A keraton (?) keris in east javanese dress, where is the blade from?

Gustav · 26th November 2024, 06:43 PM

A couple of pictures - two of the original Keris from auction house in France, before being cleaned. As we see, the scabbard is a perfect fit, contrary to the remark "The wrongko does not appear to be original to the blade".

Also two pictures of a blade, which was auctioned in UK about ten years ago. I would say, both blades are stylistically very close.

Regarding the fluted body - the idea of it comes from an Majapahit architectural element, which does live forth in Pasisir hilts. The original thought of this architectural element quite possibly is banyan tree trunk. The meaning of hilt and related Pasisir hilts thus could be a spiritual entity, which resides in a banyan tree - a very common idea in Indonesia.

David · 26th November 2024, 07:48 PM

Gustav, thanks for the additional images and your ideas on this fluted trunk. I can also see this theme to a certain extent in this East Jawa hilt in Jean's hilt book.
Regarding the wrongko, while this blade may well have been adapted to this sheath i must say that i would have expected a different fit to accommodate the gonjo wilut of this blade. It rides a bit too high in the wrongko. But i will say than none of the images i have seen are really satisfactory enough to draw an firm opinion.

26th November 2024, 06:43 PM	#1
Gustav Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,295	A couple of pictures - two of the original Keris from auction house in France, before being cleaned. As we see, the scabbard is a perfect fit, contrary to the remark "The wrongko does not appear to be original to the blade". Also two pictures of a blade, which was auctioned in UK about ten years ago. I would say, both blades are stylistically very close. Regarding the fluted body - the idea of it comes from an Majapahit architectural element, which does live forth in Pasisir hilts. The original thought of this architectural element quite possibly is banyan tree trunk. The meaning of hilt and related Pasisir hilts thus could be a spiritual entity, which resides in a banyan tree - a very common idea in Indonesia. Attached Images

26th November 2024, 07:48 PM	#2
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,228	Gustav, thanks for the additional images and your ideas on this fluted trunk. I can also see this theme to a certain extent in this East Jawa hilt in Jean's hilt book. Regarding the wrongko, while this blade may well have been adapted to this sheath i must say that i would have expected a different fit to accommodate the gonjo wilut of this blade. It rides a bit too high in the wrongko. But i will say than none of the images i have seen are really satisfactory enough to draw an firm opinion. Attached Images