Excellent Madura Keris Hilt

A Sprout like figural wooden keris hilt, Madura, 19th century.

Details of this item

Price

€ 350

Status

Available

Region

South East Asia (Burma, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines)
(Madura, Java, Indonesia)

Period

19th century

Materials

Wood

Price

€ 350

Status

Available

Region

South East Asia (Burma, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines)

(Madura, Java, Indonesia)

Period

19th century

Materials

Wood

Description

Madurese hilts are known for their elaborately carved details showing a specific type of craftsmanship and cultural influence from this Northern island. Most  hilts were inspired by colonial military uniforms, the military aspects in social life were large in Madura and many Madurese mercenaries fought countless battles in various campaigns throughout the Archipelago.

One of the hilt types inspired on Dutch military uniforms is the ‘Donoriko‘ which is a sprout-like figure elaborately carved with foliage and flowers. Most of these hilts are carved in ivory and wood. The earliest examples are often the most delicately carved and shows the accurate precision of the craftsmen. This example can’t be called a textbook ‘Donoriko‘ but has the most matching characteristics.

Our example:

A fine specimen with wonderful dark patina, dating from the late 18th to early 19th century and shows a very delicate design of flower petals and a stylized crown. The center is decorated with pointed ‘tumpal’ base and shows a border with fine curly tendrils.

Excellent Madura Keris Hilt

Condition

Good condition, some minor old cracks on the base

Dimensions

Height: 8.7cm

Width: 3.2cm

Weight

51g

Comparable items

Provenance

Dutch private collection

Literature

– The Asian Civilisations Museum Singapore acc.nr. XXXX-04333 (lesser quality carving, but similar in decoration)

A Sprout like figural wooden keris hilt, Madura, 19th century.
A Sprout like figural wooden keris hilt, Madura, 19th century.
A Sprout like figural wooden keris hilt, Madura, 19th century.
A Sprout like figural wooden keris hilt, Madura, 19th century.
A Sprout like figural wooden keris hilt, Madura, 19th century.
A Sprout like figural wooden keris hilt, Madura, 19th century.
A Sprout like figural wooden keris hilt, Madura, 19th century.
A Sprout like figural wooden keris hilt, Madura, 19th century.
A Sprout like figural wooden keris hilt, Madura, 19th century.
A Sprout like figural wooden keris hilt, Madura, 19th century.
A Sprout like figural wooden keris hilt, Madura, 19th century.
A Sprout like figural wooden keris hilt, Madura, 19th century.
A Sprout like figural wooden keris hilt, Madura, 19th century.
A Sprout like figural wooden keris hilt, Madura, 19th century.