MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES, 19TH CENTURY

Details

A LARGE CEREMONIAL KRIS HANDLE
MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES, 19TH CENTURY
With large ivory pommel in shape of heavily stylised bird, long four-banded handle with gilt copper studs and wire arranged in decorative scrolling and geometric patterns, terminating in engraved hand guard with curved finials on either end, mounted on steel stand
16¾in. (42.5cm.) high

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country. This lot will be sold under the Alpha scheme. If you are an EU Purchaser, there is effectively no change: VAT is charged at 20% on the buyer's premium ONLY on a VAT inclusive basis. VAT is accounted for under the auctioneer's margin scheme. If you are a non-EU Purchaser: VAT, at 20%, will be payable on both the hammer price and the buyer's premium. VAT on the hammer will be refunded upon receipt of export documentation by the VAT department. Non-EU trading businesses can receive a further VAT refund on the buyer's premium directly from HM Revenue and Customs.

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Lot Essay

This large ceremonial Kris handle originates from a smaller prototype also in ivory and termed a 'cockatoo' or bird head type, (A. C. Tirri, Islamic Weapons- Maghrib to Moghul, Miami, 2003, pl.308, p. 438). Due to the impressive size of this Kris handle, it has been suggested that it played an important role in ceremonial occasions as a symbol of power. For a discussion on the Kris, see Fong Peng Khuan (ed.), Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, 2002, Vol. I, p. 177.

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