YOUNGER Keris

Marcokeris · 28th August 2008, 12:08 PM

Thanks Mr.Maisey for your clear explanation.
But...then another question rises in my mind: who is an Empu or ... (better) : when and why a person becames Empu?
From your explanation I suppose only for Kraton determination!
But then....I live in a cowntry notorious

for corruption where people that have a lot of money can change the rules or can do all they want.... if, for paradox, keris art would be an italian art i'm shure a lot of Empu's title would be buy.

A. G. Maisey · 28th August 2008, 01:19 PM

There are two ways of looking at the question of who can be an empu.

Firstly we need to understand that an empu is not just a maker of keris. An empu is somebody who is an outstanding artist , or poet, or literary person, or armourer.

In Old Javanese this word was usually rendered as "mpu", and it was title of respect, not limited to only those types of persons I have just mentioned.It could be broadly understood as "The Honourable".

Such recognition was bestowed by a ruler, but it could also come from the common people:- thus, two ways in which to be recognised as an empu.

As to when a person can become an empu, well, that is dependent upon when he is recognised by either the common people, or by his lord, as worthy of the title.

I have already mentioned elsewhere that Empu Pauzan Pusposukadgo was reluctant to use this title, even though he may have been entitled to use it. This was because of his deep religious convictions, and his understanding that in terms of the keris, an empu was more than just somebody who was capable of making the physical entity that is a keris. In terms of the keris, an empu should also be able to embue the keris with a spiritual quality.

The word "empu" is often thrown around in a very careless manner, with little understanding of what this word actually means, when used to describe a keris-maker.

Consider this:- the two forms of Javanese culture where this title is bestowed in these latter days are in the realm of literature, and in the realm of keris production.The written word can contain magic in that it can cause visions and emotions to arise; it has the power to alter the state and perception of the reader or listener. For a man who makes keris to claim the right to use the title of empu, the keris that he makes must be more than just metal formed to a shape.The keris must exercise as great a magic in its own way, as does the written word.

As for corruption, and for titles received in exchange for the payment of money, well, I will not pursue that discussion in even the slightest degree.

PenangsangII · 29th August 2008, 03:30 AM

As usual, a clear and thorough explanation by Alan. I learned a lot from his post.

Jussi M. · 29th August 2008, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

(...) an empu was more than just somebody who was capable of making the physical entity that is a keris. In terms of the keris, an empu should also be able to embue the keris with a spiritual quality.

Thank you for your insight Mr. Maisey. Could you please explain what you mean by "spiritual quality" on this context.

Thank you,

J

ganjawulung · 30th August 2008, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcokeris

But...then another question rises in my mind: who is an Empu or ... (better) : when and why a person becames Empu?
From your explanation I suppose only for Kraton determination!
But then....I live in a cowntry notorious

for corruption where people that have a lot of money can change the rules or can do all they want.... if, for paradox, keris art would be an italian art i'm shure a lot of Empu's title would be buy.

Dear Marco,
You need not to buy or waste money to get "empu" title. Because "empu" is not a "formal title" as "doctor" or "phd". Not at all. Some one will be called "empu" by other people because he is mastering very well in certain cultural ability -- such as literature, or keris making. Empu was a kind of recognition -- maybe like "maestro" in Italy. Or just "ahli", expert, specialist... Never someone call himself "empu", or mention his own name with predicate "empu"...

Mr Pauzan Puspasukadgo -- for instance. Like any other else -- who people call them empu -- he will not call himself "an empu". As does, "empu" Subandi Supaningrat -- for instance. Although the name "Supaningrat" was given by the late King Paku Buwana XII on 2002 (at that time, the King gave him "rank" of RT or Raden Tumenggung) a titulary or honorary title for his activity in keris making. King Paku Buwana XIII on 2006 then gave higher rank for empu Subandi as Kanjeng Raden Tumenggung (KRT) after 3-4 years in service on keris making.

