YOUNGER Keris

[ganjawulung]

Dear All,

This humble gentleman, Empu Pauzan Pusposukadgo -- also once a Kraton Empu and "mantri pande" or 'minister' of Kraton keris maker but now retired, holding his creation of pamor "kalpataru tree" (made in mid 1990-s). His other well-known creation (collaboration) of pamor making is "poleng wengkon" pamor. Poleng wengkon, consists of squarred horizontal and vertical motifs -- designed by a German Dietrich Drescher (I would ask to Ki Jaya Malela, please...). This collaboration, amazed keris people in Java too in 90-s. Bravo! (I took this picture on 5th of August 2008)...

Ganjawulung

[A. G. Maisey]

Another image of a kalpataru.

This is the 227th. blade completed by Pak Pauzan, and was completed in Januari 1993.Dhapur jalak sangu tumpeng.

[sjors]

Empu Pauzan Pusposukadgo even wrote a booklet about "poleng wengkon" pamor. I'm proud to say he personally gave me a copy when I visited him in 1992.

[ganjawulung]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Another image of a kalpataru.

This is the 227th. blade completed by Pak Pauzan, and was completed in Januari 1993.Dhapur jalak sangu tumpeng.

Thanks a lot, Alan, for the accurate info on Pak Pauzan. Yes, he always mentioned you and also Dietrich. Pak Pauzan has a good notes and written documentation of all his past works on keris. Also the names of people who had commissioned kerises to him...

Originally Posted by sjors

Empu Pauzan Pusposukadgo even wrote a booklet about "poleng wengkon" pamor. I'm proud to say he personally gave me a copy when I visited him in 1992.

Exactly, Sjors. He wrote a booklet "Summary on Keris Making" (Ringkasan Pembuatan Keris) -- the fourth edition on 1992. Even his wife had transcripted for him the "keris making" book of the late Empu Singawijaya ("Pandameling Duwung") from javanese or caraka scripture...

Ganjawulung

[ganjawulung]

And this picture below, is showing a Balinese keris maker Pande Ktut Mudra in Kusamba, Klungkung, North-eastern of Bali. Please look at the many sacks of charcoal from teakwood -- "imported" from Java. (Only in java -- especially East Java people are still making charcoal from teakwood that is able to burn iron material more than 1000 degree celsius?)

[Marcokeris]

Hallo Ganja
I remember the place! I was there some years ago....the keris maker had a big piece of (he said) meteoric stone ... very, very heavy (i took a photo but i don't remember where is now).
I remember a nice trip by car with my family to go to Kusamba along fields and fields and fields completely full of coloured flowers (for Bali's ceremonies)...nice!!

[A. G. Maisey]

Yes, Pak Pauzan always kept records.

Some of more elaborate keris he made were superb works of art.

However, no matter how good Pak Pauzan's keris work may have been, he will be remembered as one of nature's gentlemen. I have known Pak Pauzan and his wife since 1974, and I have never known him to be less than a perfect gentleman, and a most decent and honorable man. He is one of the very few people in whom I am prepared to place 100% trust.

I have a copy of Pandameling Duwung too, which I had translated. In fact, I have copies of all the books on keris that are in the Mangkunegaraan Library, and those in caraka script I have had translated to Indonesian.

[ganjawulung]

Originally Posted by Marcokeris

I remember a nice trip by car with my family to go to Kusamba along fields and fields and fields completely full of coloured flowers (for Bali's ceremonies)...nice!!

Yes, Marco, it is the same besalen you've seen. Pande Ktut Mudra is the son of Pande Mangku Wija -- the offspring of one great Balinese empu in the past in Banjar Pande, Kusamba. The name of the "banjar" (specific neighborhood association in every kampung in Bali), which bears name "pande" (smith) indicates that in the past this banjar were the place of Balinese keris smith. And usually, the offspring of Balinese empu also wears name "Pande", as does the owner of Keris Museum in Bali, Pande Wayan Sutedja Neka (I think he's been photographed by someone in Nusa's post 'KERIS EXHIBITION').

And I think you've been here too, Marco (please see the pic below). Another besalen, but in Gatak village, in Sumberagung, Moyudan, Sleman Jogjakarta. The besalen of the late Empu Djenoharumbrodjo -- the last offspring (15th descent) of Majapahit empu, Supo Anom. He died in 2006, he had not been married until his last day in this world. Now Pak Sungkowo (picture) below, his nephew, is continuing the work for the late Empu Djeno...

Both -- Pande Mangku Wija in Bali and also the late Empu Djeno Harumbrodjo -- had been revived to make kerises (after the family tradition had ceased for years) by Dietrich Drescher...

Ganjawulung

[Newsteel]

Great pictures guys. This is refreshing! Taking a younger or newly made keris up on the stage.

I understand there are keris exhibition and competition going on at Indonesia. Maybe Pak ganjawulung can show us some good pics. I received this picture from an email from Indonesian keris collectors and friends. I am very impressed by this new made betok.