What & from Where?

[Bob A]

My first impression was also Indian. The only basis for my opinion is the way that this blade, in common with some quality Indian blades, is treated as though steel was an entirely plastic medium. Working steel as though it was modeling clay is a feature which has made a deep impression on me.

That said, it is nothing I've ever seen before. It's a lovely, dramatic piece, to my eyes anyway.

[ariel]

Precisely my impression: like clay.

It’s lines just flow..

One of the most beautiful examples of metalwork I’ve seen.

[mariusgmioc]

Yes, the fullered blade looks Indian, but the hilt looks so much Art Deco, European...

[A. G. Maisey]

Yes, you're right Marius, it is a combination of influences, in fact, if I look at it, I see very decided keris characteristics in the blade:- the strong ada-ada, the deep and pronounced kruwingan (fullers), the defined kusen.

So --- West meets East?

Any clues there do you think?

[Bob A]

Well, I had thought to note that the carving of keris blades was another example of artful steelcraft, but the fullers took me kattar-ward for my guess. The strict geometry of the hilt throws me, though. I can see where European or Arts and Crafts sensibility might have come into play. Perhaps even a touch of Arts Nouveau or Deco?

[kai]

I'm with Bob - looks art nouveau / art deco to me, too.

I can see why the blade might resemble Indian (less so for Indonesian) work. I'd vote for European workmanship though.

Possibly a masonic piece?

Regards,
Kai

[A. G. Maisey]

Let us not forget that the Javanese keris was born from an Indian blade form, and during its developmental peiod was deeply influenced by art, culture and technology that came out of the Sub-Continent.