Elusive Tulip Pommel Kris

[kai]

Hello Jose,

Thanks for the pics!

This is what Cato calls the "tulip" kris with the pommel in the form of a tulip bulb.

I have to admit that I'm not fond of this name at all - can't we come up with a better descriptive name that's possibly based in something known to the original culture, too?

I'm also not sure on how many variants we're actually looking at: There are those with swollen base and downward turned tip reminescent of a kakatua beak (like Rick's kris), then more slender ones that almost look like having been crafted on a lathe (handcarved as well, of course). I'd suggest that any with noticeable lateral turn (towards the side of a blade) may represent abstract versions of the figurative hilt style. Anything else I forgot to mention?

This is one that I have handled and it is a smaller one. The pommel in question is ivory and the bands silver and braided hemp. Hard to see but there are laminations in the blade. Unfortunately the scabbard is in poor shape. I think this piece is possibly Maranao and maybe early 19c due to its size.

Nice one. First half of 19th c. sounds good to me and could well be a bit older. Could you please get a more exact measurement on the blade length as well as pommel length, please?

Is the pommel exactly in line with the grip or does it slightly tilt towards one of the sides?

Regards,
Kai