Southeast Asia, Indonesia, ca. 19th century CE. A dramatic example of a kris (keris) with a gorgeous cow horn handle. An artist has painstakingly carved the horn into an openwork, lace-like form, with vines and floral motifs; the hilt is shaped like a huge flower, with a raised, ovoid corolla. The blade is straight and narrow, aside from the characteristic flaring portion immediately below the guard. An openwork silver guard covering the tang in the form of a half globe connects the horn grip to the body of the blade. The sheath is dark wood with silver sheets and rings wrapped around it. The two large sheets have crosshatched patterns. Size with sheath: 23.05" L x 4.45" W (58.5 cm x 11.3 cm)

The kris is both a weapon and a spiritual object. The oldest known are from the 10th century CE; they are thought to have originated on the island of Java. The bladesmith, called an empu, formed the blade from layers of different iron ores and meteorite nickel. In high quality ones, the metal is folded dozens or even hundreds of times. Kris were worn every day and in special ceremonies; both men and women wear them. They were 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. Kris blades are narrow, with wide, symmetrical bases. 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 kris. In 2005, the kris became a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Provenance: private Rochester, Michigan, USA collection

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#126459

Excellent aged patina over wooden, metal, and horn surfaces. Blade is in excellent condition. Slight encrustation in lower profile areas of decorative carvings.