Kris and sheath
Steel, wood, gold, diamonds | 53.0 x 14.3 x 2.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 62918
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A Javanese kris and sheath; the kris with a wooden handle carved with two warrior faces and a gold ferrule set with diamonds; with a watered steel blade. The wood sheath cased with rose gold and set on one side with borders of diamonds forming floral garlands. Mouthpiece set with diamonds.
Provenance
Sent to George IV when Prince Regent by Sultan Hamengkubuwana III of Yogyakarta via Major General Robert Rollo Gillespie, 25 June 1813.
An accompanying letter from Gillespie, transcribed in the Inventory of Arms and Armour at Carlton House, states that the 'now reigning Sultan' [Hamengkubuwana III, 1769-1814] had sent the sword 'in gratitude for having saved his life during the storm of that place [Yogyakarta] on the 20th of June [1812]'. The new sultan's father, Hamengkubuwana II, had been removed from power by British forces in Java after the storming of Yogyakarta. Hamengkubuwana III was crowned eight days later.
An accompanying letter from Gillespie, transcribed in the Inventory of Arms and Armour at Carlton House, states that the Sultan 'the kreese [sic] is a species of Arm held in great estimation by the Native Princes in this part of the East. The weapon trivial as it appears may be esteemed curious in England from its construction and antiquity...' -
Creator(s)
(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Steel, wood, gold, diamonds
Measurements
53.0 x 14.3 x 2.0 cm (whole object)
Category
Place of Production
Java
