254 - Kris with sheath. Southeast Asia, 19th century.

Kris with sheath. Southeast Asia, 19th century. Iron, wood, and brass. It shows signs of wear and alterations consistent with its use and age; the blade has surface rust. Measurements: 48.5 cm in length. Provenance: Estate of Ramon Martí Alsina and Ricard Martí Aguiló. Artistic and heritage collection originating in the legacy of Catalan painters Ramon Martí Alsina (1826–1894), a seminal figure of 19th-century Catalan Realism, and his son Ricard Martí Aguiló (1857–1935). Passed down and enriched across successive generations, the collection brings together works from the original holdings of both artists alongside acquisitions made by their descendants. Dedicated to preserving and recovering the family legacy, the descendants actively reacquired works by the painters as they entered the market, progressively expanding the collection to encompass paintings, sculptures, archaeological artifacts, and other items of artistic and historical significance. The kris or keris is one of the most characteristic types of bladed weapons in Southeast Asia, particularly associated with Indonesia. It is recognized by its asymmetrical blade, which is wider at the base and often has a wavy profile, as seen in this example. The piece features a curved wooden hilt and retains its sheath, also made of wood, partially covered in brass. The combination of these materials and its proportions finds parallels in Javanese examples from the 16th–19th centuries held in the Metropolitan Museum. Beyond its function as a weapon, the kris acquired significant ceremonial and symbolic value within Indonesian cultures.