Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 167:
Keris from Sumatra have a distinct form and are most often associated with aparticular handle form referred to as a Jawa Demam hilt. The origin of this form are unknownbut the general form is a highly abstracted crouching figure, with the term translating as â€Å“feverstricken.â ;€ The origin of the figure may be a representation of the Hindu bird god Garuda (whichcan be found on other Indonesian origin hilts in Madura for example), a representation of anearlier Majapahit period hilt, or a variation on a cockatoo which is otherwise found in Malay andIndonesian hilts. Some of the forms differ in their approximation, where some look more like anabstract version of a human such as this example. Other distinct elements of Sumatran keris alsoassociated with Minangkabau are sheaths with distinct enlarged portions at the bottom of thesheath opposite the flared opening, or wrangka, and which are referred to as buntut. Often thesesheaths would be covered in embossed silver in with varying floral designs.This example in the Schmiedt Collection is a fine representation of a type of jawa demam hiltwith a finely aged and polished hilt and a carved floral multi-petal mendak. The sheath has aclassic Sumatra form, with a long thin gandar with an especially finely chiseled cover in floraldesigns and with an enlarged silver embossed buntut. The blade is a finely crafted straight form, with a deeply etched pamor, likely from the use of traditional etchants such as arsenic. Thepamor approximates the form called Adeg at the edges, showing a straight linear pattern, andthen a random form that may be approximated as kulit semangka.First half of 20th century.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 21" Blade Length : 14 3/4"References:1. Frey, E. (1988) The Kris: Mystic Weapon of the Malay World. Oxford University Press.2. Mardianto, W. A to Z â€â€œ Sesuatu mengenai KERIS dan TOMBAK KERIS â€â€œ SENJATATRADISIONAL INDONESIA A to Z3. Ki Empu Jhuel. Pamor Keris4. Ghiringelli. V. (2007) The Invincible Krises 2. Saviolo Publisher5. Van Zonneveld, A.G. (2001) Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago.Leiden: Art Books6. Gardner, G.B. (2009) Keris and other Malay Weapons. Orchid Press.Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
Share this lot:
