An exquisitely carved Royal Balinese gold and gem-encrusted kris hilt. A gilt metal and stone inset handle modeled as a seated warrior, profusely decorated with red and green stoner, the cast gold surface is moulded around a core material and decorated with elaborate repoussé work and incised detailing. Sometimes referred to as rakshasa (ogre), this type of hard to identify wrathful figure is often seen adorning the hilts of Balinese krisses. Deeply rooted in the Malay world in both ritual prescriptions and mythology, the kris has played a particularly important role in Balinese society. Standing as pusaka, a powerful sanctified heirloom and serving as a strong marker of socio-economic status, a kris could only be made by Pande blacksmiths who claim status higher than that of a Brahman. 19/20th Century. H: 17cm. Few tones missing.