18th C. Indonesian Kris w/ Silver Handle
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**Originally Listed At $750**
Southeast Asia / Oceania, Indonesia, ca. 18th to early 19th century CE. A gorgeous silver-handled kris (keris) with an iron-nickel blade and hammered tin sheath. The handle is in the form of an anthropomorphic figure and highly ornate; it may have the remains of gilding around the head. The blade is a real work of art, with a triangular form that tapers sharply just below the guard and then tapers more slightly to a point; pale tendrils of nickel within the iron give the blade a beautiful, striated surface. Immediately above this is the rounded, lower part of the handle, with fine silver granulation. The standing figure has floral, vine, and fleur-de-lis style motifs in low relief around its abstract body. Size: 6.35" W x 19.45" H (16.1 cm x 49.4 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. Krises 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
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#126810
Southeast Asia / Oceania, Indonesia, ca. 18th to early 19th century CE. A gorgeous silver-handled kris (keris) with an iron-nickel blade and hammered tin sheath. The handle is in the form of an anthropomorphic figure and highly ornate; it may have the remains of gilding around the head. The blade is a real work of art, with a triangular form that tapers sharply just below the guard and then tapers more slightly to a point; pale tendrils of nickel within the iron give the blade a beautiful, striated surface. Immediately above this is the rounded, lower part of the handle, with fine silver granulation. The standing figure has floral, vine, and fleur-de-lis style motifs in low relief around its abstract body. Size: 6.35" W x 19.45" H (16.1 cm x 49.4 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. Krises 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
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#126810
Condition
Patina on handle and on sheath. Very nice remaining detail.
Buyer's Premium
- 24.5%
18th C. Indonesian Kris w/ Silver Handle
Estimate $1,200 - $1,500
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