Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 250:
Keris from the Pattani area of Thailand and the Terengganu and Kelantan region ofMalaysia display a distinct form of hilt called a tajong hilt, or also known as a Pekaka, Pattani, orKingfisher keris. This form of hilt is classically found on warrior keris, called Tajong keris, ofthe Malaysian royal families. While it often described a Kingfisher hilt, due to the superficialsimilarity with the Kingfisher bird species, the hilt actually reflects a stylized figure from theWayang Kulit shadow theatre so popular in the Indonesian Archipelago. Other sources haveascribed an origin to the figure as the Hindu god Lord Shiva. However, the hilt is mostcharacteristic with a smooth upturned nose, cheeks decorated with geometric patterns, and scrollsand floral carving throughout the body. These hilts evolved in form from a smaller beakedversion in earlier centuries, pre-19th century, towards a more fully developed form in the 19ththrough 20th centuries.This example in the Schmiedt Collection is a rare quality form of the Tajong hilt, carved in woodwith finely detailed carving. The pendongkok in the Sumatran/Malay style with a cup and stemmade in silver with a worn patina. The scabbard is in the Sumatran/Malay style and is craftedwith a chiseled silver pendok, sheath cover, embossed with classic floral designs from the region.The enlarged buntut terminates the sheath with barber pole repouss design reminiscent of Malaywork.The blade is a straight Sumatran style blade called a dhapur laler mangeng and a pamor with awell etched distinct patterning. The pamor appears to have two elements with a straight linearpattern adeg towards the edges and a more random beras wutah pattern in the middle (Ki EmpuJhuel).Dating to 19th century.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 19 1/4" Blade Length : 15 3/4" References:1. Frey, E. (1988) The Kris: Mystic Weapon of the Malay World. Oxford University Press.2. Mardianto, W. A to Z â€â€œ Sesuatu mengenai KERIS dan TOMBAK KERIS â€â€œ 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. Weihrauch, A., Kloubert, U. and Aljunied, A. (2017)The Gods & the Forge: BalineseCeremonial Blades- The Gods & the Forge in a Cultural Context. IFICAH8. Maisey, A. Dhapur and pamor according to Djeno Harumbrojo, Jogjakarta.Kerisattosanaji.Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
Share this lot:
