Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 64:
Borneo does not a distinct culture of keris and the arms of the people of Borneo are primarilydistinguished by a wide variety of swords and daggers in different forms, many influenced by themultiple cultures that met at the crossroads of South Borneo due to trade and conquest. The onedistinct Bornean type of keris is not distinguished by a blade form and instead by a specific typeof hilt. This style of workmanship is associated specifically with Banjarmasin on the south coastof Borneo in South Kalimantan. These Banjarmasin hilts are distinguished by the use of inlay with (intan-intan) or rough cut diamonds or yakut, rock crystal, and which were found inabundance in Mataram and also found their way onto the mendaks of Javanese hilts as well as other decorated hilts of the region. The hilts do not display a specific shape distinctive to Banjarmasin and are found in approximation of hilt styles from across the regions south, west, and east of Kalimantan which is why these hilts can be found in planar Javanese type of cecekan form, the Java demam type of Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, and the kerdas type from Bugisand the Malay Peninsula.This example in the Schmiedt collection is a rare example of a Banjarmasin keris of early construction and form. The Javanese cecekan form hilt inlaid with intan intan rough cut diamonds or yakut rock crystal stones, over a gilded brass or copper filigree handle. The condition is very fine with little loss to the inlays. The workmanship is of fine quality indicating an earlier dating for this style which continues to be made into the 20th century. The blade is an early example and displays both age and a fine pamor pattern, approximated best by the typecalled Jung Isi Dunia, or a sailing ship with earthly goods. The mendak (cuff) between hilt andblade in Javan style and made ensuite with the hilt inlaid with stones as well. The warangka(scabbard throat) of Ladrang style in the Java Yogyakarta form. The gandar (body) of the sheath in wood with a wooden pendok, offset in a different patterned wood from the gandar.Late 19th century. Rare and very impressive example.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 17 1/2" Dagger Blade Length : 14"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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