20th C. Indonesian Steel, Brass, & Wood Kris

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, ca. first half of the 20th century CE. A beautiful example of a personal ceremonial sword known as a kris (keris). The wooden handle bears a pair of anthropomorphic maskettes along the interior curve and rests above a brass spacer ring inset with several faceted glass cabochons. The forged-steel blade exhibits a gentle serpentine profile and has a pointed hand guard projecting from above the shoulder. The carved wooden sheath has a gorgeous guard protector with chocolate and caramel veining, and the blade housing is fitted with a removable brass sheath jacket adorned with intricate foliate motifs in repousse. Size (w/ sheath): 7.75" W x 21.25" H (19.7 cm x 54 cm); (blade): 17.125" L (43.5 cm)

Provenance: private Rochester, Michigan, USA collection

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#138015
Condition Report: Sheath jacket is removable. Small area of loss to lowest tip of wooden blade housing. Light abrasions and nicks to wooden blade housing and blade, with light oxidation to blade. Nice patina to wooden components.