Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 285:
In Bali, especially fine keris daggers were sometimes displayed in holders carved in theshape of a person, an animal, or a mythological figure. Elaborate keris holders like this examplewould have been found only in wealthy and aristocratic homes. Wooden keris holders inparticular serve as important examples of the tradition of Indonesian and especially Balinesewoodcarving. Wooden keris holders range from intricately carved and painted wall plaques, primarily from Java, to freestanding statues that possess slots in their backs or hands into which akris is fitted. Carved in elaborate and stylized forms, these items are decorated with vibrant colored paints, semiprecious gems or gold, and, like the keris, range in style and form depending on their place of origin within Indonesia. Freestanding keris holders are made and used more frequently in Bali than any other Indonesian island. The Balinese style of keris holder usually ranges in height from 15 to 35 inches. Many of these holders depict the same bug-eyed, wide-mouthed, and large toothed zoomorphic protective spirits or anthropomorphic guardian figures used in and around Indonesia’s Hindu Temples and sacred precincts.This example in the Schmiedt Collection is a fine example of idiosyncratic form and seems to represent the figure of the winged lion singa or potentially a Balinese demon. Deliberately intimidating, the bulging eyes, flared nostrils and prominent fangs were intended to help ward off danger and deter evil spirits. While the style of carving is inspired by traditions of Indonesian Hinduism, the winged lion motif also reveals the influence of Chinese culture, an indication of the complex cross-cultural interactions that have occurred throughout Bali’s history. The carving is very finely detailed and retains much of its polychrome paint. There are some small damages due to age but otherwise in very fine condition.Dates to the first half of 20th century.Total Length : 23"References:1. Frey. E. (1988) The Kris: Mystic Weapons of the Malay World. Oxford UniversityPress.2. Castillo, C. (2009) PROTECTIVE ART OF INDONESIA BALINESE KRISHOLDERS FROM THE COLLECTION OF THE BERMAN MUSEUM OFWORLD HISTORY. Dissertation. University of Alabama.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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