Kris with Sheath
Unknown Artist
16th–19th century
Medium
Steel, wood, copper, gold
Dimensions
L. with sheath 20 in. (50.8 cm); L. without sheath 19 1/4 in. (48.9 cm); L. of blade 14 3/4 in. (37.4 cm); W. 4 3/8 in. (11.1 cm); Wt. 14.9 oz. (422.4 g); Wt. of sheath 6.1 oz. (172.9 g)
Classification
Krisses
Culture
Javanese
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
Accession Number
36.25.1136a, b
Art Historical Context
This exquisite Javanese *kris with sheath*, dating from the 16th to 19th century, exemplifies masterful arms and armor traditions of Java, Indonesia. The *kris*—a distinctive asymmetrical dagger classified among Southeast Asia's most iconic edged weapons—features a slender steel blade measuring 14¾ inches long, housed in a matching sheath of wood inlaid with copper and gold With an overall length of 20 inches and a weight of just under a pound, its balanced design made it both a practical tool for combat and a symbol of prestige. Crafted by an unknown artisan, the *kris* showcases sophisticat...