Dagger - Kris/keris - Indonesia (No reserve price)

Ancient ceremonial keris – Java, Indonesia – 19th / early 20th century

Indonesia, probably Central Java – Surakarta/Solo region

Important Javanese keris (kris) with a straight blade (lurus) in forged iron, featuring a remarkable natural pamor pattern obtained by forging and layering metals of different compositions.

The blade presents a foliate structure especially visible along its entire length, forming a complex network of wavy and concentric lines. The lower part of the blade (sorsoran) is carefully worked and features the various asymmetric elements characteristic of the traditional keris morphology, with individualized gonjo/ganja and elaborated lateral cuts.

Beautiful traditional handle (ukiran) in dark brown hardwood with an aged patina, strongly curved and adorned with small carved motifs. It rests on a mendak in finely worked yellow metal (brass) decorated with granulations and geometric motifs.

The keris is accompanied by its warangka, an elegant Javanese sheath in veined dark brown-red wood, displaying lovely natural hues ranging from light brown to dark brown-black. The upper, broadly flared part sits within the tradition of Central Javanese sheaths, probably in the stylistic orbit of Surakarta.

The keris occupies a major place in Indonesian culture and particularly Javanese culture. More than a weapon, it traditionally constitutes an object of prestige and social representation, but also a ceremonial object associated with symbolic and spiritual values. The pamor design directly contributes to this symbolic dimension.

The blade appears noticeably old and could be attributed to the 19th century, while some mounting elements or the sheath may have been made or renewed later, a common traditional practice in the conservation of keris passed down from generation to generation.

Total length with sheath: 51 cm.

Good overall condition given its age. Old patina on the blade, wood, and metal elements; traces of use and small irregularities in keeping with the object's age. No abrasive cleaning of the blade is recommended in order to preserve the pamor and patina.

Proposed dating: 19th century – first half of the 20th century, blade probably 19th century.