elsewhere in the region, with some exceptions. As a result, Balinese keris often have hilts carved with richly designed Hindu deities in a more realistic manner than the stylized interpretations found in other parts of the region, such as the highly stylized Garuda imagery of the Bugis or on Sumatra. The keris played a particularly important role in Balinese society, and was used as a ritual tool in almost every Balinese religious ceremony. Standing as pusaka, a powerful sanctified heirloom, and serving as a strong marker of socio-economic status, a keris could only be made by Pande blacksmiths who claim status higher than that of a Brahman. In Bali, the keris is referred to as kadutan, but the term keris is used as it is widespread through the region. This example in the Schmiedt collection is a Balinese Keris of figural form in a provincial style, lacking the deep carving and traditional forms found on more traditional togongan hilts. The figure sits squatting in an ancestor pose with a hand underneath the body, one knee pulled up high against the belly, and the other hand grasping the belly. The hilt has an aged patina. The old 7 luk blade has the shape approximated by dapor sempana panjul (Ki Empu Jhuel) and consists of an interesting pamor pattern called sada saler, of an undulating single line running the length of the blade. The mendak (cuff) between hilt and blade in Javanese style and inlaid with precious stones, potentially intan intan rough diamonds. The carved warangka (scabbard throat)of Ladrang style in the Balinese form and with a stained wood gandar (body).Early 20th century, Beautiful and rare example. Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 20 1/4" Blade Length : 11"References:1. Frey, E. (1988) The Kris: Mystic Weapon of the Malay World. Oxford University Press.2. Mardianto, W. A to Z Sesuatu mengenai KERIS dan TOMBAK KERIS SENJATATRADISIONAL INDONESIA A to Z3. Ki Empu Jhuel. Pamor Keris4. Ghiringelli. V. (2007) The Invincible Krises 2. Saviolo Publisher5. Van Zonneveld, A.G. (2001) Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago.Leiden: Art Books6. Gardner, G.B. (2009) Keris and other Malay Weapons. Orchid Press7. Weihrauch, A., Kloubert, U. and Aljunied, A. (2017)The Gods & the Forge: Balinese Ceremonial Blades- The Gods & the Forge in a Cultural Context. IFICAH8. Neka, W. S. (2014) Understanding Balinese Keris: An Insiders Perspective. Neka Art Museum Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at info@sofedesignauctions.com