Keris from Madura

[kayoba84]

Hi Guys,

I got this piece from local collector who was clearing his stock. Not much info on it's origin and history. Appreciate if I can get some insight from learned members here on the possible age of both blade and dressing, as well as origin (based on the handiwork style).

Regards.

[A. G. Maisey]

Based upon what I believe I can see in the photographs, I am of the opinion that this is a copy made between about 1988 and 2000 of a very popular dress form from the late colonial period.

The blade is recent and dates from the same period.

The mendak is old, pre-WWII, and very possibly is made from silver

[Jean]

I agree with Alan and just want to add that this recently made kris is in Madurese deng-udengan style. Please notice the combong (pierced through sogokan) to give the impression that the blade is very old....
Regards

[kayoba84]

Thanks Alan and Jean.. Both of you confirmed my suspicions that the piece is not that old. The mendak is a pleasant surprise though.

I bought the pice coz I like the carvings on both hilt and sapir/ sheath. Very intricate compared to the average souvenir grade Madura Keris.

[David]

I can only add that it seems to be a nicely carved reproduction, which is not always the case with this dress form in modern times. If it had a sincerely older blade in it i might not have questioned it, especially with the old mendak attached.
The combong at the sogokan is a dead giveaway that this is a contemporary blade since it does not show any actual wear in other parts of the blade that would be associated with the formation of such erosion in this one spot.
I do like many contemporary blades, but don't appreciate when they masquerade as something they are not with added aging such as this combong. :shrug: