Stylised handle keris - Java - Indonesia (No reserve price)

Antique Indonesian Keris Hilt (Ukiran) – A Masterpiece of Abstract Minimalism
A stunning fusion of tradition and timeless sculptural form.
This rare, antique Indonesian Keris handle (Ukiran) is a sophisticated example of "the art of the curve." While many hilts feature intricate deities, this piece stands out for its sublime human stylization, stripping away the literal to reveal a powerful, modernist silhouette.
Key Highlights:
Wonderful Stylized Human Figure: The human form is reduced to its most elegant essence. The sharp, architectural lines and fluid, organic curves create a silhouette that feels surprisingly contemporary. This level of abstraction—often found in the Sumatra or Riau regions—represents a peak in Southeast Asian artistic expression.
Exceptional Patina: Carved from a dense, high-quality hardwood, the piece boasts a deep, honey-dark luster. This "living patina" is the result of generations of handling and ritual use, providing an authentic glow that only centuries of age can produce.
Sculptural Presence: More than just a functional hilt, this piece functions as a standalone sculpture. Its balanced proportions and tactile surfaces make it a "meditative" object for the hand and the eye.
Technical Details:
Origin: Indonesia (Likely Sumatra or the Riau Archipelago).
Material: Indigenous Hardwood.
Period: 19th or early 20th Century.
Condition: Excellent antique condition with a smooth, well-preserved surface and rich character.
Auctioneer’s Note:
"This hilt is a bridge between worlds. Its aesthetic language mirrors the works of 20th-century masters like Brâncuși or Moore, making it a perfect crossover piece for collectors of both Tribal Art and Modern Design."

We pack with care, sending all over the world for 35 years already

A must have for collectors, ethnographers, ethnologists, anthropologists and museums

Sold by Koos Knol, ethnographer and anthropologist, dealer of Papua Tribal Art for more than 30 years, expert and author of the book “Papua Blues”, written in Dutch. (Maybe in English next year.)  Published end of October 2024
A book about inside stories, a book that deals with the many encounters with special people in West Papua, the impressive experiences that the author has, about special encounters with men and women who tell him about secret things, about ethnographic objects and initiate him into the rituals and ceremonies.
A must have for collectors, ethnographers, ethnologists, anthropologists and museums

Google: Papua Blues Koos Knol