Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 10:00 PM UTC
Lot 220:
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 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 hilt 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. Other forms of hilt in the 20th century are more idiosyncratic andreflect the interests of the commissioner and the hilt makers influences.This example in the Schmiedt collection is an interesting example of a Javanese keris with an idiosyncratic hilt of two men sitting atop each other. Idiosyncratic representations are wellknown in Indonesian keris hilts, especially from regions with figural representations as a primary form. The meaning of the figures however remains mysterious. The blade is a fine example with two kinatah, or inlays, in gold. The first is called a kala cakra and represents a scorpionwhile the other is a naga snake. The 9 luk blade has a distinct form with a double gandik, foregoing the traditional ron dhanut and greneng. The pamor appears to be a fine form of beraswutah with very distinctive definition between the nickel and iron compositions. First half of 20th century.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 18 1/2" Blade Length : 15 1/4" 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 poigns de kris de l’archipelindonsien.Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at info@sofedesignauctions.com
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