Keris/Kris What did I get?

BBJW · 18th February 2007, 09:34 PM

I don't know anything about about these. They are not what I collect, but this was on a table at a gun show with a pile of machetes. It was cheap so I bought it. Now someone please tell me what I actually got. Thanx in advance.

bbjw

A. G. Maisey · 18th February 2007, 10:06 PM

This is a Javanese keris.

The blade is an old one which appears to be of brojol form (dapur), and with a "scattered rice grains" blade surface pattern (pamor wos wutah).

The scabbard (warangka, wrongko) and handle (ukiran) are correctly matched and are from Jogjakarta, the scabbard is the formal style, "branggah" (also known as ladrangan).Generically the handle is the tunggak semi form.The wood from which the scabbard is made is called "timoho" wood.

The metal cover (pendok) for the lower part of the scabbard appears to be embossed with a semen motif, and seems to be of relatively fine work; it is probably worthwhile to test this to check if it is silver.

The small metal ring between handle and blade is called a mendak and the pattern is parijoto, or "swollen rice".

The gandik (thickened, rounded section of blade edge) of this blade appears to be a little longer than is usual, but from what I can see in the photo, I do not think it is long enough for the blade to be classified as kebo lajer.

Overall this is a nice , old representative Central Javanese keris.

Moderators, will you please move this thread to the correct forum. Thanks.

David · 18th February 2007, 10:47 PM

Well, i certainly wouldn't argue with Alan's assessment here and i am afraid my super moderator powers only work on the Keris Warung side of the pond. So Rick, or any of the other Mods, can you move this one over.
My only comments are to say that's a better start at a keris collection than many collectors get. It appears solid and authentic to say the least, which is more than many start out with. The hilt should be oriented in 180 degrees the opposite direction so you might want to turn it to face the other way. I wish i could find these gun shows you frequent where they still sell keris so cheaply.

Rick · 18th February 2007, 10:53 PM

Sorry, I was watching Daytona .

18th February 2007, 09:34 PM	#1
BBJW Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Idaho, USA Posts: 228	Keris/Kris What did I get? I don't know anything about about these. They are not what I collect, but this was on a table at a gun show with a pile of machetes. It was cheap so I bought it. Now someone please tell me what I actually got. Thanx in advance. bbjw Attached Images

18th February 2007, 10:06 PM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,898	This is a Javanese keris. The blade is an old one which appears to be of brojol form (dapur), and with a "scattered rice grains" blade surface pattern (pamor wos wutah). The scabbard (warangka, wrongko) and handle (ukiran) are correctly matched and are from Jogjakarta, the scabbard is the formal style, "branggah" (also known as ladrangan).Generically the handle is the tunggak semi form.The wood from which the scabbard is made is called "timoho" wood. The metal cover (pendok) for the lower part of the scabbard appears to be embossed with a semen motif, and seems to be of relatively fine work; it is probably worthwhile to test this to check if it is silver. The small metal ring between handle and blade is called a mendak and the pattern is parijoto, or "swollen rice". The gandik (thickened, rounded section of blade edge) of this blade appears to be a little longer than is usual, but from what I can see in the photo, I do not think it is long enough for the blade to be classified as kebo lajer. Overall this is a nice , old representative Central Javanese keris. Moderators, will you please move this thread to the correct forum. Thanks.

18th February 2007, 10:47 PM	#3
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,131	Well, i certainly wouldn't argue with Alan's assessment here and i am afraid my super moderator powers only work on the Keris Warung side of the pond. So Rick, or any of the other Mods, can you move this one over. My only comments are to say that's a better start at a keris collection than many collectors get. It appears solid and authentic to say the least, which is more than many start out with. The hilt should be oriented in 180 degrees the opposite direction so you might want to turn it to face the other way. I wish i could find these gun shows you frequent where they still sell keris so cheaply.

18th February 2007, 10:53 PM	#4
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,294	Sorry, I was watching Daytona .