Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 241:
Keris from Sumatra have a distinct form and are most often associated with avariety of handles form, including this rare form called a keris panjang. While normallyassociated with Sumatra these were also found in Kelantan on the Malay Peninsula. The bladeof these keris were usually long, thin, straight, and double sided. The hilts are a very highlyabstract form of a garuda. Long keris such as these are commonly referred to as â€ËÅ“executionerâ€&a circ;„¢sâ€â„¢keris. In Malaysia, only the ruler could use the beheading sword for executions as they were theonly ones who could shed blood. Therefore the local authorities would use keris of this form forexecution as they were considered a bloodless According to Gardner (1936), the usual Malayway of execution was to make the victim squat with the executioner driving a long thin bladedown through the upper shoulder near the collar bone, towards the heart. The blade would bedriven in quickly or slowly depending on the severity of the sentence. The kris was driventhrough cotton wool or other cloth so that the blood would be soaked up, thereby absolving theexecutioner of shedding blood.This example in the Schmiedt Collection is a fine representation of an antique keris panjan. Thewell carved and aged garuda form handle is in fine condition and nicely carved with crispdetailing. The Panjang style sheath is of fine quality with a classic sharply wrangka in theTengah form of Bulan Sabit type and mounted with an embossed silver pendok, sheath covering.The blade of typical Keris Panjang form, straight and of stiff proportions with no discerniblepamor pattern. Overall likely 19th C.———————————————— —————-Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 19 1/2", Blade Length : 14".Shipping is available within USA only. 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 Books6. Gardner, G.B. (2009) Keris and other Malay Weapons. Orchid Press.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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