Sumatran Gilded Kris

Kris with Silver-Gilt Encased Scabbard with Carved Marine Ivory Jawa Demam-style Hilt

This particularly fine kris is from South Sumatra, most probably from the Palembang region. As such it shows strong Malay and Minangkabau influence.

The wooden scabbard is encased in gilded silver sheet that has been repoussed and chased on both sides with bands of Islamic-influenced foliate motifs and geometric patterns.

The chape flares at the end and is similarly decorated.

The cross-guard is of a fine-grained wood, and in well-carved ‘boat’ form.

The hilt ring is of silver and decorated with a row of applied silver blossoms.

The blade is wavy and of iron.

The hilt is particularly fine. It is of marine ivory and is in the

Jawa Demam style, a type famous throughout Indonesia and Malaysia. The type is particularly sculptural combining angles, curves and planes in a distinctive shape coupled with elaborate scrollwork. This example is carved with particularly deep recesses between the scrolls. There is a natural blemish to the ivory on one side.

Overall, this kris is in very fine condition and is without significant losses or repairs.

See Caravana (2010, p. 175) for a kris with a related scabbard and Summerfield (1999, p. 101) for krises of similar form.

Caravana, J. et al, Rites of Power: Oriental Weapons: Collection of Jorge Caravana, Caleidoscopio, 2010.

Ghiringhelli, V.,

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

Summerfield, A., & J.,

Walk in Splendor: Ceremonial Dress and the Minangkabau, UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History, 1999.

private UK collection