Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 46:
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 of blades is greater than any other arms and armor culture. The most classic style of hilt is from the Royal 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 one nearest the pommel represents the kala mask, a benevolent demon and the small protrusion in the carving 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 distinctive carvings on the inside angles of the handle. These highly abstract forms represent the highest level of abstraction in Indonesian keris handles, though other such as the Bugis hilt representing agaruda 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 further divided 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 of the commissioner. This example in the Schmiedt collection is a Javanese Keris of cecekan form in the Surakarta style, Yudo Winatan. The hilt has a fine patina likely indicating an early 20th century or earlier dating. The 13 luk blade is a rare form possibly unique and has carved gandiks on both sides ofricikan of the blade, each in the classic elephant trunk form. This is an uncommon form and rarely found. The blade furthermore has a very finely formed serrated edge and consists of potentially a dwi warna pattern with two side by side pamor patterns called blarak ngirid. Themendak (cuff) between hilt and blade in Solo style in silver with filigreed designs. A rare quality keris. Early 20th century. Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 19 3/4" Blade Length : 16".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 Ã. 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 poignes de kris de l’archipelindon sien.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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