Description:

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, ca. 20th century CE. A finely crafted kris sword with a serpentine forged-steel blade exhibiting the distinctive wavy profile characteristic of this revered weapon. The blade is composed of wootz or watered steel, with veins of nickel creating striking visual contrast. The hilt is adorned with an ornate copper ring, gilt with gold and silver, and set with ten roughly faceted semi-precious gemstones, alternating between pink garnets and white topaz (possibly sapphires). The wooden handle features a pair of abstract mask-like carvings along the interior curve. The sheath consists of an inner wooden core encased in a brass jacket etched with scrolling motifs and fierce barong or kala faces. A flared buffalo horn guard enhances the dramatic presentation of this remarkable weapon. A kris is a short sword or dagger, valued both as a weapon and a ceremonial prestige item. Size in sheath: 20" L x 6.25" W (50.8 cm x 15.9 cm); blade: 14.3" L x 2.75" W (36.3 cm x 7 cm); gold quality: 14%; silver quality 25.6%

Provenance: private Rochester, Michigan, USA collection

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#137971

  • Condition: Brass jacket is loose and removable from the sheath. Horn guard has a stable fissure and loss to the surface layer in this area. Blade has some nicks and oxidation in a few areas. Handle and gilt neck ring are excellent. Comes with zippered cotton cloth storage bag.

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Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

July 25, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000