Cute but what is it really?

Sajen · 27th October 2016, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus

Artzi says ivory.

I doubt a little bit, would like to see your pictures when you have received it. Special some close ups. I would call this item piso/pisau (knife). Unusual item.

Regards,
Detlef

Marcus · 11th November 2016, 03:19 PM

Trying to identify the features of the character.

Marcus · 11th November 2016, 03:24 PM

Small knife with a carved human figure hilt .
Van Zonneveld Page 108

kai · 11th November 2016, 07:51 PM

No, this knife is not Batak - for sure (very different style).

I also highly doubt it is from anywhere on Java (including Madura).

It might be worthwhile to check the Sasak from Lombok as a possible culture of origin - just a very tentative guess though!

Considering patina/etc., how old would you estimate this piece to be, Marcus?

Regards,
Kai

Sajen · 11th November 2016, 07:59 PM

Hello Marcus,

first, the handle material look indeed like ivory. And agree with Kai, for sure not a Batak knife. But I wouldn't rule out East Java or Madura but could be as well from Bali/Lombok. On your pictures it look much better. Nice piece.

Regards,
Detlef

Marcus · 11th November 2016, 09:59 PM

I was just grasping at straws. The features of the character look to me like a blend of Chinese and perhaps even African. Other aspects of the knife do suggest Indonesian to me but not typical of any type I am familiar with. I really would love to place it. My guess on age would be early twentieth century.
Other opinions welcome.
Marcus

Sajen · 11th November 2016, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus

Other aspects of the knife do suggest Indonesian to me but not typical of any type I am familiar with. I really would love to place it. My guess on age would be early twentieth century.

It's clearly Indonesian and I am nearly sure that I have given the direction where you have to search, it will from one of this places or nearby. The carving at the scabbard is clearly a good point from which you can get hints for the origin. Could also older, maybe end of 19th century, the patina look very good. Not every knife you can find in a book and collecting blades is not like collect stamps. The scabbard is very well made, it was a worthy knife for someone.

Regards,
Detlef

11th November 2016, 03:19 PM	#2
Marcus Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 420	Close ups Trying to identify the features of the character. Attached Images

11th November 2016, 03:24 PM	#3
Marcus Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 420	Piso ni datu? Small knife with a carved human figure hilt . Van Zonneveld Page 108

11th November 2016, 09:59 PM	#6
Marcus Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 420	I agree, not Batak I was just grasping at straws. The features of the character look to me like a blend of Chinese and perhaps even African. Other aspects of the knife do suggest Indonesian to me but not typical of any type I am familiar with. I really would love to place it. My guess on age would be early twentieth century. Other opinions welcome. Marcus

11th November 2016, 07:51 PM	#4
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	No, this knife is not Batak - for sure (very different style). I also highly doubt it is from anywhere on Java (including Madura). It might be worthwhile to check the Sasak from Lombok as a possible culture of origin - just a very tentative guess though! Considering patina/etc., how old would you estimate this piece to be, Marcus? Regards, Kai

11th November 2016, 07:59 PM	#5
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,164	Hello Marcus, first, the handle material look indeed like ivory. And agree with Kai, for sure not a Batak knife. But I wouldn't rule out East Java or Madura but could be as well from Bali/Lombok. On your pictures it look much better. Nice piece. Regards, Detlef