Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 44:
Javanese keris Dagger, are some of the most highly variegated objects in the world of arms and armor.Despite maintaining a distinct overall form and shape, the variation, in particular of the style ofblades is greater than any other arms and armor culture. The most classic style of hilt is from theRoyal Palaces of Surakarta in central Java and called a cecekan hilt in the Yudo Winatan style.This hilt has seven flat planar sides, with two carvings at internal angles of the hilt. The onenearest the pommel represents the kala mask, a benevolent demon and the small protrusion in thecarving called a kuncung represents a nose. Another form closely related in form is from thePalaces of Yogyakarta and is referred to as a Nunggak Semi shape, but also has the distinctivecarvings on the inside angles of the handle. These highly abstract forms represent the highestlevel of abstraction in Indonesian keris handles, though other such as the Bugis hilt representinga garuda are also highly abstract.The blade, or wilah, of the keris is the most valued part, holding the sacred and esoteric power ofthe keris. The different forms of pamor and blade shapes all have specific attributions to the typeof owner that is most suited to that pamor and shape and also the magical powers it can provide.Pamor comes in many varieties, each having a particular symbolism. Pamor then is furtherdivided into two categories called rekan and tiban, meaning respectively "willed" and "fated".Blades have a series of waves called luk, or may alternately be straight. Any keris above luk 13is uncommon and made for either someone of high status of representing some esoteric need ofthe commissioner.This example in the Schmiedt collection is a Javanese Keris of cecekan form in the Surakartastyle, Yudo Winatan, which differs from the Yogyakarta form in having a more pronouncedpommel. The hilt has a fine patina, and old tag, likely indicating an early 20th century or earlierdating. The overall form, quality of the blade, and age indicate that the blade is a 19th centuryexample, hand forged and with a 13 luk blade called dapor parungsari (Ki Empu Jhuel) andconsists of the pamor pattern called ngulit semangka, or watermelon skin. The mendak (cuff)between hilt and blade in Solo style and inlaid with precious stones, potentially diamonds. TheWarangka (scabbard throat) of â€ËÅ“Ladrangâ€â ;„¢ style in the Surakarta form and with a windowedpendok, (scabbard sheath) over a wooden gandar (body). The wood of the wrangka displays arich color and chatoyancy, indicative of high quality keris.Early 20th century.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 18" Blade Length : 14 1/2" 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. Maisey, A. Dhapur and pamor according to Djeno Harumbrojo, Jogjakarta.Kerisattosanaji8. Marval, G.de. (1994) UKIRAN – Essai de classification des poignÃĩes de kris de l’archipelindonÃĩsienDetailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
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