A CARVED BONE KRIS HILT IN THE FORM OF A MALE DEMON, INDONESIA, 18TH-19TH CENTURY
Powerfully carved in the form of a male demon seated on a mound decorated with foliage. The demon is naked, exposing its distended belly and protruding phallus, the mouth agape with a grotesque grin exposing sharp fangs, the wrinkles of the face are meticulously incised to depict the monstrous expression. Beneath the seated demon are three carved bands above a decorative line of roundels.


Provenance:
French trade. Acquired from an old private estate in the greater Paris area, by repute.

Condition:
Good condition with wear and natural imperfections including expected age cracks, few tiny losses. The bone with a fine, naturally grown, golden amber colored patina.

Weight: 100.6 g
Dimensions: Height 12.9 cm


Literature comparison:

Compare a related ivory kris hilt, 9 cm tall, dated 15th-17th century, in the British Museum, registration number As1939,04.72.