Mr Pauzan Puspasukadgo even got from lower rank, as "lurah pande keris" (as high as village chief) of keris making on 1979. Of course, during the late King Paku Buwana XII. On 1985, Pauzan then was given higher rank as "Mantri Anon-anon" (as high as 'minister') with title Mas Ngabehi Puspasukadgo. (the King usually gave names according to the activity of someone).

The name "supa" which was given to Subandi, indicates that this man's activity is keris making, like "empu supa" in the past. Also "kadgo" which literally means as "keris" too). On 1998, Pauzan was given name as Kanjeng Raden Tumenggung (KRT), then on 2007 King Paku Buwana XIII (now still reigning) gave him higher rank, KRAT or Kanjeng Raden Aryo Tumenggung Pauzan Puspasukadgo...

Quote:

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Not quite Empu Pauzan Pusposukadgo, but poleng, none the less.

There's some clever little fellers up in Aeng Tong-Tong, isn't there?

No Alan, not Aeng Tong Tong. This "keris like object" is made by Mr Pauzan Puspasukadgo. Not by someone out there in Aeng Tong Tong. According to him, this betok with "poleng" motif, was his 6th work with "poleng" motif. Up to now, according to him, he has been made six kerises only, with "poleng" motif. (Number 5th, according to Mr Pauzan, is in the United States -- Mr William Koh). The poleng one in Bentara Budaya Jakarta, was made on 1993 by Mr Pauzan, and the William Koh's keris was made earlier on 1992.

I hope I don't make mistake in my written words...

Ganjawulung

A. G. Maisey · 30th August 2008, 04:44 AM

Pak Ganja, could I most humbly suggest that you return to the post of mine which shows a keris with pamor poleng, and my remark that "there are some clever little fellers in Aeng Tong-Tong."

Is it not logical that this remark applies to the image of the keris that I posted, rather than the image that you posted?

The keris of which I posted an image is an Aeng Tong-Tong production.

The "not quite Pauzan Pusposukadgo" refers to the very obvious fact that the quality of the keris of which I posted an image is far below the quality of the Keris made by Pak Pus, of which you post an image.

Additionally, I consider it inaccurate to refer to the keris made by Pak Pauzan as "a keris-like object".

This is most definitely a keris.

On the other hand, the artistic creations of some current era makers are most definitely not keris, even though they may be very fine works of art.

ganjawulung · 30th August 2008, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Pak Ganja, could I most humbly suggest that you return to the post of mine which shows a keris with pamor poleng, and my remark that "there are some clever little fellers in Aeng Tong-Tong."

Is it not logical that this remark applies to the image of the keris that I posted, rather than the image that you posted?

The keris of which I posted an image is an Aeng Tong-Tong production.

The "not quite Pauzan Pusposukadgo" refers to the very obvious fact that the quality of the keris of which I posted an image is far below the quality of the Keris made by Pak Pus, of which you post an image.

Apologize me, for the misunderstanding, Alan. I misunderstood your remarks with the other post, of course -- a language handicap. So once again, please apologize me for that mistake...

Ganjawulung

A. G. Maisey · 30th August 2008, 06:03 AM

No apology required Pak Ganja.

It is very easy to misunderstand a casual remark in a language that is not one's own.

Marcokeris · 30th August 2008, 07:09 AM

Mr. Maisey, dear Ganja
thanks for your explanations: as always clear and update.

Mick · 15th September 2008, 07:25 PM

This is just another Nem Neman to throw out for you all to look at. It is very difficult to get all of a reflective pattern to come out when you view the piece at only one point. Especially when the pattern is as complicated as this one is. It is basicly a zig zag line running down both halfs of the blade which meets in the middle at a point and forms a diamond shape in between every conjunction. In addition there are short dashes on both sides of the Ada Ada in this diamond shaped area and at the quarter points of the blades width in the area opposite the touched points. In short in the areas that have the space to accept these dashes.

