New Keris/Keris baru

[A. G. Maisey]

So Shadejoy, this keris that you have shown us is the product of Pande Made Gde Suardika ?

Superb work, and an immense advance upon the work that I have previously seen attributed to this maker. Truly incredible.

Thank you very much for permitting us to see this keris.

[shadejoy]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

So Shadejoy, this keris that you have shown us is the product of Pande Made Gde Suardika ?

That is correct.

Are you implying that you've seen his past work(s)? You make me real curious. I'd greatly appreciate it if you could share any documentations.

To be frank, I had never seen his work before. All things that lead me to him were just some articles and pages I came across courtesy of the big world wide web.

The other reason was because I was so disappointed of an Empu from Imogiri, Yogyakarta (I'm pretty sure I mentioned him in my old posting). He originally took my request but communication was so horrible and I had to end it. Strangely enough, I think you had forewarned me about doing any deals with Javanese which I didn't take it too seriously back then.

Anyhow, I am lucky to have known Bli Pande (Pande Made Gde Suardika) and think of him nothing but high regards.

One of the pics was taken during recent Tumpek Landep day on Oct 18, 2014 right before he sent me the Keris.

[A. G. Maisey]

No, I'm not implying I've seen blades attributed to him, I'm stating that I've seen blades attributed to him.

I've also seen the work of several other makers from Bali, as well as the work of most makers from Central Jawa who have worked from the mid-1970's through to the present time, in addition I have seen the work of a great many makers from Madura. I have no documentation of most of these makers. That's not what I do, and frankly, I find it completely unnecessary. However, I have spent several months every year in Jawa and Bali for over 40 years, I've seen a lot of makers working, I know several of them as personal friends, and 30 odd years ago I was taught by a couple of the legendary ones.

What amazes me with this keris you have posted photos of is that Pande Suardika could have created this pamor. It is an extremely complex pamor, the Balinese makers in general are known more for the excellence of their carving, rather than their ability in complex pattern welding, and this pamor is about as complex as it gets. For a pamor like this to come from a foundation of next to nothing is purely incredible. The blades I have seen that were attributed to Pande Suardika were very simple mlumah pamors, not highly complex pamors like this one.

Additionally, Pande Suardika is known for his commitment to the creation of blades with a spiritual content, he is not known for creating blades as a commercial undertaking, but rather for creating blades intended for use as a pusaka. His blades are usually quite heavy, and he has a reputation for very detailed work.

However, if I had been asked who I thought might have made this blade Pande Suardika would not have entered my mind.

This keris is an exceptionally fine piece of current era work, but it stuns me that it was produced by Pande Suardika.

[Jean]

Top artistic piece (similar to those displayed in the Neka museum) but frankly this very nice pamor pattern Jarot Asem looks strange to me, as if it was applied on the iron and not traditionally welded, look how perfect the edges are?
Regards

[Rick]

I agree Jean, the pamor looks somehow ....odd .

[shadejoy]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

No, I'm not implying I've seen blades attributed to him, I'm stating that I've seen blades attributed to him.

Good for you.

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

The blades I have seen that were attributed to Pande Suardika were very simple mlumah pamors, not highly complex pamors like this one.

Several months ago (or probably last year) I saw one article mentioning him being commisioned to create a Pusaka for one of the Puris (Temples) in Bali. The Keris was indeed quite simple. I think the pamor that I saw was Pedaringan Kebak, a common pamor in my opinion.

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Additionally, Pande Suardika is known for his commitment to the creation of blades with a spiritual content, he is not known for creating blades as a commercial undertaking, but rather for creating blades intended for use as a pusaka. His blades are usually quite heavy, and he has a reputation for very detailed work.

You are right, Pande Made Gde Suardika doesn't have 'inventory'. I certainly consider the Keris that I showed you as Pusaka. But whether the Keris has spiritual content or not is a subjective matter. For me, I couldn't help to admire Bli Pande for his dedication and his disclipine in preserving the esoteric values in Keris-making. Moreover, I wouldn't know a thing about spiritual plane as I am not a spiritual nor religious person. But I don't deny the existence of other form of being that are unseen.

It is also quite interesting to realize once I got the Keris in my hand. The Keris seems to have darker blade compare to Javanese Kerises that I had which brings more contrast to its Pamor. It is without a doubt heavier than any Kerises that I have come across in my possesion and it could be for many reasons. But I do have a perspective that in general, Balinese Kerises tend to be stockier and heavier than Javanese Kerises. But anyone can dispute it as I have also seen a Balinese Keris that is small in size and comparable to Javanese Keris.

Thank you very much Alan and Jean for your appreciation. I am glad I can share this with you.