Where does this sheath come from?

Sajen · 2nd June 2025, 07:52 PM

I won a lot with three keris at a German auction. One of them is this one in the picture. Where is this scabbard style from?

Thank you for your thoughts!

A. G. Maisey · 2nd June 2025, 11:06 PM

The style accords with Surakarta Ladrangan Capu, but there are variations to the interpretation that could be due to either original carving or to repair & refinishing of a damaged section. If the variations are the product of original carving it most probably indicates production in a place that was out of the mainstream influence of Surakarta. The variation I'm referring to is the way in which the janggut section of the wrongko has been foreshortened.

Sajen · 2nd June 2025, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

The style accords with Surakarta Ladrangan Capu, but there are variations to the interpretation that could be due to either original carving or to repair & refinishing of a damaged section. If the variations are the product of original carving it most probably indicates production in a place that was out of the mainstream influence of Surakarta.

Thank you Alan! When I think of Landrangan Capu I have in mind a scabbard style like the one Jean has shown once, see the attached first picture in comparison to the one in question. But like you said, it could be variation.

Regards,
Detlef

A. G. Maisey · 2nd June 2025, 11:59 PM

From "Keris Jawa"

A. G. Maisey · 3rd June 2025, 12:07 AM

I'm more inclined to think it is a repair, maybe the front of the wrongko was a bit marked/scuffed/indented and somebody outside the society or culture took to it with a sharp knife & some cabinet paper.

If we look very carefully at the top left of the pendok we can see that there is not a flowing line along the length of the janggut section, it sort of runs a bit flat approaching the pendok, then it begins to curve. This shaping is not the work of a bonafide m'ranggi or tukang wrongko.

I am inclined to believe that somebody with very limited understanding decided that the wrongko needed a facelift, so he gave it one that pleased himself.

Sajen · 3rd June 2025, 08:01 AM

Thank you again Alan!

I don't have it in my hands yet but I will post pictures when I have received it.

Regards,
Detlef

A. G. Maisey · 3rd June 2025, 09:20 AM

I look forward to that.

2nd June 2025, 07:52 PM	#1
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,185	Where does this sheath come from? I won a lot with three keris at a German auction. One of them is this one in the picture. Where is this scabbard style from? Thank you for your thoughts! Attached Images

2nd June 2025, 11:06 PM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,011	The style accords with Surakarta Ladrangan Capu, but there are variations to the interpretation that could be due to either original carving or to repair & refinishing of a damaged section. If the variations are the product of original carving it most probably indicates production in a place that was out of the mainstream influence of Surakarta. The variation I'm referring to is the way in which the janggut section of the wrongko has been foreshortened. Last edited by A. G. Maisey; 2nd June 2025 at 11:56 PM. Reason: clarification.

2nd June 2025, 11:59 PM	#4
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,011	From "Keris Jawa" Attached Images

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3rd June 2025, 12:07 AM	#5
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,011	I'm more inclined to think it is a repair, maybe the front of the wrongko was a bit marked/scuffed/indented and somebody outside the society or culture took to it with a sharp knife & some cabinet paper. If we look very carefully at the top left of the pendok we can see that there is not a flowing line along the length of the janggut section, it sort of runs a bit flat approaching the pendok, then it begins to curve. This shaping is not the work of a bonafide m'ranggi or tukang wrongko. I am inclined to believe that somebody with very limited understanding decided that the wrongko needed a facelift, so he gave it one that pleased himself.

3rd June 2025, 08:01 AM	#6
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,185	Thank you again Alan! I don't have it in my hands yet but I will post pictures when I have received it. Regards, Detlef

3rd June 2025, 09:20 AM	#7
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,011	I look forward to that.