Indonesian Kris Hilt

Carved Wooden Kris Hilt

This superbly intricate kris hilt, from Cirebon on Java’s north coast, is particularly early. Carved from wood, it shows a highly stylised humanoid figure, with leafy motifs that completely cover its body, and copious, long hair falling down its back.

The figure’s attributes merge into carved floral flourishes, which is a particularly 17th century trait, which, along with the hilt’s deep, rich patina, allows a 17th century attribution.

The hilt sits in a triple-layered

suasa (gold-copper alloy) hilt cup, and is mounted on a display stand.

Traditionally,

krises in Indonesia were imbued with magical properties. Elaborate examples such as this one were part of the pustaka or heirlooms of the aristocracy to be passed from generation to generation. They were considered to have magic and to imbue magic and power on their owners.

The hilt here is an exquisitely carved, small sculpture in its own right, with a superb patina. It is in excellent condition.

References:

Hamzuri, Keris, Penerbit Djambatan, 1988.

private collection, UK.