New book about keris

[Marcokeris]

I'm a new member. I live in Italy and my English is not so good.
Last week I was in Indonesia where i bought a new book about keris. The book is "KERIS JAWA: Antara Mistik dan Nalar" written by Haryono Haryoguritno and is really fantastic!!!
For me it is the best book never edit about keris (the book that every collector dreams to have). It is in Bahasa language, only about Yogya and Solo keris but full of beautiful photos and pictures

[Alam Shah]

Hi Marcokeris, welcome to the forum.

A nice book indeed. I've partially read the book... a thick book with excellent quality pictures and many high quality kerises featured. Coupled with Ensiklopedi Keris by Bambang Harisnuksmo would cover quite a lot of info about Javanese kerisses. ;)

I believe, currently the English version is being translated and would be made available. When? I don't know.

The cost of the book is quite hefty but the contents and quality of print is of a high standard. :)

[Rick]

Well, we needed a first post and this is a good one to start with .

I can't wait for an English translation of this work .
Where can the Ensiklopedi be purchased ?
Could someone PM me please ?

Rick

[mross]

Hi Marcokeris, welcome to the forum.

A nice book indeed. I've partially read the book... a thick book with excellent quality pictures and many high quality kerises featured. Coupled with Ensiklopedi Keris by Bambang Harisnuksmo would cover quite a lot of info about Javanese kerisses. ;)

I believe, currently the English version is being translated and would be made available. When? I don't know.

The cost of the book is quite hefty but the contents and quality of print is of a high standard. :)

An english version sounds great. Alam, do you know what version, if memory serves me and it may not, there is a black version and another with the black one being the prefered. Anyone hear this?

[Alam Shah]

Well, we needed a first post and this is a good one to start with .

I can't wait for an English translation of this work .
Where can the Ensiklopedi be purchased ?
Could someone PM me please ?

RickThe official site to order the book, currently in Bahasa Indonesia only.
Keris Jawa - antara mistik dan nalar.
http://www.indonesiankeris.com/id_book.htm

Ensiklopedi Keris (This book is in Bahasa Indonesia only).
http://www.ethnographicartbooks.com/Html_web_store/html_web_store_vvolken.cgi?page=./catalogs/c01187.htm&cart_id=9737529.12698
or
http://www.gramedia.com/buku_detail.asp?id=EFRP2900&kat=3
or
another place where you could get it, (cheaper). :D
PM me if you're interested.

For our reference, please. ;)

[Alam Shah]

An english version sounds great. Alam, do you know what version, if memory serves me and it may not, there is a black version and another with the black one being the prefered. Anyone hear this?Are you talking about the Ensiklopedi Keris? Yes, this hardcover book is black in color with over 600 pages with a blueish front cover. But only available in the indonesian language.

http://www.ekuator.com/cover/gpu-ensiklopedi_keris.jpg

[A. G. Maisey]

The book, "Keris Jawa, Antara Mystik dan Nalar" is the best keris book I have ever seen.

The production is better than good. It is excellent.

The information contained in the text is from one of the foremost authorities on the Javanese keris. This does not mean that this information is not open to debate, but it does mean that the point of view put forward is accepted by many people and can be substantiated.

The quality of the photographs is wonderful.

The drawings appear to be computer enhancements (I`m guessing here), because they seem to be simply too good for just drawings.

I was given a copy a couple of weeks ago, and have read up to about page 80---still another 300 odd pages to go. This book weighs 3 kilos (6.6 pounds)

I have just checked the link and I see that the price is RP1.000.000, or about $US100, before the 10% tax. This is not expensive for a book of this quality, in fact, I regard it as very, very cheap. Even at twice this price it would still be a great buy.Just for comparison:- when Ensiklopedi first came out, it cost the same :- RP. 1.000.000, and the quality of production of Ensiklopedi is nowhere near the quality of this new book.

For people who cannot read Indonesian, the pictures alone are worth more than the cost of this book.

Its a great book and a landmark in publishing on the keris.

[Alam Shah]

Agreed with Alan Maisey on many counts regarding the book. :)

The photographs of keris are excellent, (even the wood grains can be seen clearly). :eek:

Imo, if one have zero knowledge about the keris, by the end of reading the book, we'll probably have a new keris collector. If he/she is already one, then it should increase the appreciation of kerises. ;)

[Marcokeris]

A friend of mine (a keris collector) two mounth ago told me that a new book about keris - keris' handles would be soon edit in Italy (but with English traslation).
The author of the book is Mrs. Vanna Scolari Ghiringhelli.
Mrs. Ghiringhelli wrote some years ago another fine book: "kris gli invincibili"
The book is just done and the author is now looking for a book publisher

[Alam Shah]

I hope she can get a publisher. ;) The book written by Vanna e Mario Ghiringhelli had many beautiful keris pieces. A fine small little book with many picture but limited text. :)

But I do hope the book is bigger, with bigger pictures and more informational texts. :D

[Rick]

Tammens De Kris volume number three is a pretty good text on handles too .
Lots of pictures although I cannot comment on the accuracy of descriptions and attributions; possibly someone else may care to comment on this volume .
I would also recommend David Van Duren's book Krisses A Critical Bibliography as a guide to extant publications on the subject of keris .

