Carved Wood Keris Dagger, Brass-Filigree Sheath

Description

Wavy-bladed keris dagger, the iron blade forged with the traditional undulating luk profile and a raised, carved decorative band running along its spine. The hilt is carved from a warm honey-toned wood in a pistol-grip form with scrolling relief carving at the pommel, joined to the blade through a collar set with rows of small faceted clear stones in a beaded metal mount. The blade seats into a wooden sheath (wrangka) whose upper guard section is carved in a boat-like curved shape, with a separate lower sheath sleeve wrapped in pierced brass fretwork worked in dense floral and vine scrollwork.

The crossguard area at the top of the blade is carved with a stylized dragon or bird-form guard showing clawed feet and feathered detailing, also set with small clear paste stones. The brass sheath fitting is further engraved with a crest-like design incorporating a crescent moon, star, and the monogram initials “P B,” suggesting a presentation or commemorative element to the piece. The dagger is accompanied by a fitted red velvet cover with padded construction, trimmed in gold-tone metallic thread and finished with a hand-worked crescent-and-star motif in bullion embroidery, sequins, and small beaded florets, closed with fabric-covered studs.

The wood hilt and sheath show natural age cracking and surface checking consistent with an older organic material, along with light handling wear and darkened areas from oils and handling. The brass filigree has an overall dark tarnished patina with scattered bright high points where the pierced pattern has been rubbed. The velvet cover shows wear at the seams and corners with the underlying yellow lining visible at the base, and a few of the set stones in the hilt collar appear loose in their mounts.