Southeast Asia, Indonesia, ca. mid-20th century CE. A beautiful example of a kris (keris), a type of ceremonial sword used throughout Indonesia. The hand-carved wooden handle features a pair of abstract anthropomorphic maskettes along the interior curve, and the brass spacer bulb is inset with dozens of faceted stones of pink and colorless hues. The forged-iron blade has a straight profile, a projecting hand guard, and strands of lighter nickel material woven throughout. The top of the wooden sheath features a dramatically flared guard protector, and the interior wooden blade housing is protected by a removable silver (99%) jacket adorned with dense foliate and zoomorphic motifs. Size (w/ sheath): 7.375" W x 19.6" H (18.7 cm x 49.8 cm); length of blade: 14.25" L (36.2 cm); quality of silver: 99%.
Provenance: private Rochester, Michigan, USA collection
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#137933
Condition
Blade housing reattached to wooden guard protector, with light adhesive residue along break lines. Spacer bulb is loose. Minor abrasions and nicks to guard protector, blade, and sheath jacket, and light softening to some finer details. Light earthen deposits and fine patina throughout.