Unusual planar keris handles

A. G. Maisey · 29th October 2013, 10:04 PM

Oh yes, I almost forgot.

In respect of these hilts with motifs that can be interpreted as cloud motifs, may I suggest that Pekalongan is more likely as point of origin than Cirebon.

If I am correct in this possibility, it is also possible that these hilts, were made on the order of an ethnic Chinese person, rather than an ethnic Javanese.

Sajen · 30th October 2013, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Oh yes, I almost forgot.

In respect of these hilts with motifs that can be interpreted as cloud motifs, may I suggest that Pekalongan is more likely as point of origin than Cirebon.

If I am correct in this possibility, it is also possible that these hilts, were made on the order of an ethnic Chinese person, rather than an ethnic Javanese.

Thank you for your thoughts about this both hilts. This would explain also the high age from both hilts. Mataram era, correct?

Regards,

Detlef

Sajen · 30th October 2013, 12:59 AM

Not purely planar but I think this hilt fit in this thread.

A. G. Maisey · 30th October 2013, 03:49 AM

If you look carefully at the planes on the hilt I posted, you will see that these planes are not flat planes at all, but curved. This curved effect is called "kruwingan", because it has already been done the planes are now "dikruwing". Strictly speaking this word should only be used to describe this type of work in metal, for instance, in a keris the gulo milir is kruwingan work, but it is acceptable to use it to describe the same type of work in other mediums.

Regarding age of the hilts. I think you mean Mataram era?

Frankly I have no idea at all how old they are. Bearing in mind how quickly materials deteriorate in Jawa they could be 19th century if they left Jawa within the last 50 years or so.

The Mataram era is a pretty elastic description since the House of Mataram is still in power in both Solo and Jogja.

Sajen · 30th October 2013, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

If you look carefully at the planes on the hilt I posted, you will see that these planes are not flat planes at all, but curved. This curved effect is called "kruwingan", because it has already been done the planes are now "dikruwing". Strictly speaking this word should only be used to describe this type of work in metal, for instance, in a keris the gulo milir is kruwingan work, but it is acceptable to use it to describe the same type of work in other mediums.

Regarding age of the hilts. I think you mean Mataram era?

Frankly I have no idea at all how old they are. Bearing in mind how quickly materials deteriorate in Jawa they could be 19th century if they left Jawa within the last 50 years or so.

The Mataram era is a pretty elastic description since the House of Mataram is still in power in both Solo and Jogja.

Hello Alan,

thank you for explanation.

And yes, I have meant "era"!

Regards,

Detlef

Jean · 5th November 2013, 01:36 PM

I already showed this one I think but it is one of my favourites

Regards

David · 5th November 2013, 04:16 PM

Oh Jean, i do so love this hilt. Thanks for showing it again. I think that even though this has clearly been carved out a a planar mold, so much figural carving has been done that we cannot call it a planar hilt anymore. It defies the very definition of planar. Still awfully beautiful though...

30th October 2013, 12:59 AM	#3
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,164	Not purely planar but I think this hilt fit in this thread. Attached Images

5th November 2013, 01:36 PM	#6
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	I already showed this one I think but it is one of my favourites Regards Attached Images

29th October 2013, 10:04 PM	#1
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,989	Oh yes, I almost forgot. In respect of these hilts with motifs that can be interpreted as cloud motifs, may I suggest that Pekalongan is more likely as point of origin than Cirebon. If I am correct in this possibility, it is also possible that these hilts, were made on the order of an ethnic Chinese person, rather than an ethnic Javanese.

30th October 2013, 03:49 AM	#4
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,989	If you look carefully at the planes on the hilt I posted, you will see that these planes are not flat planes at all, but curved. This curved effect is called "kruwingan", because it has already been done the planes are now "dikruwing". Strictly speaking this word should only be used to describe this type of work in metal, for instance, in a keris the gulo milir is kruwingan work, but it is acceptable to use it to describe the same type of work in other mediums. Regarding age of the hilts. I think you mean Mataram era? Frankly I have no idea at all how old they are. Bearing in mind how quickly materials deteriorate in Jawa they could be 19th century if they left Jawa within the last 50 years or so. The Mataram era is a pretty elastic description since the House of Mataram is still in power in both Solo and Jogja.

5th November 2013, 04:16 PM	#7
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,209	Oh Jean, i do so love this hilt. Thanks for showing it again. I think that even though this has clearly been carved out a a planar mold, so much figural carving has been done that we cannot call it a planar hilt anymore. It defies the very definition of planar. Still awfully beautiful though...