Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 48:
Keris Dagger from Bali are considered some of the finest among the Indonesian archipelago. As Bali isa Hindu society, the influences on the keris have survived the Islamicization of form and designfound elsewhere in the region, with some exceptions. As a result, Balinese keris often sport hiltscarved with richly designed Hindu deities in much more realistic manner than the more thestylized interpretations found in other parts of the region, such as the highly stylized Garudaimagery of the Bugis or Sumatra. The keris played a particularly important role in Balinesesociety, is used as a ritual tool in almost every Balinese religious ceremony. Standing as pusaka, a powerful sanctified heirloom and serving as a strong marker of socio-economic status, a keriscould only be made by Pande blacksmiths who claim status higher than that of a Brahman. InBali, the keris is referred to as kadutan, but the term keris is used as it is widespread through theregion.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 Balinese keris of figural form in a provincial style, lacking the deep carving and traditional forms found on more traditional togongan hilts. Thefigure sits squatting in an ancestor pose with the hands up behind its head and the knees pulledup high against the belly atop a stylized tumpal, triangular motif. The hilt has an aged patina andis carved of wood. The 13 luk blade has the shape approximated by dapor parung sari (Ki EmpuJhuel) though the gandik does not have the two sharp protrusion beneath the elephant trunk. Thepamor pattern appears to be a type of Ron Pakis, or fern feathers, whic in some areas in someareas is also called Bulu Ayam (chicken feathers). The mendak (cuff) between hilt and blade inJavanese style and in filigreed silver.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 18" Blade Length : 15 1/4"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. 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’archipelindonÃĩsien 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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