A Balinese kris with gold and silver mounts decorated with ruby cabochons
Bali, 18th century, the scabbard late 19th century
L. 60 cm
Provenance:
Private collection, Germany
Beautiful straight blade (18th century or earlier), made of fine pamor, slightly ribbed along the centre. The base is decorated with elegant carved ornaments and two deep grooves, with a jagged ganja. Magnificent gerantim-type ukiran with a wooden grip masterfully covered in woven gold thread.
In the pommel, also made of gold, one can glimpse the end of a mystical animal or a plant bud, the rim bearing an inscription in an Indonesian language. Gold selut and mendak set with natural cabochon rubies, most probably forming an original ensemble, which is rarely encountered.
Warangka made of selected wood (kayu pelat). Gandar, with a small missing part at the base, of the same high-quality wood. The upper section is mounted with a gold plate embossed with lotus flower motifs and embellished with nine semi-precious stones, matching the quality and style of the grip. The upper part of the gandar is covered with finely embossed gold foil decorated with a Gordian knot between floral motifs, the remainder of the gandar covered with silver foil, gilded at the top.
L. 60 cm
Provenance:
Private collection, Germany
Beautiful straight blade (18th century or earlier), made of fine pamor, slightly ribbed along the centre. The base is decorated with elegant carved ornaments and two deep grooves, with a jagged ganja. Magnificent gerantim-type ukiran with a wooden grip masterfully covered in woven gold thread.
In the pommel, also made of gold, one can glimpse the end of a mystical animal or a plant bud, the rim bearing an inscription in an Indonesian language. Gold selut and mendak set with natural cabochon rubies, most probably forming an original ensemble, which is rarely encountered.
Warangka made of selected wood (kayu pelat). Gandar, with a small missing part at the base, of the same high-quality wood. The upper section is mounted with a gold plate embossed with lotus flower motifs and embellished with nine semi-precious stones, matching the quality and style of the grip. The upper part of the gandar is covered with finely embossed gold foil decorated with a Gordian knot between floral motifs, the remainder of the gandar covered with silver foil, gilded at the top.
Part of the Indonesian Archipelago collection.
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