Dagger (kris) holder in the form of a demon

In Bali, important daggers (krises) were sometimes displayed in holders carved in the shape of a person, an animal, or a mythological figure. This demon holds a kris with an elaborate gold hilt and a delicately painted crosspiece at the upper end of the scabbard. On the side of the crosspiece closer to the demon are depicted legendary figures in a style recalling shadow puppets. Elaborate kris holders like this would have been found only in wealthy and aristocratic homes.