Southeast Asia, Indonesia, ca. late 19th to mid 20th century CE. A fine collection of four handles from ceremonial kris (keris) swords; three made of wood, and one made from gold washed brass with glass pieces. The brass handle depicts the great hero demon Bhima, illustrated in a forward-leaning seated pose atop a small base while grasping a dagger hilt with his right hand. His expressive visage is defined by almond-shaped eyes under heavy brows, a wide nose, a grinning mouth, and an intricate diadem beneath a wavy coiffure. Glass inlays of pink, emerald, and black hues adorn the figural composition throughout. The other three wooden handles have stylized anthropomorphic and zoomorphic forms. One is a Wayang figure with a long nose above an abstract face. The next is a monstrous figure devouring a human. The last is a slightly stooped man with a cap upon an intricately carved pedestal. Size golden figure: 5.25" L x 1.5" W (13.3 cm x 3.8 cm); 8" H (20.3 cm) on included custom stand; curved handle: 5.125" L x 1.5" W x 2.5" H (13 cm x 3.8 cm x 6.4 cm); 5.5" H (14 cm) on included custom stand.
For a stylistically similar piece of the Bhima handle please see the Museum of Fine Arts of Houston, object number: 2004.2272
Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection
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#162769
Condition
Losses and missing glass inlays on brass handle. Indentations and abrasions to metal surface. Darker patina on the top. Pressure cracks and nicks to wooden surfaces, with nice patinas.