Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 207:
This is a classic sword of the Moro people of the southern Philippines and of the Sulu Sea area called a kris. The classic Moro kris is based heavily on the Indonesian keris but is distinctly larger and made purposefully for fighting. The kris has always been the most famous of all foliage, etc.), Arabic script, or other esoteric motifs such as this example in the Schmiedt Collection. Many kris blades are forged with fullers and these are likely heavily influenced by Malay style keris called malela keris. One of the additional ways in which origins are identified are through the design of the elephant head trunk and cavity of the ganja. Generally Sulu kris have cavities which are elliptical in shape. The mouth cavity and lower jaw point downwards towards the base of the guard (Cato 1996).This example in the Schmiedt Collection is an interesting example of a high quality archaic Sulu kris likely mounted with early 20th century pommel and handle. The 5 luk blade is an early example, 18th century, displaying a worn surface but which displays a latent twist core pattern. The ganja of this blade has been mounted in copper or suasa wrapping which is an uncommon feature on kris of any period. The handle is mounted with silver bands interspersed with filigree and granulation work in the Malay manner known as telur ikan (‘fish egg’).Blade dates to the 18th century or earlier, comprehensively early 20th century. Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 24 1/2" Blade Length : 20".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 Francisco Craft & Folk Museum, 1995.3. Casal, G. et al, (1981) The People and Art of the Philippines, UCLA Museum of Cultural 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]
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