Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 54:
In Bali, especially fine keris were sometimes displayed in holders carved in theshape of a person, an animal, or a mythological figure. Elaborate kris holders like this examplewould have been found only in wealthy and aristocratic homes. Wooden kris holders inparticular serve as important examples of the tradition of Indonesian woodcarving. Wooden krisholders range from intricately carved and painted wall plaques to freestanding statues thatpossess slots in their backs or hands into which a kris is fitted (see Figure 2). Carved in elaborateand stylized forms, these items are decorated with vibrant colored paints, semiprecious gems orgold, and, like the kris, range in style and form depending on their place of origin withinIndonesia.In all their varying forms, traditional kris holders exhibit a variety of influences from the Pre-Hindu and Indo-Javanese periods. Balinese kris holders, in particular offer the greatest examplesof Indonesian cultural development while incorporating a uniquely Balinese style. One reasonfor this includes the lack of an Islamic presence on the island of Bali. After the influx of Islaminto Indonesia after the eleventh century, Indonesian art absorbed Islamic ideas in addition tothose of Buddhism and Hinduism. The art styles with strong Hindu influences that arose duringthe Majapahit gradually disappeared as Indonesian rulers began to request art with more Islamicinfluence (Castillo 2009).This example in the Schmiedt Collection is a fine example of classical form and seems torepresent a demon figure, or perhaps a raksasa. The demon is carved with human hair and atraditional Balinese men’s headband. The two hands cup together in front to form the holder forthe keris. The carving is well modeled and retains much of its polychrome paint showing thespotted green skin of the demon. There are some small damages and a wood split due to age butotherwise in good condition.Dates to the first half of 20th century.Height : 21"References:1. Frey. E. (1988) The Kris: Mystic Weapons of the Malay World. Oxford UniversityPress2. Castillo, C. (2009) PROTECTIVE ART OF INDONESIA BALINESE KRISHOLDERS FROM THE COLLECTION OF THE BERMAN MUSEUM OFWORLD HISTORY. Dissertation. University of AlabamaDetailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at info@sofedesignauctions.com
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