20th C. Indonesian Steel Kris w/ Gilt Wood Sheath

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, ca. mid-20th century CE. A beautiful example of a personal ceremonial dagger known as a kris (also keris) with a skillfully painted sheath bearing gilded detailing. The hand-carved hardwood handle features incised diamond motifs beneath a stylized visage with fangs and a protruding tongue, and below is a brass spacer disc with red-pink glass cabochons inlaid around the circumference. The forged-steel blade features a serrated hand guard, sharpened edges, and a pointed tip, all along a gentle serpentine profile. Intricate foliate motifs are presented in gilding atop the red guard protector and black blade housing to make for an opulent display. Lucite display stand for photography purposes only. Size (w/ sheath): 8" W x 24.875" H (20.3 cm x 63.2 cm); (blade): 17.2" L (43.7 cm)

Provenance: private Rochester, Michigan, USA collection

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#149478
Condition Report: Minor abrasions to sheath and blade, with light oxidation along scattered areas of blade, and minor encrustations within spacer disc, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina throughout and great remains of gilding on sheath.