Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 214:
Javanese keris, 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 in carved 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 that the figures represent a being called pulungan, or a demon like creature, related to the raksasa of Bali and other parts of Java. This example in the Schmiedt collection is a fine example of a Cirebon keris with a hilt in the pulungan form, entirely carved with scrollwork and with long hair denoting the figures asceticvalues (Ghiringelli 2011) and with a fine patina indicating an early 20th century or earlier form. The superb 13 luk blade has two carvings of a human being with an animal body at the gandik, similar to a sphinx creature and an elephant with an upturned snout at the wadidang, which is the blade portion opposite the main part of the gandik that is carved. The dapor form is somewhat unique as a result of these two carvings and remains to be classified. The pamor pattern appears to be a richly formed beras wutah pattern.19th to early 20th century.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 18 3/4" Blade Length : 15 1/4".Shipping is available ONLY within USA, except CA and NJ. No international shipping.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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