Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 22:
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 ofblades is greater than any other arms and armor culture. The most classic style of hilt is from theRoyal Palaces of Java and called a cecekan hilt. This form of hilt has seven flat planar sides, withtwo carvings at internal angles of the hilt. The one nearest the pommel represents the kala mask, a benevolent demon and the small protrusion in the carving called a kuncung represents a nose.The form from the Palaces of Yogyakarta is referred to as a Nunggak Semi and has a lessenlarged pommel than the Surakarta form, but has the distinctive carvings on the inside angles ofthe handle.The blade, or wilah, of the keris is the most valued part, holding the sacred and esoteric power ofthe keris. The different forms of pamor and blade shapes all have specific attributions to the typeof owner that is most suited to that pamor and shape and also the magical powers it can provide.This example in the Schmiedt collection is a Javanese Keris of cecekan form in the Yogyakartastyle called Nunggak Semi. The blade is hand forged and with a straight pattern called daporbethok and consists of dwi warna pamor pattern with the central portion of small circles calledudan mas and the outer edges forged in the pattern called untu walang. The mendak (cuff)between hilt and blade in Surakarta style inlaid with semi-precious stones, either intan intan rosecut diamonds or rock crystals. The warangka (scabbard throat) of Gayaman Surakarta type.The gandar (scabbard body) with a chiseled brass Pendok (cover) featuring embossed andrepousse decoration imitating a palm or rattan weave.First half of 20th century.Dagger Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 20" Blade Length : 14 1/2".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 Press7. Maisey, A. Dhapur and pamor according to Djeno Harumbrojo, Jogjakarta.Kerisattosanaji8. Marval, G.de. (1994) UKIRAN – Essai de classification des poignÃĩes de kris de l’archipelindonÃĩsienDetailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
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