Bali 9 Luk

 

19th. Cent. A.D.

 

Kris

Gold, Wood, Polychrome, Ruby, Sapphire and other Precious Gemstones, Iron

 

Length: 68 cm

Width: 22 cm

Depth: 5.5 cm

 

Blade: 41 cm

 

with Handle: 56 cm

 

A Balinese kris with a gold handle depicting a bearded and crowned pedanda (high priest). Images of high priests are rarely seen in Balinese kris handles. The priest’s tiered crown, which is encrusted with rubies and sapphires, indicates that he worships Shiwa considered by the Balinese the most powerful god in the Hindu pantheon. The priest could also be a representation of Agastya a reincarnation of Shiwa. The priest holds a ghanta or bronze bell, an essential ritual object in Balinese ceremonies, in his right hand. Its finial is decorated with a four pronged vajra motif associated with lightning.

 

The wooden wrangka is totally painted in a complex cross hatch pattern with green and red stars. The lower sarong is made of ebony wood. On one side an upper, central and lower plates inlaid with sapphires and rubies can be seen. The other is clad in silver and gold with an image of the mythological bird-man Garuda and an endless knot. The blade has nine luk or curves and a simple damascene pattern.

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