Madurese Ivory Kris Hilt
Dutch Colonial-Themed Carved Marine Kris Hilt
Madura, Indonesia
19th century
height: 9.8cm
This intricately carved marine ivory hilt was made to be attached to a way-bladed kris sword. The design is a fine example of the Madurese style of kris hilt – Madura being a primarily Islamic island off the east coast of Java and near to Bali, all of which are parts of the Indonesian archipelago.
The style, known as
donoriko, is zoomorphic but not overly so, in keeping with Islamic precepts against animal forms. The hilt has a large upper section that is rounded and bent forward with small protuberances to either side. It is finely carved all over with serrated floral motifs.
An important element of this hilt is a clear Dutch crown motif worked into the underside of the grip. It has a winged dragon to one side and winged horse to the other. Three lion head motifs decorate the base of the hilt.
The use of the Dutch crown as a motif is occasionally encountered among colonial era items produced in the Dutch East Indies.
A similar
kris hilt incorporating a Dutch crown is illustrated in Ghiringhelli (2011, p. 103).
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.
This
kris hilt is in fine condition. There are no losses, and it is mounted (loosely) on a small rosewood stand for display purposes.
References
Ghiringhelli, V., Kris Hilts: Masterpieces of South-East Asian Art, 5 Continents, 2011.
Hamzuri,
Keris, Penerbit Djambatan, 1988.
Provenance
UK art market
Inventory no.: 1723
SOLD
The Dutch crown was a motif that often became used in artwork across the Dutch East Indies during the colonial era.
This central Javanese silver and gilt necklace from a private collection employs a crown motif that is almost identical to that used in the kris hilt here.