Javanese Trisular/Trisula

Pamour Iron Trisular with Gold-Overlaid Tree-of-Life Motif

This ceremonial lance, known as a trisular, is of pamor iron, achieved by hammering and folding sheets of molten iron until the resulting blade has a fine, watered appearance. Such pamor designs imbue the trisular with magical powers. The three prongs are decorated with trellised tendrils and flowers in the form of the tree of life, which has been overlaid with gold.

Such lances were produced by kris-smiths (

empus) – a role that combined blacksmithing with Javanese mysticism. The lances were intended for ceremonial display and use in the palaces (kratons) of central Java.

Lances of similar form were presented in the nineteenth century to King William III of the Royal House of Orange-Nassau. These are illustrated in Wassing-Visser (1995, p. 166.)

A similar

trisular decorated with the tree-of-life pattern, illustrated in Ibbitson Jessup (1990, p. 70), also is attributed to 17th century central Java.

The example here is in fine, stable condition. There are some losses to the gold overlay as can be expected.

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

Wassing-Visser, R.,

Royal Gifts from Indonesia: Historical Bonds with the House of Orange -Nassau (1600-1938), Waanders Publishers, 1995.

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