Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 224:
Keris from Madura have some of the most distinctly carved hilts of all Indonesian keris. The hilts often resemble the Javanese form in rough outline but are otherwise fantastically carved with various emblematic designs, some of which are playfully hidden within the complex Maduran floral carvings called gaya kembang, also known as the ginger-flower style, kembangtemu (Ghiringelli 2011). The island of Madura is located off the Northeast coast of Java and hada rich royal culture and history with a variety of symbolism employed to represent the royal family. One of the most iconic images found in Maduran royal imagery and also on Keris hilts is the winged horse. The winged horse is mentioned in the story of Joko to, a Maduran prince who was gifted a winged horse named Si Mega. This winged horse emblem is still the regional symbol of the Sumenep regency in Indonesia. This example in the Schmiedt Collection is a fine representation of an antique Maduran keris.The hilt is a classic Maduran carved form in the Donoriko style, with a very deep and fine carving showing the Si Mega winged horse design on the inside curve of the handle. The hilt fitting in the Javanese style with a silver granulated mendak. The blade is a finely crafted form of 13 luk form called dhapur naga siluman with a mythical sea serpent (naga) carved into the ganja. The blade displays a richly patterned random pamor most closely approximated by the style called beras wutah (Ki Empu Jhuel). Dates to the early 20th century.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 17 1/2" Blade Length : 14 1/2".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 Books. Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
Share this lot:
