Nicely carved Madurese hilt with Chinese Motif

nechesh · 4th September 2005, 06:36 AM

I would like to refer you all to the book Spirit of Wood. Examples of the use of both the swastika and the endless knot pattern in Malay culture can be seen there. Pg. 45 shows ventilation panels in the walls of Masjid Wadi Husin at Telok Manok. The caption states that "the swastika was commonly adopted in Malay culture as a symbol of protection." Pg. 78 also shows another wall from this ancient mosque which also incorporates the "endless knot" as a window panel.
BTW, swastikas are to be found in cultures all around the world, including Amerindian. While it is most likely the swastika was imported into the Malay world it should be noted that it seems to have developed independently in many parts of the world.Generally it held the same symbolism as a solar energy for good luck and protection where ever it developed.
For what it is worth i also agree that the dragon on the first hilt does not look like any Chinese dragon i have ever seen. I would also think the swastika made it's way to the Malay world through Hindu influences more than Chinese. Certainly Chinese influences have made themselve evident, but i don't think this is the case here.

RSWORD · 5th September 2005, 08:33 PM

David

Thank you for the referral and the additional information. You mentioned the design shows up in wall panels several times in the book but are there any keris hilts with this particular design. While I admit I have not handled a ton of keris over the years I have yet to see this pattern in a keris but would love to know there were dozens of examples out there with it so prominently featured as this keris. Also, I appreciate the differences of opinion in regards to the dragon. For me, I am trying to piece together all of the decorative elements on the hilt to better understand it. What do you believe the dragon and the bird represents along with the other decoration?

4th September 2005, 06:36 AM	#1
nechesh Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 940	I would like to refer you all to the book Spirit of Wood. Examples of the use of both the swastika and the endless knot pattern in Malay culture can be seen there. Pg. 45 shows ventilation panels in the walls of Masjid Wadi Husin at Telok Manok. The caption states that "the swastika was commonly adopted in Malay culture as a symbol of protection." Pg. 78 also shows another wall from this ancient mosque which also incorporates the "endless knot" as a window panel. BTW, swastikas are to be found in cultures all around the world, including Amerindian. While it is most likely the swastika was imported into the Malay world it should be noted that it seems to have developed independently in many parts of the world.Generally it held the same symbolism as a solar energy for good luck and protection where ever it developed. For what it is worth i also agree that the dragon on the first hilt does not look like any Chinese dragon i have ever seen. I would also think the swastika made it's way to the Malay world through Hindu influences more than Chinese. Certainly Chinese influences have made themselve evident, but i don't think this is the case here.

5th September 2005, 08:33 PM	#2
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,087	David Thank you for the referral and the additional information. You mentioned the design shows up in wall panels several times in the book but are there any keris hilts with this particular design. While I admit I have not handled a ton of keris over the years I have yet to see this pattern in a keris but would love to know there were dozens of examples out there with it so prominently featured as this keris. Also, I appreciate the differences of opinion in regards to the dragon. For me, I am trying to piece together all of the decorative elements on the hilt to better understand it. What do you believe the dragon and the bird represents along with the other decoration?