Old Kris

mpetr · 13th November 2021, 08:19 AM

My father lived in Surakarta, Java, in the 1970s. He brought back this kris (along with two others). There was a written description of the kris: The type/shape is named eleven curves. Made during the reign of King Sultan Agung (1615-1645) in the kingdom of Mataram.
My father added: Blade made in last part of Mataram time. Sheath made at a later time, as, probably, also was the wooden parts.
My question is: Is it possible that the blade of this kris is really that old?
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A. G. Maisey · 13th November 2021, 07:10 PM

Anything is possible, but this is not a keris made in the time of Sultan Agung.

It is keris that has been made in a generic Mataram style, but not in Central Jawa, I believe close examination would indicate that it is East Javanese, probably Madura, I would not give it as 17th century, more likely pre-1850.

The kembang kacang & gandhik are typical of East Jawa/Madura, there is no odo-odo (central ridge), the sogokan are straight and in a waved blade there should be a small degree of curve, such as we would see in the beak of stork (specifically a burung bangau).

Not a bad old keris, but not Mataram Sultan Agung.

The difference between one & the other can be quantified as a very large variation in value.

The dress appears to be quite nice and is well worth restoration.

13th November 2021, 08:19 AM	#1
mpetr Member Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 5	Old Kris My father lived in Surakarta, Java, in the 1970s. He brought back this kris (along with two others). There was a written description of the kris: The type/shape is named eleven curves. Made during the reign of King Sultan Agung (1615-1645) in the kingdom of Mataram. My father added: Blade made in last part of Mataram time. Sheath made at a later time, as, probably, also was the wooden parts. My question is: Is it possible that the blade of this kris is really that old?

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13th November 2021, 07:10 PM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,879	Anything is possible, but this is not a keris made in the time of Sultan Agung. It is keris that has been made in a generic Mataram style, but not in Central Jawa, I believe close examination would indicate that it is East Javanese, probably Madura, I would not give it as 17th century, more likely pre-1850. The kembang kacang & gandhik are typical of East Jawa/Madura, there is no odo-odo (central ridge), the sogokan are straight and in a waved blade there should be a small degree of curve, such as we would see in the beak of stork (specifically a burung bangau). Not a bad old keris, but not Mataram Sultan Agung. The difference between one & the other can be quantified as a very large variation in value. The dress appears to be quite nice and is well worth restoration.