Lot 355

19th C. Indonesian Keris Pusaka | Naga Guard, Suasa Gold, Silver Sheath

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19th C. Indonesian Keris Pusaka | Naga Guard, Suasa Gold, Silver Sheath

Estimate: $2,400 - $3,600

Starting Bid: $1,200

(0 Bids)

June 12, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
Louisville, CO, US

Description:

Java, Indonesia, ca. 20th century. A beautiful ceremonial sword known as a kris (also keris) of an elegant form. The hand-carved wooden handle features a pair of abstract anthropomorphic maskettes along the interior curve, and beneath is a 95.1% silver spacer cap set with dozens of faceted glass inlays. The serpentine profile of the blade is accentuated by an intricate, flower-wrapped Naga snake shown on the guard surrounded by ample 44.43% to 47.19% gold gilt. The bulky wooden guard protector resides above a removable 96.6% silver sheath jacket that is adorned on one side with intricate, mold-pressed floral motifs. Size (w/sheath): 6.2" W x 20.7" H (15.7 cm x 52.6 cm); (blade): 16.375" L (41.6 cm); gold quality: 44.43% to 47.19%; silver quality: 95.1% to 96.8%. Sheath jacket is removable from wooden blade housing. Kris are often considered to have an essence or presence, considered to possess magical powers, with some blades possessing good luck and others possessing bad. Kris are used for display, as talismans with magical powers, weapons, a sanctified heirloom (pusaka), auxiliary equipment for court soldiers, an accessory for ceremonial dress, an indicator of social status, a symbol of heroism, etc. Legendary kris that possess supernatural power and extraordinary ability were mentioned in traditional folktales, such as those of Empu Gandring, Taming Sari, and Setan Kober. Size: 21”L x 6”W (53.3 x 15.2cm).

Provenance: Private American collection. Private Rochester, Michigan collection.

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Item # 71781

  • Condition: Minor interior edge loss to wooden interior housing.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 + $1,000