Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 237:
This is a classic sword of the Moro people of the southern Philippines and of the Sulu Sea area called a kris. The classic Moro kris is based heavily on the Indonesian keris but is distinctly larger and made purposefully for fighting. The kris has always been the most famous of all Moro weapons and there are a wide set of variation of blade types, handle forms, and materials. 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 enemy’s body. The higher number of waves meant the more potent the kris was in talismanic power such as this example. One of the additional ways in which origins are identified are through the design of the elephant head trunk and cavity of the ganja. Generally Sulu kris have cavities which are elliptical in shape. The mouth cavity and lower jaw point downwards towards the base of the guard. Certain Mindanao kris have a similar form except that the mouth is round instead of oval and is not angled. The Maguindanao form is very similar to the Sulu style with an elliptical shape but it is not angled downwards and instead runs perpendicular to the guard (Cato 1996).This example in the Schmiedt Collection is one of the most exceptional forms of early Datu or Sultan level kris in the collection. This particular example is documented with superb provenance to the Seward Collection, Washington D.C. The quality of this kris is without question at the highest level of workmanship with a superb oversized jungayyan hilt displaying no damage. The oversized and massive 19 luk blade of Sulu or Maguindanao origin likewise is finely crafted and displays a complex luk form with linear lamellation. In Krieger (1926) such similar jungayyan pommel kris are attributed to Jolo island in the Sulu sea. It is also possible that based on the cavity of the ganja the blade may be Maguidanao, though there were close relationships between the Tausugs of Sulu and the Moros of Maguindanao. Dates to the 19th century. Provenance: Formerly in the Seward collection (Washington D.C.)Owners note: Moro Jungayyan kris from Sulu. Cockatoo pommel with handle of knotted, one gold band with silver stirrups. 19 wave laminated blade. This Kris of this quality do not show up in the auction record and so valuation is an approximation but considering the quality and provenance this is a fair approximation. The Seward estate in Washington D.C. This is another example of a very rare kris in mint condition 19th century. Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : Blade Length : 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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