A silver Javanese Bolo

600.00

Indonesia, Java – 18th century

Materials: Steel, Silver, Wood

Status: Available

600.00

Description

A silver Javanese bolo, 18th - 19th centuryA quite rare and uncommon Indonesian ‘bolo‘ knife which is stylistically similar to the more known ‘pedang lurus‘ or ‘pedang suduk maru‘ which were presented to Javanese officers in the 18th and 19th century. It appears that this knife was made as a private order for a Javanese officer or perhaps a European tradesmen. The silver hilt is driven in deep relief and shows a decorative floral pattern ending in a floral engraved smoothened pommel. It resembles the typical craftsmanship of Jogja (Central Java).
A silver Javanese bolo, 18th - 19th century

Our knife compared to a more common ‘Pedang Suduk Maru’ which dates from the 18th century. (scaled)

The blade:
Of a-typical form with a curved cutting edge ending upwards near the tip. Forged locally in Javanese tradition with several layers which is clearly visible on the spine. The spine has a slight curve and false edge near the tip. The blade seems to be forged this way on purpose and does not show any signs of being cut off of being grinded down at any point. Quite some similarities can be seen with colonial Philippine ‘bolo’ knifes or the American ‘Bowie knife’.
A silver Javanese bolo, 18th - 19th century A silver Javanese bolo, 18th - 19th centuryThe dress:
Made of fine chased silver, depicting a complicated pattern of floral motifs and foliage. The guard has a curved quillon on both sides one facing front and one facing towards the hilt. The scabbard is made of two sheets of wood, well patinated and covered in a silver scabbard which has similarities with the European scabbards due to the locket protecting the tip.

Condition: Excellent, some minimal ware on the silver dress.

Dimensions:
Hilt: 9.6cm
Blade length: 17cm
Blade spine thickness: 3mm
Scabbard: 19.5cm
Total length: 29cm
A silver Javanese bolo, 18th - 19th century A silver Javanese bolo, 18th - 19th century A silver Javanese bolo, 18th - 19th century A silver Javanese bolo, 18th - 19th century A silver Javanese bolo, 18th - 19th century A silver Javanese bolo, 18th - 19th century A silver Javanese bolo, 18th - 19th century A silver Javanese bolo, 18th - 19th century A silver Javanese bolo, 18th - 19th century A silver Javanese bolo, 18th - 19th century

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