Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 168:
Keris from the Pattani area of Thailand and the Terengganu and Kelantan region of Malaysia display a most distinct form of hilt called a tajong hilt, and also known as a pekaka, Pattani, or Kingfisher keris. This form of hilt is classically found on warriorâ€â„¢s keris, called Tajong keris, of the Malaysian royal families. While it often described a Kingfisher hilt, due to the superficial similarity with the Kingfisher bird, the hilt actually reflects a stylized figure from the Wayang Kulit shadow theatre so popular across the Indonesian Archipelago. Other sources have ascribed an origin to the figure as the Hindu god Lord Shiva. However, the hilt is most characteristic with a smooth upturned nose, cheeks decorated with geometric patterns, and with scrolls and floral carving throughout the body.This example in the Schmiedt Collection is a rare quality form of the Tajong hilt, finely made in silver with a fine worn patina. The scabbard is in the Sumatran/Malay style often associated with there keris and is beautifully crafted with a chiseled silver cover over the longer portion of the sheath, carved with classic floral designs from the region. The enlarged buntut terminates the sheath with a barber pole repousse design reminiscent of Malay work.The blade is a rare 15 luk form called a dhapur rangga wilah and with a pamor with a strongly etched pattern. The pamor appears to have a few elements with a straight linear pattern adeg towards the edges and a more random beras wutah pattern in the middle. The blade also has a series of inclusions that due to their spacing and quality may be purposeful, and appear as large silvery spots distinct from the other pamor.Beautiful example dating from first half of 20th century.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 23 1/4" Blade Length : 19 1/4" 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 SENJATA TRADISIONAL 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 Press7. Weihrauch, A., Kloubert, U. and Aljunied, A. (2017)The Gods & the Forge: Balinese Ceremonial Blades- The Gods & the Forge in a Cultural Context. IFICAH8. Maisey, A. Dhapur and pamor according to Djeno Harumbrojo, Jogjakarta. Kerisattosanaji.Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
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