Excellent pendok, Alan.
If I may add, there was a society way back in Javanese tradition as "Peranakan", a mixed-heritage of South East Asian to Mongoloid. Predominantly mainland Chinese origin.
At the era of early colonialism, these ethnics were also immersed onto Javanese culture. But in my argument, mostly inhabited upon northern part of Java. From Cirebon in West Java along the way to Surabaya in East Java.
Furthermore, it can distinctively seen upon their batik pattern. "Batik Pekalongan" (considered as batik Peranakan) and "Batik Kidulan" (means batik from southern part of Java i.e Jogja and Solo).
Hence, these motives are also etched upon pendok of a Keris.
Alan, to my best knowledge, in javanese classical "Nogo" or "Antaboga" (Dragon) were not always with claws in manacing pose with it's mustaches. Well most of it to be honest. I've been in many Keratons: Jogja, Solo, Cirebon and Kadipaten: Pakualaman and Mangkunegaran. Most of their dragons (Antaboga) are hardly depicted with manacing claws.
2. interconnected Puffing Cloud as well, are hardly in javanese style. In comparison of puffing cloud as in many wayang kulit, which was perceived as devata or in Kahyangan.
But you are right.
Java is clearly a super melting pot of cultures.
So to this beautiful pendok, if I may say, it has a touch of Java-Peranakan. As we way see on Batik Pekalongan.
Regards,
Daud.
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