A Bali (or Lombok) Keris for comment

Jean · 15th December 2015, 08:47 AM

I noticed this piece but wonder whether the blade could be javanese because of the type of dapur (uncommon in Bali & Lombok), the ganja with pamor, and the absence of greneng.
Regards

A. G. Maisey · 15th December 2015, 10:59 AM

Yes, the dhapur is not common outside Jawa, however, I cannot recognise a Javanese interpretation of this dhapur in this blade:- look at the way the kembang kacang sinks into the body of the blade and the end of the gadhik slopes down. It actually looks as if the maker was trying to create this dhapur but was not quite sure how to go about it.

However, just for the sake of argument, lets say that it is Javanese, but as we all know, this is not enough. If it is Javanese we should be able to classify it. Speaking only for myself, I am unable to do this.

Jean · 16th December 2015, 08:48 AM

Yes Alan, the kembang kacang should protrude from the gandik instead of being carved from it, and I wonder whether it is original. I won't attempt to classify this kris as well and notice that there was possibly greneng on the ganja originally but it disappeared because of corrosion and wear.
Regards

Jean · 19th December 2015, 05:51 PM

I found by chance a very similar blade to this one (with also 9 shallow waves and a similar pamor pattern) shown on page 60 of the reference book "Keris Bali Bersejarah" so it may be a balinese blade after all.

Regards

Rafngard · 19th December 2015, 07:30 PM

Firstly, thank you all very much for your opinions. I learn every time I post something here.

Secondly, I don't think kembang kacang is a later addition. The line of the blade flows into it too well.

Thanks,
Leif

Jean · 20th December 2015, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rafngard

Secondly, I don't think kembang kacang is a later addition. The line of the blade flows into it too well.

Thanks,
Leif

You are right, the kembang kacang is just worn-out.
Regards

16th December 2015, 08:48 AM	#3
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	Yes Alan, the kembang kacang should protrude from the gandik instead of being carved from it, and I wonder whether it is original. I won't attempt to classify this kris as well and notice that there was possibly greneng on the ganja originally but it disappeared because of corrosion and wear. Regards Last edited by Jean; 16th December 2015 at 09:01 AM.

15th December 2015, 08:47 AM	#1
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	I noticed this piece but wonder whether the blade could be javanese because of the type of dapur (uncommon in Bali & Lombok), the ganja with pamor, and the absence of greneng. Regards

15th December 2015, 10:59 AM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,048	Yes, the dhapur is not common outside Jawa, however, I cannot recognise a Javanese interpretation of this dhapur in this blade:- look at the way the kembang kacang sinks into the body of the blade and the end of the gadhik slopes down. It actually looks as if the maker was trying to create this dhapur but was not quite sure how to go about it. However, just for the sake of argument, lets say that it is Javanese, but as we all know, this is not enough. If it is Javanese we should be able to classify it. Speaking only for myself, I am unable to do this.

19th December 2015, 05:51 PM	#4
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	I found by chance a very similar blade to this one (with also 9 shallow waves and a similar pamor pattern) shown on page 60 of the reference book "Keris Bali Bersejarah" so it may be a balinese blade after all. Regards

19th December 2015, 07:30 PM	#5
Rafngard Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Minneapolis,MN Posts: 354	Firstly, thank you all very much for your opinions. I learn every time I post something here. Secondly, I don't think kembang kacang is a later addition. The line of the blade flows into it too well. Thanks, Leif