**Originally Listed At $450**

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, ca. late 19th to mid-20th century CE. A fine collection of four handles from ceremonial kris (keris) swords; three made of wood, and one made from gold washed brass with glass pieces. The brass handle depicts the great hero demon Bhima, illustrated in a forward-leaning seated pose atop a small base while grasping a dagger hilt with his right hand. His expressive visage is defined by almond-shaped eyes under heavy brows, a wide nose, a grinning mouth, and an intricate diadem beneath a wavy coiffure. Glass inlays of pink, emerald, and black hues adorn the figural composition throughout. The other three wooden handles have stylized anthropomorphic and zoomorphic forms. One is a Wayang figure with a long nose above an abstract face. The next is a monstrous figure devouring a human. The last is a slightly stooped man with a cap upon an intricately carved pedestal. Size golden figure: 5.25" L x 1.5" W (13.3 cm x 3.8 cm); 8" H (20.3 cm) on included custom stand; curved handle: 5.125" L x 1.5" W x 2.5" H (13 cm x 3.8 cm x 6.4 cm); 5.5" H (14 cm) on included custom stand.

For a stylistically similar piece of the Bhima handle please see the Museum of Fine Arts of Houston, object number: 2004.2272

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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#162769

Losses and missing glass inlays on brass handle. Indentations and abrasions to metal surface. Darker patina on the top. Pressure cracks and nicks to wooden surfaces, with nice patinas.