Javanese Tempius, Pedang Tusuk scabbard design question

BluErf · 26th April 2006, 03:20 PM

It may have more significance than simply because it is the part that goes under the sash. In the Javanese context, they have textiles worn in the Courts which has dyed patterns at the peripheral of the cloth, but a central diamond-shaped portion is left white intentionally. It seemed to have the significance of representing protection against evil spirits or external elements which may harm the wearer.

If we look at the motifs on the sheath, we have vegetation, and in some other examples, animals and or mythical beasts. Sometimes there are mountains and clouds too. That would represent the world that the owner lived in - fraught with dangers and natural elements. The blank portion would seem to represent a safe sanctum against the outside world.

Perhaps fellow forumnites from Java can explain better.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Threaded Mode

26th April 2006, 03:20 PM	#4
BluErf Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,180	It may have more significance than simply because it is the part that goes under the sash. In the Javanese context, they have textiles worn in the Courts which has dyed patterns at the peripheral of the cloth, but a central diamond-shaped portion is left white intentionally. It seemed to have the significance of representing protection against evil spirits or external elements which may harm the wearer. If we look at the motifs on the sheath, we have vegetation, and in some other examples, animals and or mythical beasts. Sometimes there are mountains and clouds too. That would represent the world that the owner lived in - fraught with dangers and natural elements. The blank portion would seem to represent a safe sanctum against the outside world. Perhaps fellow forumnites from Java can explain better.