A very fine and exceptional keris, 100% original antique Riau Penghulu / Pangulu example with perfectly defined Gondola blade features.
This large status or Chieftain keris measures 41.5cms tall in its sheath, 40cms out and has a 32cms long blade.
The Condition this example has been kept in is exceptional, and the depth of lustre to the old timbers is very deep and luminous
All aspects are near perfect with the exceptional of one small edge section of the sampir that looks to have been used in a defensive manner,
being a 1cm wide section that looks to have been cut or chopped at three times.
The large Rekko hulu has been positioned and set fast in what is commonly noted as a retirement position,
being that the keris was no longer in active service of its owner, although in this instance it is set slightly raised from the retirement position.
I have not attempted to rotate this from its current position as a firm hand will not move it.
The old-world timbers show a desirable use of grains. Within the sampir are fine sunburst grains to both faces, a contrasting cut stem with clear tiger stripes in the correct lighting, and a rich, dark coloured butnut.
Although the blade is not finished in a dark stain favoured within these regions, it is one of high contrast steels, being a mix of Pamor Luwu and a high carbon core.
The features to the base of the outer face are that of a man kneeling in prayer, with further profile features of a man seen further along the same side of the blade just above the halfway measurement.
A sensational example of the large Riau, Jambi keris.
