A RUBY-INSET 22K GOLD ‘BATARA KARPA’ KRIS HANDLE, LATE 19TH-EARLY 20TH CENTURY

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A RUBY-INSET 22K GOLD ‘BATARA KARPA’ KRIS HANDLE, LATE 19TH-EARLY 20TH CENTURY Expert’s note: This rare type of Balinese kris hilt, known in Indonesia as Kocet Kocetan, represents the beetle Batara Karpa. According to Balinese tradition, Batara Karpa was born from an egg laid by Dewi Winata, a bird-like supernatural being and the consort of the sage Rishi Kasyapa. Their union also gave rise to three other mythological beings: Batara Garuda, the solar eagle; Batara Agniya, the marten; and Batara Kowara, the serpent. Hilts of the Kocet Kocetan type were reserved exclusively for members of the Brahman caste, the Hindu priesthood, according to Balinese belief. Krises fitted with this form of hilt were believed to possess sacred qualities, including the power to produce or consecrate holy water (tirta), reflecting the ritual significance traditionally attributed to these weapons within Balinese Hindu culture. A kris hilt of similar form is illustrated in a drawing from 1907 published in Bruce W. Carpenter, W.O.J. Nieuwenkamp: First European Artist in Bali, 1997, p. 52. Metallurgy: XRF analysis identifies gold as the principal component of this lot, with 91.2% gold, 6.6% silver, and 1.7% copper. The measured gold content corresponds to a fineness of approximately 912/1000, or 21.89 carats. The object is therefore made from a high-purity gold alloy with silver and minor copper. Indonesia, Bali. Intricately modeled, set on a flattened globular base inlaid with rubies, from which rises a mythical hybrid creature in the form of a large insect, with six folded legs lying closely against an arched body, likewise inlaid with gemstones and lavishly embellished with jeweled ornament, extending into a horse head. A somnolent expression defines the equine face, characterized by closed eyes, a prominent muzzle, and a long mane falling along either side of the head. The back of the creature is articulated with horizontal ridges evoking an insect carapace, further inlaid with rubies framed by lavish scrolling motifs. Dimensions: Length 10.4 cm Estimated net gold value: The object has a gross weight of approximately 148 grams. Allowing for the gemstones and an estimated 10% deduction for the brass ring typically used inside the hilt for structural support, the net weight of the gold alloy is approximately 133 grams. XRF analysis indicates a gold content of 91.2%, corresponding to approximately 21.9 carats and a calculated fine-gold content of approximately 121.5 grams. Based on the gold price at the time of cataloguing, the net gold value is approximately EUR 15,000. Net gemstone value: The value of approx. 35 carats of gemstones (equivalent to approx. 7 grams), assessed on the basis of the nature of the stones, their quality, size, color, transparency, and refinement of their cutting, is approx. EUR 2,800, based on a valuation of EUR 80 per carat (estimated at the time of writing). The kris is a ceremonial dagger of profound spiritual and artistic significance in Indonesian courtly culture. Beyond its function as a weapon, it serves as an emblem of authority and prestige. The kris is also regarded as a microcosmic representation of the universe, as it is traditionally believed to embody the intrinsic elements of nature, unified through the transformative process of forging. The hilt, referred to in several regions of Indonesia as ‘ukiran’, constitutes one of the most significant artistic and culturally meaningful elements of the kris. Executed in a wide variety of materials, hilts invariably portray animals, divine and mythical beings, as well as abstract geometric forms. Their extraordinary formal diversity and expressive sculptural character testify to the ingenuity and refined craftsmanship of Indonesian artisans, while embodying the symbolic and cultural values associated with the kris. Literature comparison: Compare a related gemstone-inlaid gold kris handle depicting Batara Bayu, Indonesia, Bali, 19th century, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, object number 28.23.2a, b. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christie’s Amsterdam, 8 May 2001, lot 601 Price: NLG 17,625 or approx. EUR 14,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the related modeling, decoration, and form. Note the size (12.8 cm).

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