Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 33:
Keris Dagger from Sumatra have a distinct form and are most often associated with a particular handle form referred to as a Jawa Demam hilt. The origin of this form are unknown but the general form is a highly abstracted crouching figure, the term itself translates as (fever stricken). Commentators have noted that its origin may be as varied as a representation of the Hindu bird god Garuda (which can be found on other Indonesian origin hilts in Madura for example), whether it is a representation of an earlier Majapahit period hilt, or a variation on a cockatoo which is otherwise found represented in Malay and Indonesian hilts. Regardless of the origin it is consistently a striking form closest in approximation to modern art abstract human forms. This example in the Schmiedt Collection is a fine representation of an antique example very finely aged and patinated from handling over time. It appears to be a mix of both the Jawa Demam form with elements of the Bugis style and classically Sumatran. The sheath has a wood wrangka (upper portion) in the Tengah form and the Sulawesi Macassar form. The pendok in chiseled silver and with a classic Sumatran/Malay buntut. There is an old repair near the buntut in silver wire.The 9 luk blade is very finely made and likely of significant age as the edged are now soft from repeated etchings over time. The pamor is richly patterned and could be called a wulan wulan pattern (Ki Empu Juel) showing circular patterns the length of the blade. Early 20th century, a very beautiful example. Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 18 1/2" Blade Length : 14 1/4".Shipping of this lot is within USA ONLY, except CA and NJ. 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 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 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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