Rijksmuseum

Kris of a high-ranking dignitary

Date

1600 - 1700

Medium

ivory, iron (metal), wood (plant material), gold (metal), nickel (metal), diamond (mineral)

Culture

Java

Institution

Rijksmuseum

The wavy or ‘flaming’ blade of this kris comes from Java. It was later fitted with a hilt and a sheath in the sultanate of Palembang on Sumatra, where there was an important kris workshop. The luxurious finish suggests that the kris belonged to a high-ranking dignitary. The small ring between the hilt and blade (mendak), for example, is inlaid with diamonds. The hilt is in the form of a bird’s head.

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