18th-19th C. Javanese Kris Sword with Inlaid Script Blade
Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Java, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. An Indonesian kris (keris) short sword, with age and wear suggesting it was made in the 19th century, if not earlier, the straight pattern-welded blade forged with a visible watered lamination and inlaid script along its length, possibly protective verses or mantra. Crouching figures are worked beneath the flared gonjo at the blade base. The hilt is carved hardwood in a figural form with dense incised ornament and a lustrous patina, set on a silver mendak collar of 82% silver, with light remains of gold wash. The plain wood sheath shows honest age throughout. Size: 19.25" L x 5.5" W (48.9 cm L x 14.0 cm W). In Javanese culture the keris is far more than a blade. Held to possess its own spirit, or isi, it is passed through generations as a family heirloom, consulted, ritually cleansed, and honored as a member of the household. The wavy or straight blade is built from pamor, a laminated composite of iron and nickelous ore folded and forged to reveal contrasting patterns, each with its own name and auspicious meaning. The presence of inlaid Arabic script reflects the layered religious history of Java, where Islamic devotional formulae and older animist and Hindu-Buddhist beliefs coexist; such inscriptions, often Quranic phrases or invocations, were added to charge the weapon with protection and good fortune. The gonjo, the separate guard-piece at the blade's base, and the figural hilt (often depicting deities, ancestors, or mythic beings) are integral to the keris as a complete cultural object. Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700. PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception. Item # 203779
Condition
All parts are antique condition, with old inactive insect bore holes along the sheath, amd small perforation near the tip. Wood guard is reattached to the sheath with resin, and stable pressure fissure. Blade has old chips along the edges, and oxidation. Wood handle is lustrous from age and touch.
Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Java, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. An Indonesian kris (keris) short sword, with age and wear suggesting it was made in the 19th century, if not earlier, the straight pattern-welded blade forged with a visible watered lamination and inlaid script along its length, possibly protective verses or mantra. Crouching figures are worked beneath the flared gonjo at the blade base. The hilt is carved hardwood in a figural form with dense incised ornament and a lustrous patina, set on a silver mendak collar of 82% silver, with light remains of gold wash. The plain wood sheath shows honest age throughout. Size: 19.25" L x 5.5" W (48.9 cm L x 14.0 cm W). In Javanese culture the keris is far more than a blade. Held to possess its own spirit, or isi, it is passed through generations as a family heirloom, consulted, ritually cleansed, and honored as a member of the household. The wavy or straight blade is built from pamor, a laminated composite of iron and nickelous ore folded and forged to reveal contrasting patterns, each with its own name and auspicious meaning. The presence of inlaid Arabic script reflects the layered religious history of Java, where Islamic devotional formulae and older animist and Hindu-Buddhist beliefs coexist; such inscriptions, often Quranic phrases or invocations, were added to charge the weapon with protection and good fortune. The gonjo, the separate guard-piece at the blade's base, and the figural hilt (often depicting deities, ancestors, or mythic beings) are integral to the keris as a complete cultural object. Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700. PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception. Item # 203779
Condition
All parts are antique condition, with old inactive insect bore holes along the sheath, amd small perforation near the tip. Wood guard is reattached to the sheath with resin, and stable pressure fissure. Blade has old chips along the edges, and oxidation. Wood handle is lustrous from age and touch.
