A CARVED BONE KRIS HILT IN THE FORM OF A FEMALE DEMON, INDONESIA, 18TH-19TH CENTURY
Powerfully carved in the form of a seated female demon, crowned, with right arm stretched behind her head, gripping a leafy branch, her hair masterfully incised in curling strands, her right foot propped up on a decorative branch exposing a grotesque inversion, her mouth open exposing fangs and tusks, with her monstrous tongue extending down between her sagging breasts. A decorative band of roundels encircles the base of the figure and below the seated demon is leafy foliate.


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

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

Weight: 93.7 g
Dimensions: Height 12.1 cm


Literature comparison:

Compare a related ivory kris hilt dated to the 19th century, in the British Museum, registration number As1878,1230.910.a.