Review on Bali keris Pedang

[A. G. Maisey]

Incidentally:-

"Scabbard: not shown, mouthpiece elaborate sesrengatan form (javan. ladrangan), reserved for the spiritual and secular upper classes (brahmana, khsatrya)."

Current opinion in Bali seems to be that the sesrengatan wrongko form is the Balinese equivalent of the Javanese ladrangan, that is, the dress form that is correct wear for formal and official occasions.

I have never heard of it being the prerogative of Brahmana & K'satriya, additionally Neka's understanding seems to be the same as my own.

[A. G. Maisey]

Sid, this is the first time I have heard that name for these piercings at the blade base, but I like it, it is most appropriate.

If we take the entire wilah as Meru : Siwa and the sogokan as Lingga : Siwa, then those piercings as the eyes of Siwa seem to fit right in.

[Anthony G.]

Originally Posted by David

I did a little searching online, and this is part of the original IFICAH catalog description. So yes, they identify the metal used in the wewer as "gold" and the stones as glass.
And they dated the keris as possibly being as old as late 18th century in the catalog.
They also mention the sarung (not shown for some reason either in their catalog for the show or in the auction catalog) as being sesrengatan. I am a bit surprised that a sesrengatan sheath would be matched with a tapukan hilt. Anyone have an opinion on that.

Mendak Gold set with dark stone or glass cabochons.
Scabbard: not shown, mouthpiece elaborate sesrengatan form (javan. ladrangan), reserved for the spiritual and secular upper classes (brahmana, khsatrya).
Blade 18th or early 19th century, mount 20th century.
Blade 47.3 cm

Thanks David. Wow, i have strike 'gold'.