Have it delivered hassle-free
Sell
Antique Balinese Keris Holder – Polychrome & Gilded Wood – 19th Century – 61.5 cm – Candle holders
00

Antique Balinese Keris Holder – Polychrome & Gilded Wood – 19th Century – 61.5 cm

€390Bid from €351
Buy with confidence
Shop & pay safely with Buyer ProtectionDesigner items curated by WhoppahWe only pay the seller once you have safely received the item
Trusted payment methods
iDEAL
Bancontact
Paypal
Visa
Mastercard
Maestro
American express
Apple pay
Cartes bancaires
Giropay
Top rated ongoogle logo
About this seller
Private seller
Damme, GermanyOn Whoppah since February 2025 • 3 sales
Product description
Dimensions: H 61.5 × W 18 cm Weight: 1.2 kg Origin: Bali, Indonesia Period: 19th century Material: Hand-carved wood, polychrome and gilded decoration Antique 19th-century Balinese Keris Holder This impressive Balinese keris holder is a richly decorated example of traditional Indonesian wood carving. The 61.5 cm high sculpture is hand-carved from wood and originally served as a decorative and ceremonial holder for a keris, the characteristic ritual dagger that holds significant symbolic meaning within Indonesian culture. The expressive figure is characterized by large bulging eyes, an open mouth with sharp teeth, an elaborately crafted headdress, and a long curved tail. Its powerful appearance aligns with the demonic and protective figures prevalent in Balinese iconographic tradition. Particularly beautiful is the still-present historical finish. Against the dark base color, details applied in red, green, and yellow are visible, combined with extensive gilded ornamentation on, among other things, the headdress, jewelry, clothing, and face. Microscopically Examined Surface The finish has been further examined under magnification. The microscopic images provide a much clearer picture of the structure and wear of the surface than is possible with the naked eye. In the gilded areas, no simple, uniform golden surface is visible. The gold layer shows irregular wear, fine scratches, and localized interruptions. On raised parts, the finish is more heavily worn, while gold has been preserved more deeply within carved ornaments and sheltered areas. Furthermore, red to reddish-brown layers are visible beneath and around the gilded sections. The microscopic images thus reveal a layered historical finish in which gold, pigment, and underlying preparatory layers have become visible locally alongside and over each other. The polychromy also presents an interesting picture under magnification. Yellow, green, red, and dark sections show individual wear patterns. Along the edges of the painting, brushstrokes and working traces are visible, while small damages and wear expose various underlying levels of the finish. In various places, fine scratches and signs of use run across the gilded and painted surfaces. Furthermore, the wear logically concentrates around protruding parts and edges. Together, this gives the surface a clear layering and aged character, instead of the uniform finish expected in recent decorative work. The Underside Tells a Second Story The underside of the sculpture is also particularly informative. Here, the wood has largely remained unpainted, directly revealing its construction and natural aging. The wood shows deep radial shrinkage, old drying cracks, erosion, and localized degradation around the heartwood. The large cracks follow the natural grain and structure of the wood. In addition, numerous old chopping, cutting, and working marks are visible on the underside. It is precisely the combination of this heavily aged wood structure with the layered polychromy and remaining gilding on the exterior that makes the object interesting. The age is not only visible in the decorative top layer but also in the underlying material and construction. A Sculpture Made to Hold a Keris A keris holder was more than a practical stand. The keris holds an important place within Indonesian culture, particularly in Java and Bali, in court culture, family possessions, ceremonies, and spiritual traditions. Valuable kerises were therefore often presented in specially crafted wooden figures. In this particular example, the tall, expressive sculpture itself forms an important part of the presentation. Even without a keris, it remains a powerful standalone sculpture and a remarkable example of Balinese applied art. Condition The sculpture is in authentic antique condition with clear signs of age and use. The polychromy and gilding are locally worn, and the wood shows old cracks, damage, and natural degradation. These characteristics are visible in the photos and form an essential part of the object's historical character. A unique collector's item for enthusiasts of Balinese art, Indonesian kerises, historical polychromy, and traditional Asian wood carving. Additional details: - Brand: 1stbuddha - Style: Balinees - Style: Indonesisch - Material: Polychromie - Material: Vergulde decoratie - Colour: Goud - Colour: Donker - Period: 19e eeuw - availability: in_stock - product_type: Beeld / sculptuur
Specifications
CategoryCandle holdersConditionVery goodColorsYellow, Red, GreenMaterialWoodSeller locationDamme, GermanyDelivery optionsDelivery or pickup

Discover more

Seller information

About this seller
Private seller
Damme, GermanyOn Whoppah since February 2025 • 3 sales