Semar keris hilt

‘Semar’ is the reincarnation of Batara Ismaya, a brother of Shiva in Javanese-Hindu culture, often displayed as an important role within the Wayang plays. ‘Semar’ is considered one of the ‘Panakawan’, a certain court-jester or clown and known as Devine. In some cases, the ‘Semar’ is depicted on the ‘oekiran’ (keris hilts) from Central Java.

Our example:
A fine carved, wooden hilt depicting ‘Semar’ with its distinghuised belly and large chest. The hilt shows a face with grotesque mouth and ears to emphasize its role as clown. The ‘Semar’ is wearing a sarong dress with carved floral motifs and with a ‘patra’ mask on front, a common Javanese feature on keris hilts.

A fine, well carved example dating from the late 19th to early 20th century.