I found this kriss in an antique shop ten years ago called Old World Antiques in Tallahassee Florida that someone had told me about and with the caveat that it was owned by a fellow named Roy Peddie who had some exquisite items, all very expensive. They said they never bought items from him because were overpriced. They were right about that for when I went for first time I saw that it was true. I was there a number of times and people would come in, look at the prices and walk out.
As I was walking around he had this kriss in a locked display case and it had a price of hundreds of dollars. I decided to buy it on the installment plan. He said he had it for 20 years and said that it came from a couple that owned a jewelry store. They travel during the 1920's in Japan, Singapore, Thailand and China.
When I finally finished paying for it and took it home I took the price tag off and there was a square dark spot on the wood attesting to the years he had it in the case.
This extraordinary intricately carved ivory handle depicts the bloom of a chrysanthemum plant. The bottom of the bloom seems to have been written in a stylized text that is difficult to read, but I might add, I could be mistaken with my assessment, could just be the way it is separated from the rest of the carving.
In the photo below you can see this ring above the gold ring.
This is a unique blade for the image below depicts a crowned Bhima, the most powerful of the 5 Pandawa brothers as a serpent depicted on both sides. The entire length of the body has been enhanced with scales with rolled gold leafing highlighting the exquisite workmanship. On the outward side of the blade he is depicted with a menacing grin, I learned that this is usually is characteristics of a Raksasa demons and belies his hot temper and penchant for action. On this blade he is grinning with a mouthful of teeth and on the other side the teeth are not highlighted to show individual teeth.. I do know if this had any significance or meaning, something like the softer side of Sears (smile)
This one is in superb condition attesting to the care its different owners have bestowed upon it over the years. I will be adding more photos in the future to give closeups of the water blade, the silver embossed sheath and the blood red ruby and the wonderful green of the emeralds.
Kris (Keris) in this exceptional quality are generally ceremonial pieces, being intricately designed and some highly decorated with gemstones and precious metals as this one shows.
Here are a number of photos
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