Javanese Silver Presentation Sword

A fine Javanese presentation sword, primarily worn by high-ranking officers and dignitaries in the kraton palace, or presented to Dutch dignitaries. It displays many European influences, often stemming from Dutch colonial influence. The small saber is locally called a 'pedang,' which can be loosely translated as 'sword.' These silver-plated swords generally come in two versions: the 'Pedang suduk Maru' and the 'Pedang Lurus.' However, this 'pedang' appears to be heavily influenced by the European saber or hanger worn by soldiers of the Dutch East India Company (VOC).

Most of these swords are attributed to Central Java, Madura, and Sumatra. The hilt of the sword is entirely of chased and embossed silver, richly decorated with vegetal and rocaille motifs, in a Louis XVI-inspired style. The D-shaped guard was also a very common European design. The production of this style often took a little longer than the current fashion in Europe and it was widely adopted by Javanese high society. The scabbard is decorated with a local engraved motif of foliage and flowers, and is shaped in the European style. The blade is slightly curved, single-edged, and has a light briar treatment along its length. Most of these blades are made of "pamor" or were mounted with European blades.

Our example has been polished, giving it a rather smooth and even surface.

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