Southeast Asia, Indonesia, ca. early 20th century CE. A lovely ceremonial sword known as a kris (keris) with a nickel-silver jacket covering the hand-carved wooden sheath. The wooden handle bears a pair of abstract anthropomorphic maskettes along the interior curve and rests above a gilt brass spacer ring set with 4 faceted glass cabochons. The forged-steel blade exhibits a straight profile with sharpened edges, an L-shaped fuller along both sides of the shoulder, and a laterally projecting hand guard. The wooden sheath has a bulbous guard protector as well as a slender blade housing, and the exterior of the blade housing is covered with a removable, form-fitting, nickel-silver jacket. Size (w/ sheath): 5.6" W x 19.2" H (14.2 cm x 48.8 cm); (blade): 14.3" L (36.3 cm)
Provenance: private Rochester, Michigan, USA collection
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#149480
Condition
Sheath jacket is removable. Losses and chips to lower tip of wooden blade housing. Abrasions to sheath, jacket, and blade, with small nicks to blade edges. Great patina throughout.