Enquiry about object: 9385
Javanese Chased & Engraved Silver Short Sword with Damascened Blade (Pendang Lurus)
Central Java, Indonesia 18th-early 19th century
length: 37cm, width of hilt guard: 5cm, depth of pommel: approximately 2.5cm, length of blade: 23.52cm, weight: 246g
Provenance
private collection, London, UK
This short, straight bladed sword or pedang lurus represents a fine example of 18th-19th century Javanese silverwork. Also known as a pedang luwuk, the pedang lurus is associated with central Java, particularly Surakarta (Solo) and to a lesser extent Yogyakarta, each being royal centres with kratons (palaces) and flourishing court arts.
The hilt has been cast, chased and engraved in high relief with rococo-inspired leafy and stylised orchid motifs. It is shaped as a stylised kris hilt which in turn often are shaped as highly stylised wayang characters.
The pommel is covered in plain sheet silver.
The hilt ring is of plain silver.
The scabbard is of sheet silver over a wooden base, and is beautifully engraved on both sides with a floral scrolling motifs. One side has a leaf form attachment, in the shape of a betel leaf, and this too is finely engraved.
The blade, in watered or damascened iron/nickel, is straight and otherwise unadorned.
Overall, this is an excellent pedang lurus in a form that is not often encountered. The silverwork is very fine. The blade too is excellent with fine damascening.
References
Avieropoulou Choo, A., Silver: A Guide to the Collections, National Museum Singapore, 1984.
Hardianti, E.S. & P. ter Keurs (eds.), Indonesia: The Discovery of the Past, KIT Publishers for De Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam, 2005.
Hales, R., Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour: A Lifetime’s Passion, Robert Hale CI Ltd, 2013.
National Museum Jakarta, Treasures of the National Museum Jakarta, Buku Antar Bangsa, 1997.
Van Zonneveld, A., Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago, C. Zwartenkot Art Books, 2001.
