A Unique and Interesting Javanese Parang

CharlesS · 16th July 2008, 01:14 PM

Here is a lovely old Javanese parang, I believe from no later than the mid to late 19th century. The pommel opening seems to bow to European influence in design. At first glance its fittings almost give it the appearance of a pedang lurus, but it clearly is not. Note a fine and interesting ivory hilt with silver cup mount. The gently curved blade is classic, well executed pamor.....can anyone identify the pamor pattern??...thanks for any help on that issue.

VVV · 16th July 2008, 04:52 PM

Both interesting and unique indeed.
I haven't seen any pedang with that kind of hilt before.
The closest is a royal gift pedang lurus at Tropen with ivory hilt, gold etc...
Your hilt resembles the Madurese Donoriko keris hilt.
On the pamor maybe you could attach a close up?

Michael

CharlesS · 16th July 2008, 05:14 PM

Thanks VVV.

The hilt style does, indeed, resemble the Madurese keris hilt.

The blade is also a unique shape, just slightly curved with a false edge, almost as if the bladesmith could not decide whether to make a 'slasher' or 'stabber', and so tried for both.

I doubt this sword was ever intended for use though. It is relatively thin and light, though not flexible.

The blade close-up is attached. You can also easily see where the false edge begins.

josh stout · 16th July 2008, 06:05 PM

That bend just before the false edge is exactly like a pedang larus, and as you say, the guard also would be correct for a pedang larus. Very strange

How well does the point line up when thrusting? With a typical pedang larus, it is like pointing a finger with the right palm held vertically facing the right. Could it be designed for the tricky backhand thrust? (Right palm vertical facing the left, body turned sideways)
Josh

CharlesS · 16th July 2008, 07:57 PM

Josh,

This blade has a distinct up curve towards the end that is somewhat different from a pedang lurus. Holding it, it strikes you immediately as a slasher, but could be used for thrusting.

David · 16th July 2008, 08:03 PM

Charles...in a word...stunning!

Are you thinking East Jawa due to the Madurese influence on the hilt?

asomotif · 16th July 2008, 08:05 PM

The hilt also makes me think of a mameluke sword. the way they where carried by the europeans with the big hole in it.

16th July 2008, 01:14 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	A Unique and Interesting Javanese Parang Here is a lovely old Javanese *parang*, I believe from no later than the mid to late 19th century. The pommel opening seems to bow to European influence in design. At first glance its fittings almost give it the appearance of a pedang lurus, but it clearly is not. Note a fine and interesting ivory hilt with silver cup mount. The gently curved blade is classic, well executed pamor.....can anyone identify the pamor pattern??...thanks for any help on that issue. Attached Images

16th July 2008, 05:14 PM	#3
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	Thanks VVV. The hilt style does, indeed, resemble the Madurese keris hilt. The blade is also a unique shape, just slightly curved with a false edge, almost as if the bladesmith could not decide whether to make a 'slasher' or 'stabber', and so tried for both. I doubt this sword was ever intended for use though. It is relatively thin and light, though not flexible. The blade close-up is attached. You can also easily see where the false edge begins. Attached Images

16th July 2008, 04:52 PM	#2
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Both interesting and unique indeed. I haven't seen any pedang with that kind of hilt before. The closest is a royal gift pedang lurus at Tropen with ivory hilt, gold etc... Your hilt resembles the Madurese Donoriko keris hilt. On the pamor maybe you could attach a close up? Michael

16th July 2008, 06:05 PM	#4
josh stout Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 407	That bend just before the false edge is exactly like a pedang larus, and as you say, the guard also would be correct for a pedang larus. Very strange How well does the point line up when thrusting? With a typical pedang larus, it is like pointing a finger with the right palm held vertically facing the right. Could it be designed for the tricky backhand thrust? (Right palm vertical facing the left, body turned sideways) Josh

16th July 2008, 07:57 PM	#5
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	Josh, This blade has a distinct up curve towards the end that is somewhat different from a pedang lurus. Holding it, it strikes you immediately as a slasher, but could be used for thrusting.

16th July 2008, 08:03 PM	#6
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,100	Charles...in a word...stunning! Are you thinking East Jawa due to the Madurese influence on the hilt?

16th July 2008, 08:05 PM	#7
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,224	The hilt also makes me think of a mameluke sword. the way they where carried by the europeans with the big hole in it.