Something worth a passing glance

[Green]

Fair statement Alan. I am a malay and certainly I have quite a different cultural background compared with the Javanese although we have many similarities as well. Malay and Javanese are quite different people in many ways although many would consider Javanese and Malay are essentially the same group of people while some others of more nationalistic bent vehemently claim that we are different races LOL.

But what I observe and historical events have amply showed that
Javanese are quite anti Chinese even to this day and it would be interesting if any Javanese in this group would comment what they think about the motif of this pendok.

[A. G. Maisey]

Whilst it is true that there are some genetic similarities between Malay & Javanese peoples, there are very great differences between Malay society as it exists in today's Malaysia, & Javanese society as it exists in today's Jawa.

It is also true that from the 19th century, when the Chinese were used by the Dutch as their managers, overseers, supervisors & hit men, the Javanese have, in general, harboured an intense dislike for the Chinese people living in Jawa, if we look at the historical contributions of the Chinese to Javanese & Balinese society & culture we find that much of what we now tend to regard as uniquely Javanese is in fact of Chinese origin.

Historically the Chinese have played an exceptionally important role in the development of Javanese art & culture. It is even possible that without the contribution of Chinese Muslims, Jawa might not be regarded as an Islamic state today.

In respect of the pendok, of course this motif is influenced by Chinese style, nobody can deny that, however, that Chinese style is now as much a part of Javanese art & culture as are the many other Chinese inspired motifs that are a part of Javanese art.

This discussion is in my opinion going nowhere, I made this photo of an exceptional piece of Javanese keris art available for public view to permit others to see what the best can look like, I did not make it available to open a discussion on whether Chinese influence can be found in Javanese art. This is a given, & it cannot be denied.

Similarly it cannot be denied that this Chinese influence can be seen in this piece of Javanese art work.

None the less, in the lexicon of Javanese art, Chinese inspired motifs do have a place and are legitimately identified as Javanese art at the present time.

I do acknowledge that not everybody might particularly like this motif, but I did not make it available to generate a poll on likes & dislikes, I made it available so that others may be able to see what superior craftsmanship looks like, and that is completely independent of personal likes & dislikes, it is something that must be an objective judgement.

[JustYS]

This high end templek pendok always amazed me, thank you for showing Alan.

Am I correct to guess the materials are silver and gold plated?

Also does the pendok motifs have a hierarchical rank like the pendok color? In a sense are there some motifs attributed to certain ranks?

Thank you.

[Gustav]

Superior craftmanship?

[A. G. Maisey]

Gustav, everything is relative:- we do not compare apples & oranges, there is no universal norm.

[SidJ]

Seeing Alan's Post and having dug this keris out after some years, is this pending of any special merit? Seems well made to my eyes but your thoughts would be appreciated.
Best Sid