Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 119:
This is a classic sword of the Moro people of the southern Philippines and of the Sulu Sea areacalled a kris. The classic Moro kris is based heavily on the Indonesian keris but is distinctlylarger and made purposefully for fighting. The kris has always been the most famous of allMoro weapons and there are a wide set of variation of blade types, handle forms, and materials.Generally all kris blades are wide at the base, double-edged, and can be waved, half-waved halfstraight, or straight in which case they were more practical in combat. Older kris had fewerwaves and the waves were deeper and wider. Over time the waves became shallower, tighter, andmore numerous and therefore required greater skill to prevent the blade bouncing off or beingstuck in an enemy’s body. The higher number of waves meant the more potent the kris was intalismanic power such as this example. Sometimes engravings (often filled in with brass or silverinlay) are found on the blade in okir motifs (vines, foliage, etc.), Arabic script, or other esotericmotifs such as this example in the Schmiedt Collection. Many kris blades are forged with fullersand these are likely heavily influenced by Malay style keris called malela keris.This example in the Schmiedt Collection is an exceptionally fine example with a large heavyjungayyan carved pommel in superb condition. The handle itself with silver bands with chasedokir designs and silver wire interspersed between. The double asang asang in silver and originalto the sword. The blade is a superb dark colored 13 luk waved blade inlaid with silver dots andlinear silver inlay throughout the length. These inlaid blades are uncommon, especially in thislevel of quality, and considered to be some of the highest quality Moro kris blades, in addition totwistcore blades. The form of the hilt were most popular with Sulu Moros and those fromMaguindanao on the island of Mindanao. While Mindanao pieces were often hilted in this formwith the okir chased silver and silver plaited wire, the complex blade form may indicate a Suluorigin for this sword overall.Dating to the mid- late 19th century.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 27 3/4" Blade Length : 22". Shipping is available ONLY within USA, except CA and NJ. No international shipping.References:1. Cato, R. (1996) Moro swords. Graham Brash: Singapore2. Barados, D., (1995) Land of the Morning: Treasures of the Philippines, San FranciscoCraft & Folk Museum, 1995.3. Casal, G. et al, (1981) The People and Art of the Philippines, UCLA Museum ofCultural History4. Krieger, H. W. (1926). The collection of primitive weapons and armor of thePhilippine islands in the United States National museum. Washington: Govt. Print.Off.5. Macao Museum of Art. (2007). History of Steel in East Asia. Macao Museum of Art.Macau6. Wetzler, S. (2020) Steel and Magic. Edged Weapons of the Malay Archipelago.Edition Fichter, Frankfurt am Main.Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
Share this lot:
