New Bali Sarung and Handles

[alexish]

I hereby enclose more pictures of new Balinese sarungs and handles for comments.

[mariusgmioc]

While I know very little about Balinese kerises, the ones in the photos seem very much like the classic "tourist keris"... albeit of somehow better workmanship.

You make the asumption that the majority of Balinese keris hilts are in the form of Rakasas/demons. However, from all what I have seen, both on internet and in Indonesian museums, the most prevalent figural form for Balinese keris hilts is by far that of god Bayu or at least somebody resembling him (see link below). I have also seen quite many supposedly representing Arjuna. So, I seriously doubt that your asumption is correct.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...balinese+keris

[rasjid]

I myself always tried to have the newly made material from their local origin carvers and if necessary with the help from local friends also if we can not reach directly or conveniently communicate.
We have a lot of good carvers and export their handycraft to overseas but that doesnt mean that the quality at their top level always. This is normal for any art objects i believe. Same here with the new rongko. Skill is one aspect, raw material and time or quality made is another thing. We have to know what to look for within our knowledge / information at that time of purchase, if we really commit to own it. Then learn from there

just want to clarify here:
1. Tourist object: cheap n low grade material n simple carving if there is carving.
2. Good quality carving (anybody can mostly agreed) and maybe good raw material or maybe basic /standard material rongkos. Maybe like pictures shown here in this thread.
3. Good carving / style and follow the local standard or Pakem with kraton era - i dont want to argue here but just for discussion as well known from Museums or maybe at some collectors item in the field with known sources.

So my guess maybe Allans point i would consider into point#3

i attached Also my version of newly made Bali rongko

thanks
rasjid

[mariusgmioc]

Originally Posted by rasjid

just want to clarify here:
1. Tourist object: cheap n low grade material n simple carving if there is carving.

In my perception a "tourist keris" is not necessarilly low grade material and workmanship but something made as much eye-catching as possible, without any respect to the centuries old tradition of keris-making, and addressed to an undiscerning buyer who buys solely based on exterior aspect/artistic appeal.