An interesting Bali keris for sharing

[Gustav]

Detlef,

just, when David posted his Keris noting the similarities, my fingers itched to disclose the differences, sorry for that!

The sheath from publication is similar only in that the crosspiece also is carved in this horror vacui manner. Material, sheath form, carving style are completely different and even later then the initial Keris of this thread - made quite unlikely before the 1980ties. The dress age attributions in this publication are sometimes quite adventurous, and were even more adventurous in lot descriptions of the auction, where some of the items published were sold.

Legit style - of course, for it's time.
Before WWII - maybe, in my opinion rather not.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Gustav

Detlef,

just, when David posted his Keris noting the similarities, my fingers itched to disclose the differences, sorry for that!

The sheath from publication is similar only in that the crosspiece also is carved in this horror vacui manner. Material, sheath form, carving style are completely different and even later then the initial Keris of this thread - made quite unlikely before the 1980ties. The dress age attributions in this publication are sometimes quite adventurous, and were even more adventurous in lot descriptions of the auction, where some of the items published were sold.

Legit style - of course, for it's time.
Before WWII - maybe, in my opinion rather not.

No problem Gustav!
As I said, I just wanted to show the piece and I am fully aware that the cross piece of the keris in question are probably not actually antique and that the piece in the IFICAH publication is significantly younger than the one shown. If it is indeed from ivory, it is certainly a valuable piece, even if the quality of the carving is not the best. We all know now that you don't like this type of scabbard/sarung.
I personally would be quite happy if I had a piece like the scabbards shown from "Keris Bali Bersejarah" on page 114. Of course, the quality of the carving cannot really be compared.

Regards,
Detlef

[Gustav]

Detlef,

this kind of carved crosspiece actually lets me quite indefferent, because it is outside of my area of interest. What upsets me, is, when somebody says, it is "late 19th to early 20th century".