A Keris for comment

[harrywagner]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Harry, one of the things I do when I appraise a keris is to examine it very closely using a 3X loupe under good natural light. You can see a lot that you cannot otherwise see.

I suggest you have a close look at the gold that has been applied to the surface of this blade.

There are several different ways to attach gold to the surface of a blade, it is probable that the gold on your blade is a very, very thin layer of foil that has been attached in a similar way to koftgari. Sometimes a little bit of adhesive might be used where where the foil will not stick.

The total weight of the gold will be very small.

This keris is a bit heavier than your others because it is a current era keris, and the raised areas of carved steel, needed to support the gold add to the weight.

I am sure you are right. It is difficult for me to tell looking at it under magnification, but I can take some gold off with edge of a dime. I have to be a little vigorous but it does come off, so it probably is pretty thin. Here are some macro photos that might help. Many thanks for your help!

[A. G. Maisey]

Thanks Harry, but I don't need the pics. This is one of those very rare cases where I know exactly what I am looking at.

[Jean]

Hello Alan,
Is it possible to apply gold paint instead of gold leaf like I did on this small (wooden) balinese hilt or would it peel-off easily?
Regards

[A. G. Maisey]

Yes, gold paint can be used, but this is the worst and cheapest of jobs.

In Jogja back in the 1960's and through into the '70's they glued the foil on.

Another way is to apply brass, carve the brass and gold plate it.

Another way is to use fire gilding.

Then we have genuine kinatah work, which has a range of qualities.

Above this, and used mainly on the gonjo, lumps of gold are set in place by use of undercut holes cut into the steel, the gold is then carved.

More than one way to skin a cat, and finished they all look pretty much the same in photos.