Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 58:
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, though generally does not have kuncung carving.This example in the Schmiedt collection is an exceptional Javanese Keris of cecekan form in theSurakarta style, Yudo Winatan. The straight blade called dapor sempaner (Ki Empu Jhuel). Thedwi warna pamor is an especially rare with a batu lapak, mountain form, at the base and thentransitioning to a rarely seen form with forged X’s up the blade each with with two circles onopposite sides. The form must carry deep esoteric significance to the commissioner and theblade displays good age and is potentially as early as the early 20th century. The quality of thestriated wood cecekan hilt and the wrangka of the scabbard indicate this was a very high statuskeris. The mendak (cuff) between hilt and blade in Javan style and in chiseled silver and inlaidwith rubies or other red stones. The warangka (scabbard throat) of Gayaman style in theSurakarta form of thinly striated wood. On Balinese scabbards in particular and in someJavanese scabbards, the thinner the line of striation the rarer and more valuable the wood. Thependok now in tarnished and embossed silver over a wooden gandar (body).First half of 20th century. Rare and a very nice example.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 19 1/2" Blade Length : 14 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’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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