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Sumatra

Kris and sheath 1700 - 1810

Pattern welded iron and steel | RCIN 67536

Grand Vestibule, Windsor Castle

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  • Sumatran kris and sheath. The pattern-welded iron blade is straight, with a dull pamir. The ivory hilt is of 'kingfisher' form, and is connected to the blade by a copper mendaq with a gold ring. The top of the wooden scabbard (wrangka) is plain, and the lower part (galar) has a fluted gold cover (pendoq). The chape is of gold filigree set with rubies. At the centre of the scabbard is a large gold filigree rose set with rubies and attached by a red, blue and white twill cord.

    George IV's enthusiasm for military dress and equipment found its outlet in his large collections at Carlton House. In 1794 the Armoury was situated at the western end of the House. By 1819 it has expanded into several apartments on the same floor but in the eastern wing. Contemporary commentators recorded the extensive and 'multifarious' nature of the collection, which comprised both historic British and European arms, armour and uniforms, and an equally impressive collection from beyond Europe. The range of sources was extensive and included a number of works from Malaya and Java, including this kris, which was presented to George IV in May 1817 by Stamford Raffles. Raffles was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Java between 1811 and 1816. He dedicated his History of Java to the Prince Regent. The hilt of the kris is carved in the 'Jawa Demam' form of a stylised man or deity.

    Provenance

    Presented to George IV when Prince Regent by Stamford Raffles, 10 May 1817.

    Raffles returned from Java to London in September 1816, and established good relations with Queen Charlotte, who was interested in his 'wonderful treasures from Java', and also with Princess Charlotte and the Prince Regent, to whom Raffles' History of Java, published in April 1817, was dedicated. On 29 May Raffles was invited to attend a Levee at Carlton House, where he was knighted by the Prince Regent.

  • Medium and techniques

    Pattern welded iron and steel

  • Category

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