Fine Antique Indonesian Cirebon, Java KERIS Dagger. ~ NO INTRENATIONAL SHIPPING. Exquisite Carved Bone Grip & Damascus Blade. Javanese keris, are some of the most highly variegated objects in the world of arms and armor. Despite maintaining a distinct overall form and shape, the variation, in particular of the style of blades is greater than any other arms and armor culture. The most classic style of hilt is from the Palaces of Surakarta in central Java and called a cecekan hilt in the Yudo Winatan style. This hilt has seven flat planar sides, with two carvings at internal angles of the hilt. Other hilts from the island of Java include hilts from the northern coast region of Cirebon which have figural forms generally covered in carved floral scrollwork. These hilts have been considered to be the image of Bhima, the hero of the Hindu Mahabharata epics, or of a Garuda. Other explanations for the grotesque forms is that the figures represent a being called pulungan, or a demon like creature, related to the raksasa of Bali and other parts of Java. This example in the Schmiedt collection is an interesting example of a Cirebon keris with a hilt in the pulungan form, entirely carved with scrollwork and with carved waved hair denoting the figure ascetic values (Ghiringelli 2011). The fine straight blade has a form called dapor kalamisani. The pamor is a very rare form showing of the skill of the smith, and consists of a series of circles framed by a shaped pattern with each back to back and the circles in between. The mendak is in filigreed gilded silver or gilt metal, potentially gold. Dates from early 20th century. Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 18 3/4 Blade Length : 15 1/2". References: 1. Frey, E. (1988) The Kris: Mystic Weapon of the Malay World. Oxford University Press. 2. Mardianto, W. A to Z Sesuatu mengenai KERIS dan TOMBAK KERIS SENJATATRADISIONAL INDONESIA A to Z. 3. Ki Empu Jhuel. Pamor Keris. 4. Ghiringelli. V. (2007) The Invincible Krises 2 Saviolo Publisher. 5. Van Zonneveld, A.G. (2001) Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago. Leiden: Art Books. 6. Gardner, G.B. (2009) Keris and other Malay Weapons. Orchid Press. 7. Maisey, A. Dhapur and pamor according to Djeno Harumbrojo, Jogjakarta. Kerisattosanaji. 8. Marval, G.de. (1994) UKIRAN - Essai de classification des poignes de kris de l'archipelindonsien. Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. NO INTRENATIONAL SHIPPING. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at info@sofedesignauctions.com