Gold work on blades

[Mick]

Hi folks

I have been lurking in the woods listening to some of the experts talking about the specific topics of keris esoterica for awhile and it has been interesting and educational. I have learned a lot, but I also have noted that some of the less learned (such as myself) aficionados seem to have been scared off from posting.

A little while ago there was a topic that led into the types of gold work on keris blades. Not many people can afford to have examples all of these different types of work, but I acquired a couple of minor pieces while I was working down there thirty or more years ago which could prove interesting to some of the many people who are not experts (such as myself).

My digital camera died recently so I had to buy a new one. This post gives me a good reason to test this new camera out. I am not looking to start a long list of golden kerises. I am just trying to illustrate the different methods of attaching the gold to the blade.

It has been noted that the Javanese gold work is recognized as the best in that the blade is carved and heavily prepared to accept lumps of gold which are hammered on to the prepared surfaces. This gold is then carved to provide the final effect the goldsmith wishes. This work was thought so highly of that people who could afford it sent pieces from the other islands to Java to have this work done and possibly provided for Javanese goldsmiths to reside on their islands while they accomplished this type of work.

The first piece that is used to illustrate this technique follows. Note that the gold has been dislodged and lost in portions of this piece which allows you to see how the iron was prepared. This happens over time no matter how careful the owner is. Of course sometimes an owner strips the gold off of a piece and sells it for its raw material value if he falls upon hard times.

Note the missing gold on the hip of the Singa and some of the missing stems and flowers on the ganja.