15th September 2008, 07:25 PM	#10
Mick Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Orlando Posts: 104	Another Nem Neman This is just another Nem Neman to throw out for you all to look at. It is very difficult to get all of a reflective pattern to come out when you view the piece at only one point. Especially when the pattern is as complicated as this one is. It is basicly a zig zag line running down both halfs of the blade which meets in the middle at a point and forms a diamond shape in between every conjunction. In addition there are short dashes on both sides of the Ada Ada in this diamond shaped area and at the quarter points of the blades width in the area opposite the touched points. In short in the areas that have the space to accept these dashes. Attached Images

28th August 2008, 12:08 PM	#1
Marcokeris Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Italy Posts: 928	Thanks Mr.Maisey for your clear explanation. But...then another question rises in my mind: who is an Empu or ... (better) : when and why a person becames Empu? From your explanation I suppose only for Kraton determination! But then....I live in a cowntry notorious for corruption where people that have a lot of money can change the rules or can do all they want.... if, for paradox, keris art would be an italian art i'm shure a lot of Empu's title would be buy.

28th August 2008, 01:19 PM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,015	There are two ways of looking at the question of who can be an empu. Firstly we need to understand that an empu is not just a maker of keris. An empu is somebody who is an outstanding artist , or poet, or literary person, or armourer. In Old Javanese this word was usually rendered as "mpu", and it was title of respect, not limited to only those types of persons I have just mentioned.It could be broadly understood as "The Honourable". Such recognition was bestowed by a ruler, but it could also come from the common people:- thus, two ways in which to be recognised as an empu. As to when a person can become an empu, well, that is dependent upon when he is recognised by either the common people, or by his lord, as worthy of the title. I have already mentioned elsewhere that Empu Pauzan Pusposukadgo was reluctant to use this title, even though he may have been entitled to use it. This was because of his deep religious convictions, and his understanding that in terms of the keris, an empu was more than just somebody who was capable of making the physical entity that is a keris. In terms of the keris, an empu should also be able to embue the keris with a spiritual quality. The word "empu" is often thrown around in a very careless manner, with little understanding of what this word actually means, when used to describe a keris-maker. Consider this:- the two forms of Javanese culture where this title is bestowed in these latter days are in the realm of literature, and in the realm of keris production.The written word can contain magic in that it can cause visions and emotions to arise; it has the power to alter the state and perception of the reader or listener. For a man who makes keris to claim the right to use the title of empu, the keris that he makes must be more than just metal formed to a shape.The keris must exercise as great a magic in its own way, as does the written word. As for corruption, and for titles received in exchange for the payment of money, well, I will not pursue that discussion in even the slightest degree.

29th August 2008, 03:30 AM	#3
PenangsangII Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 401	As usual, a clear and thorough explanation by Alan. I learned a lot from his post.

30th August 2008, 04:44 AM	#6
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,015	Pak Ganja, could I most humbly suggest that you return to the post of mine which shows a keris with pamor poleng, and my remark that "there are some clever little fellers in Aeng Tong-Tong." Is it not logical that this remark applies to the image of the keris that I posted, rather than the image that you posted? The keris of which I posted an image is an Aeng Tong-Tong production. The "not quite Pauzan Pusposukadgo" refers to the very obvious fact that the quality of the keris of which I posted an image is far below the quality of the Keris made by Pak Pus, of which you post an image. Additionally, I consider it inaccurate to refer to the keris made by Pak Pauzan as "a keris-like object". This is most definitely a keris. On the other hand, the artistic creations of some current era makers are most definitely not keris, even though they may be very fine works of art.

30th August 2008, 06:03 AM	#8
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,015	No apology required Pak Ganja. It is very easy to misunderstand a casual remark in a language that is not one's own.

30th August 2008, 07:09 AM	#9
Marcokeris Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Italy Posts: 928	Mr. Maisey, dear Ganja thanks for your explanations: as always clear and update.