Sharing a keris for discussion

RSWORD · 25th June 2011, 10:33 PM

Hello. Thought I would share this keris for discussion. Very nicely carved ivory handle and the blade is solid, with good weight and nice patterning. I'm wondering what the scabbard may have looked like and if anything can be discerned from the style and decoration of the carving on the ivory.

Alam Shah · 26th June 2011, 07:00 AM

The hilt look Maduran to me, in the Donoriko form.. the hilt cup Sumatran.. the blade, Bugis Sumatran, imho opinion. Lovely thick and wide blade with nice pamor works.

BluErf's wide cross-piece sheath would look elegant for this blade..
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4732

or
John's sheath type..
http://johnylhan.multiply.com/photos...ion_1#photo=23

GIO · 26th June 2011, 10:45 AM

Fully agree with Alam Shah

Gustav · 26th June 2011, 11:18 AM

Actually the hilt looks like a Malayan version (regarding the style of ornamentation) of a Madurese type, discussed here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...t=madura+surya, to me.

Perhaps they copied also such hilts, besides Palembang ones: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=13963

There is of course the possibility, the hilt is a recent work, done somewhere in Indonesia. It simply don't look like an old Madura hilt to me. Actually most probably the combination hilt+pendokok isn't original, the visible half of bungkul looks strange.

RSWORD · 26th June 2011, 05:30 PM

Thanks for the feedback provided thusfar. As far as whether or not the handle is a recent production all I can say having the advantage of piece in hand, is that the ivory has a nice mellow patina to it, and fine age cracks, that is more typically associated with an antique piece. While it is possible to artificially age ivory, it just doesn't have that same look and feel as an aged piece. I can only speak to the patina aspect of this though and not any stylistic elements.

Jean · 26th June 2011, 07:32 PM

The hilt looks old to me and is very finely carved but I agree with Gustav that it does not seem to be Madurese, and a Malaysian origin is an interesting assumption and is matching with the style of pendokok.
Best regards
Jean

25th June 2011, 10:33 PM	#1
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,083	Sharing a keris for discussion Hello. Thought I would share this keris for discussion. Very nicely carved ivory handle and the blade is solid, with good weight and nice patterning. I'm wondering what the scabbard may have looked like and if anything can be discerned from the style and decoration of the carving on the ivory. Attached Images

26th June 2011, 07:00 AM	#2
Alam Shah Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,248	The hilt look Maduran to me, in the Donoriko form.. the hilt cup Sumatran.. the blade, Bugis Sumatran, imho opinion. Lovely thick and wide blade with nice pamor works. BluErf's wide cross-piece sheath would look elegant for this blade.. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4732 or John's sheath type.. http://johnylhan.multiply.com/photos...ion_1#photo=23 Last edited by Alam Shah; 26th June 2011 at 07:07 AM. Reason: add link

26th June 2011, 11:18 AM	#4
Gustav Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,246	Actually the hilt looks like a Malayan version (regarding the style of ornamentation) of a Madurese type, discussed here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...t=madura+surya, to me. Perhaps they copied also such hilts, besides Palembang ones: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=13963 There is of course the possibility, the hilt is a recent work, done somewhere in Indonesia. It simply don't look like an old Madura hilt to me. Actually most probably the combination hilt+pendokok isn't original, the visible half of bungkul looks strange. Last edited by Gustav; 26th June 2011 at 11:59 AM. Reason: the last sentence added

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26th June 2011, 10:45 AM	#3
GIO Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 313	Fully agree with Alam Shah

26th June 2011, 05:30 PM	#5
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,083	Thanks for the feedback provided thusfar. As far as whether or not the handle is a recent production all I can say having the advantage of piece in hand, is that the ivory has a nice mellow patina to it, and fine age cracks, that is more typically associated with an antique piece. While it is possible to artificially age ivory, it just doesn't have that same look and feel as an aged piece. I can only speak to the patina aspect of this though and not any stylistic elements.

26th June 2011, 07:32 PM	#6
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	The hilt looks old to me and is very finely carved but I agree with Gustav that it does not seem to be Madurese, and a Malaysian origin is an interesting assumption and is matching with the style of pendokok. Best regards Jean