Asian arms in Dutch master paintings
Dutch masters' fascination with exotic Asian wares shown in a series of paintings.
West Javanese keris hilt
19th century, probably originating from Cirebon.
Early Bhima keris hilt
The Hindu mythical brother of Hanuman, the Monkey King.
Pulasir keris hilt
A Madurese keris hilt, carved from dark hardwood in the form of a Dutch cuirassier.
Hulu Radon / Hulu Balu Mekabun
Indonesian name for a keris hilt depicting a veiled woman
Veiled female keris grip
Often interpreted to be Durga, the warrior goddess.
Nyamba keris hilt with seal
Rare old keris handle made into a European wax seal.
Solo court keris
With raised gold overlay and gilt-enamel
Pamor
Indonesian word for pattern on a steel blade. Also the name of the nickel often used for a contrasting effect.
Bali straight keris
With fine flaming pamor blade and notched "cekah redut" hilt.
Balinese keris blade finishing
The Balinese keris is known for its smooth finish with starkly contrasting black iron and silver pamor. This article gives an eye witness account of how this was achieved.
Bali buntel mayat keris
Bali keris with fine slanted wrapped pamor, considered to be one of the most powerful pamor.
European sword blade keris
In the style of a Malay keris panjang.
Silver hilted keris coteng
A textbook example of this rare and early type of keris.
Balinese keris of Ferdinand Blok
The 9-luk blade of strong proportions is engraved with the face of a demon.
Ceremonial Moro kalis
Measuring almost a meter, with exceptional blade for a ceremonial keris.
Old Madura keris
With carved wooden hilt with a beautiful deep patina. Blade in old finish.
Balinese keris
A classic example with an older blade and timaha wood scabbard.
Keris
Thrusting dagger of the Malay archipelago, often with an undulating blade.
Balinese keris with stones in gold
Undulating bilah blade of eleven luk.
Execution keris
Often used collector's name for the keris panjang.
Sumatran keris panjang
A type of long keris often described as "execution keris".