Indonesian, Java
Handle of a Kris (Ceremonial Knife), 19th century
Gilded copper, wood core, 10.8 cm (4 1/4 in.)
This handle of a Kris ceremonial knife is made of highly decorated gilded copper over wood core and depicts the head and torso of a creature. The square shaped head is tilted slight to the viewers left and shows a smiling creature with round protruding eyes and two fangs. The top of its head is carved with a scalloped pattern with a smaller hat on top. The armless torso is highly decorated with raised flowers and decorative motifs on its clothing. The backside is also highly carved with crossed belts.
Little Salon
Commentary
In December 1883, Isabella and Jack Gardner bought krises – ceremonial Javanese knives – in Surabaya and Yogyakarta (pp. 262, 266), and Isabella noted how they were worn by the Javanese.
Source: “Objects from Cambodia and Java,” in Journeys East: Isabella Stewart Gardner and Asia, edited by Alan Chong and Noriko Murai (Boston: ISGM and Gutenberg Periscope, 2009): 457.
Source: “Objects from Cambodia and Java,” in Journeys East: Isabella Stewart Gardner and Asia, edited by Alan Chong and Noriko Murai (Boston: ISGM and Gutenberg Periscope, 2009): 457.