Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Madura or East Java, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. An ivory hilt carved so meticulously with an ornate decorative program befitting a high kris from Madura. Perhaps the Islamic influence of the previous centuries determined the complete abstraction of the iconography on this kris hilt. Though the silhouette is reminiscent of more figural handles with bowed heads, no humans, birds, lions, serpents, or other animals make an appearance upon the tumpal. A remarkable example of expert carving technique. For a similar example, see David van Duuren, The Kris: An Earthly Approach to a Cosmic Symbol. Netherlands: Pictures Publishers, 1998, p. 48. Size: 1.5" W x 3.5" H (3.8 cm x 8.9 cm)

African Ivory. Bidders should be aware of the changing laws regarding commercialization of ivory and other product containing endangered species both on the Federal and State levels. This lot will be accompanied by a signed affidavit from the client that this object was in the United States prior to January 18, 1990, and is to the best of their knowledge and ability made prior to February 26, 1976 in accordance with Federal law. Ivory cannot be shipped out of the United States or to New York or New Jersey, and will not be shipped to California after June 30, 2016.

Provenance: Ex- private collection of Ami Brown. Mr. Brown was the owner of the Coca Cola franchise in Israel and amassed a huge and very fine collection of Indonesian Kris's as well as other ethnographic and tribal arts. His collection numbered more than 3000 pieces with many on display during his life in the Ein Harod Museum of Art.

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#113364

Intact and excellent.