Balinese Kris
Balinese Kris with Fine Carved Antler Hilt
Bali, Indonesia
19th century
length: 48cm
The main virtue of this Balinese kris is its finely carved hilt which appears to be of antler, most probably from the rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) which is native to Bali and Java.
The hilt is carved as the demon (
raksasa) figure Bhuta-Nawa-Sari.The blade is straight and double edged. It has a fine black and silver-coloured pamor pattern. 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 pamor is long and gently wavy and runs the full length of the blade.
The scabbard is in a relatively poor condition and serves only to protect the blade. The tip of the blade has been blunted. The hilt has a superb patina.
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 antique market
Inventory no.: 3362
SOLD
