Information wanted

[Pendita65]

Hi All,

two days ago the keris arrived with the unknown style hulu/ukiran Detlef thought it might come from Madura and probably bone. When i got the Keris in my hands and took it out of the sheath the Keris itself was in a rusty shape and the hulu was stuck on, impossible to move or turn, so i heated with a fohn the blade and with utmost care i was able to turn it of without damage. I then soaked the hulu in warm water and used hard toothbrush to clean it, and some of my dental tools to give it a good clean. I reglued some cracks with superglue and let it dry overnight. I used my electric toothbrush and toothpaste and gave it a good clean. And to my surprise under my magnifier i could see schreger lines so it is ivory and not bone. This makes me happy as I find the carving nicely done of the hulu.

Will post some pictures tomorrow and will see if i can take a good photo where i can show the schreger lines.

I also attach an nice article about the identifying of ivories and other natural materials.

Have a nice evening and regards,

Martin

[Rick]

To me this form looks like an interpretation of the Kocet Kocetan keris handle style.
I know it's a stretch, still that's what popped into my head upon first view.

[Pendita65]

Hi Rick,

that thought also occured on my mind.

And i hope Mr. Maisey would share his thoughts about it.

Regards, Martin

[David]

Originally Posted by Rick

To me this form looks like an interpretation of the Kocet Kocetan keris handle style.
I know it's a stretch, still that's what popped into my head upon first view.

I can see that as a possibility as well. Perhaps not so much of a stretch.

[David]

Originally Posted by Pendita65

Hi All,

two days ago the keris arrived with the unknown style hulu/ukiran Detlef thought it might come from Madura and probably bone. When i got the Keris in my hands and took it out of the sheath the Keris itself was in a rusty shape and the hulu was stuck on, impossible to move or turn, so i heated with a fohn the blade and with utmost care i was able to turn it of without damage. I then soaked the hulu in warm water and used hard toothbrush to clean it, and some of my dental tools to give it a good clean. I reglued some cracks with superglue and let it dry overnight. I used my electric toothbrush and toothpaste and gave it a good clean. And to my surprise under my magnifier i could see schreger lines so it is ivory and not bone. This makes me happy as I find the carving nicely done of the hulu.

Will post some pictures tomorrow and will see if i can take a good photo where i can show the schreger lines.

I also attach an nice article about the identifying of ivories and other natural materials.

Have a nice evening and regards,

Martin

If it turns out to be ivory that's great. Looking forward to seeing your photos.

[Pendita65]

The pictures I took them with my iPhone and an embroidery magnifier with light. So I could not get better images of the Schrager lines
But hope you are able to see them.

Regards, Martin

[Sajen]

Hi Martin,

Yes, I am able to see them. Looks much better on your pictures than from the seller. Congrats, a nice handle and I agree with David and Rick, could be a form of the kocet kocetan form.

Regards,
Detlef

[David]

Cleaned up nicely and i agree that i can see the lines as well.
This is an interesting find because i am fairly certain this is not Balinese (most likely Madurese) and if this is intended as a kocet-kocetan form (and elements of the hilt do point that way) it would be the first time i have seen that form from outside of Bali. I do at least see elements that seem to be insect like in nature. Can you take a photo that looks directly head on at what appears to be the front/belly of the hilt?

[Pendita65]

Hi Detlef and David,

See the pictures of the front and I do belief it’s a Kocet Kocetan

Regards, Martin

[Sajen]

We shouldn't try to classify the handle in question to a specific name i. E. k. kocetan, like David already stated is my personal guess to have a East Javanese handle here which resembles a k. kocetan handle or an insect like figure or their grub carved in ivory and shows a nice patination and also appeals to the eyes, at least to my ones! Only the carver will know which figure it should represent.

Regards,
Detlef