Balinese Gilded Kris with Gem-Inset Gilded Hilt in the form of a Raksasa

Kris with Gem-Inset Gilded Hilt in the form of a Raksasa

Bali, Indonesia

late 19th century or early 20th century

length: 56cm

This Balinese kris comprises the wavy blade and the gilded copper hilt. There is no scabbard. The hilt is a magnificent example of a courtly-style hilt shaped as the demon (raksasa) figure Bhuta-Nawa-Sari, and copiously inset with semi-precious stones. The hilt is of a good size and feels very good and balanced in the hand.

The blade has a fine black and silver-coloured pamor largely with a ngulit semanka motif. Pamor iron is achieved by hammering and folding sheets of molten iron and nicklel until the resulting blade has a fine, watered appearance. Such pamor designs imbue the kris with magical powers. Such krises were produced by kris-smiths (empus) – a role that combined blacksmithing with Balinese mysticism.

The blade is in excellent condition; there are no signs of rust, past or present. The hilt is also in excellent condition. It is without repairs or losses to the stones. The gilding is rubbed here and there as might be expected.

References

Ghiringhelli, V., Kris Hilts: Masterpieces of South-East Asian Art, 5 Continents, 2011.

Groneman, I., The Javanese Kris, C. Zwartenkot Art Books, 2009.

Hales, R., Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour: A Lifetime’s Passion, Robert Hale CI Ltd, 2013.

Ibbitson Jessup, H., Court Arts of Indonesia, The Asia Society Galleries/Harry N. Abrams, 1990.

Neka, S., & B.T. Yuwono, Keris Bali Bersejarah, Yayasan Dharma Seni Museum Neka, 2010.

Wiener, M.J., Visible and Invisible Realms: Power, Magic and Colonial Conquest in Bali, Chicago University Press, 1995.

Provenance

UK art market

Inventory no.: 2593

SOLD