Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 213:
Javanese keris daggers, are some of the most highly variegated objects in the world of arms and armor. Despite maintaining a distinct overall form and shape, the variation, in particular of the style of blades is greater than any other arms and armor culture. The most classic style of hilt is from the Royal Palaces of Surakarta in central Java and called a cecekan hilt in the Yudo Winatan style.This hilt has seven flat planar sides, with two carvings at internal angles of the hilt. Other hilts from the island of Java include hilts from Cirebon which have figural forms generally covered incarved floral scrollwork. These hilts have been considered to be the image of Bhima, the hero of the Hindu Mahabharata epics, or of a Garuda. Other explanations for the grotesque forms is thatthe figures represent a being called pulungan, or a demon like creature, related to the raksasa of Bali and other parts of Java. The raksasa is a classic Hindu demon often depicted with fangs and bulging eyes. Balinese interpretations are the most well-known but the form is found throughout Java also.This example in the Schmiedt collection is a fine old example of a Cirebon keris with a hilt in the pulungan or raksasa form, entirely carved with scrollwork and with long hair denoting the figures ascetic values (Ghiringelli 2011) and with a fine patina indicating a 19th century or earlier form. The superb 9 luk blade likewise is an old form with a dapor bale kencana with a wavy ganja. The superb pamor pattern appears to be dwi warna with two patterns of ron pakis side by side and skillfully forged together with a central line separating them, running the length of the blade. The blade is deeply etched with the edges of the pattern showing as jagged from the many folds of the nickel and iron metal.19th century.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 18 3/4" Blade Length : 15".Shipping is within USA only.References:1. Frey, E. (1988) The Kris: Mystic Weapon of the Malay World. Oxford University Press.2. Mardianto, W. A to Z Sesuatu mengenai KERIS dan TOMBAK KERIS 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 Press7. Maisey, A. Dhapur and pamor according to Djeno Harumbrojo, Jogjakarta.Kerisattosanaji8. Marval, G.de. (1994) UKIRAN – Essai de classification des poignes de kris de l’archipelindonsien.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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