Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 226:
This is a classic sword influenced by and reflective of Moro swords from the southern Philippines and the Sulu Sea region. The classic Moro form is based heavily on the Indonesian keris but is distinctly larger and made purposefully for fighting. Generally all kris blades are wide at the base, double-edged, and can be waved, half-waved half-straight, or straight in which case they were more practical in combat. Older kris had fewer waves and the waves were deeper and wider. Over time the waves became shallower, tighter, and more numerous and therefore required greater skill to prevent the blade bouncing off or being stuck in an enemys body. One of the additional ways in which origins are identified are through the design of the elephant head trunk and cavity of the ganja. Whereas the ganja form and cavity is less of a determination in the identification of Indonesian kris, there are also variants of kris from the Malay regions around the Sulu Sea region and those forms are more idiosyncratic in design. This example in the Schmiedt Collection is an intriguing variation of the kris, and is likely of Malay origin. In this case, the ganja does not follow the traditional Moro forms and has avestigial or minimal cavity. The blade is also relatively short and deeply curved in less of a Moro style and closer to Malay kris forms, such as the malela form (which though fullered often displays a similar shortened and waved form). The blade has a lamellar pattern showing linear damascus throughout. The handle pommel has elements of the Sulu style but the silver filigree is closer to Bugis style silverwork than the Moro work found on later period brass or gold filigreed examples. Dating from the 19th century, a very rare and high quality example. Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 14 1/4" Blade Length : 10 3/4".Shipping is available ONLY within USA, except CA and NJ. No international shipping.References:1. Cato, R. (1996) Moro swords. Graham Brash: Singapore2. Barados, D., (1995) Land of the Morning: Treasures of the Philippines, San Francisco Craft & Folk Museum, 1995.3. Casal, G. et al, (1981) The People and Art of the Philippines, UCLA Museum of Cultural History4. Krieger, H. W. (1926). The collection of primitive weapons and armor of the Philippine islands in the United States National museum. Washington: Govt. Print.Off.5. Macao Museum of Art. (2007). History of Steel in East Asia. Macao Museum of Art.Macau6. Wetzler, S. (2020) Steel and Magic. Edged Weapons of the Malay Archipelago. Edition Fichter, Frankfurt am Main.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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