Keris With A Straight Blade And Carved Hilt, Indonesia, 19th Century

Kris (keris) with a straight forged steel blade, displaying the characteristic *pamor* pattern on its surface—a result of working metals of differing compositions. The tapered blade features a central ridge and widens at the base beneath the hilt. It has a distinctive carved marine ivory hilt of the "broken-neck chicken" (*ayam patah tekah*) type, adorned with fine engraved lines and mounted on a silver ferrule featuring *repoussé* decoration (requires re-attachment). The wooden scabbard, bearing a fine antique patina, consists of a long cylindrical body and a wide mouth-piece (*wrangka*) with upturned ends. There are signs of damage and old repairs to the hilt, as well as wear and splits on the scabbard. Likely Java, 19th century. Total length: 45.5 cm; blade length: 37.2 cm; scabbard width: 15.3 cm; hilt dimensions: approx. 6 x 9.5 x 3.2 cm.