拍品 210
  • 210

AN IMPRESSIVE JEWELLED COURTLY DAGGER (KRIS), INDONESIA, PROBABLY BALI, 19TH/20TH CENTURY |

估價
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
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描述

  • 57cm.
the wavy steel blade with distinct layered pattern-welded pamor, gilt chiselled decoration at chape, the hilt in the form of the Deity Batara Bayu, squatting on a foliate throne, encased in sheet gold and set throughout with semiprecious stones and rubies, mendak en-suite

Condition

In good general condition, missing scabbard, the colourful stones with some minor wear to edges, few probably replaced at later date, the blade with some discoloration due to oxidisation, particularly noticeable near edges, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

拍品資料及來源

Similar examples are illustrated in Hales, 2013, pp.115, 117, 125. The hilts often depict different deities, including Bima, Bayu and Bhuta-Nawa-Sari.  A close example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, inv. no. 28.23.2a, b, is accompanied by an explanation of the spiritual significance of the figure represented on the hilt and the part that it plays in Balinese ritual: 

"The subject of the hilt can be identified as Bhima's spiritual father, Batara Bayu, the Indonesian version of the Indian wind god, Vayu. Batara Bayu is closely linked with Indra, the god of storms, who is the spiritual father of Arjuna. Thus the fraternal relationship between Bhima and Arjuna may be seen as an earthly reflection of the celestial relationship between Batara Bayu and Indra. Batara Bayu is worshiped not only as the wind god but also as the bringer of health and prosperity and hence symbolizes protection against evil. He is recognizable by his characteristic broad grin, large mustache, and panchanaka. In his right hand he holds a representation of the bejeweled vessel that contains life-giving holy water (toya mreta), an important element of many Baliense rituals, especially those related to spiritual and physical purification. In the context of this hilt, the holy-water vessel may also symbolize the deep spiritual self-awareness (dewa ruci) into which Bhīma was initiated by Batara Bayu." 
(https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/23017?searchField=All&sortBy=Relevance&where=Bali&ft=Kris&offset=0&rpp=20&pos=18)