[David]

Thanks Alan, for your preview/review on this new book. Given the quality described $100 is not too much at all, especially if the study of keris is your passion. What i am wondering is if there is really any truth to Shahrial's suggestion that an English translation is in the works. If so it makes sense for me to wait, but i hope the wait won't be too long. :) Has anyone else heard that such a translation is in the works. I wouldn't doubt you Shahrial if you had said you knew for sure so i am hoping someone else has heard about this as well. :)
If no translation is forthcoming i am sure vi would buy this book anyway. A good picture is worth a thousand words and if the illustrations are anywhere near as good as i have heard it would still be well worth the price (+ that Indonesian/English dictionary i have yet to get :o ).
I have been aware that there was a new Ghiringhelli in the works and that should also be a good one when it gets published.

[Alam Shah]

David,

A friend of mine knows the publisher of the book. (Pak Boedhi... where are you...) :D.

Btw, congrat David on making the Mod list. :eek: :cool:

[David]

Thanks Shahrial. Hope it didn't shock you too much. :eek: :D In case anyone was wondering, yes i am Nechesh, but Rick thought it was a good idea for Mods to use there real first names and i agree.
Please encourage Boethi to join us. I am anxious to hear more about this book and any possible translations.

[Boedhi Adhitya]

Sorry for being late on joining this thread.

Thank you, Marcokeris, for starting this thread. I've kept myself from starting this thread for several months, because I'm not sure where I should put it, in swap or 'normal' forum, since I didn't want anybody see me as 'advertising' this book :) (while I got no comission at all :D )

As Shahrial had already post, I've met the chairman of PT Indonesia Kebanggaanku - the publisher of "Keris Jawa: Antara Mistik dan Nalar" - Mr. Rudy J. Pesik personally in June. He told me that he is working the English translation and scheduled to be completed at the end of this year. Actually, it was scheduled this month (August 2006) but Mr. Goura Mancacarita (an Australian, who had became a dalang, changes his nationality to Indonesia and an 'abdi dalem' of Surakarta Court) who worked on the translation did not kept up the schedule. For those who wish to have the English version, please wait for a while (and pray for the translation to be compeleted on time), but for those who can't wait, just grab it :D
Mr. Rudy also inform me that he is working on Book of Keris Bali also, which is still written by prominent native Bali collector (I forget the name), and he still looking for 'native expert' on Keris Bugis/Sulawesi. He insists to find a 'native expert' to give the book the tradisional/native standart/pakem and perspective, which may not being understood by other people from other cultures.

About the book being discussed, "Keris Jawa: Antara Mistik dan Nalar", as Alan said, it is the best book on keris jawa possible today. Quite concise, fully illustrated (the illustration based on actual kerises) and written in logical manner, chapter to chapter (Mr Guritno had asked some advise from several professors regarding the wording and technical aspect before published). But as we had already knew, we're only human.

As Guritno learnt under 'Surakarta school', this book mostly based on Surakarta's cultural standard which was culminated under the Pakubuwono X, with the famous 'Gebyar/ Macak Baris' approach, that is, 'mewah', luxurious approach. The Jogjakarta approach is 'Ngayang Batin', 'subtle'. These approach reflected on every aspect of Jogja and Solo cultures (dances, gamelan, wayang, etc, even the 'native' personal character, until today!). On this book, this approach reflected mostly on the example photographs and Keris Assesment standart. Both approach are good on their own sake, just don't mix it up ;)

I have some disagreement on Keris Wearing, in Jogja style. As we both quote/learnt from the same sources, R. Riyo Condropuspito, I don't know why, the result are different. Unfortunately, Condropuspito had passed away. But for the rest of the book, I would mostly agree. IMHO, it is a traditional Court's standard (Pakem Baku/standar) on keris jawa which is accepted by many 'serious' collectors in Java today.

About Ensiklopedi Keris, I've never heard about it is being translated to English, and I believe, it wouldn't be any. The black-covered Ensiklopedi Keris is the second, revised edition, and I believe it is the last edition, as Mr. Bambang Harsrinuksmo passed away just before the launching. It is a good book, but for a beginner, it isn't telling much 'story', as it is written in alphabetical order and intended as an Encyclopedia. If we compare the 'Ensiklopedi' and 'Keris Jawa', we may find some 'disagreement / contradiction' which is very normal. Both might be right (and might be wrong also!), just accept it, as it is part of the 'excitement' :D

Having both books, what you should seek further is a lot lot lot of experiences, which may count for 99.9%, and trust yourself :D

Last but not least, I would like to congratulate this 'new' forum, and good luck !

[Marcokeris]

Tammens De Kris volume number three is a pretty good text on handles too .
Lots of pictures although I cannot comment on the accuracy of descriptions and attributions; possibly someone else may care to comment on this volume .
I would also recommend David Van Duren's book Krisses A Critical Bibliography as a guide to extant publications on the subject of keris .

All the handles in Tammens De Kris vol 3 are a right attribution but the accuracy of description is modest (also the quality of photos).

David Van Dureen's book is really great!! But somethings is lost: J.G.Dieles / Blanke wapens uit de Gordel der Smaragd .... some indonesian fan book or article (there are local newspaper in Jawa with article about keris).... keris' video (N.Geographic?)....all auction catalogues (Sotheby, Christie, ...) .

[David]

Thanks Boedhi for joining us. You information is very welcome and i look forward to the English edition of this book. Good things are well worth waiting for. :)

[David]

I am bumping this to the top wondering if there has been any move on creating an English edition. How 'bout it Boedhi (or anyone else), any news? :)

[Marcokeris]

A note:
a new indonesian book with the same title: "keris jawa" (author M.T. Arifin) would be edit in indonesia.
Is this true? If yes some keris lover could kindly give me any notice about it?
Thanks.

[Marcokeris]

A good new from new year:
The new Vanna Ghiringhelli book about keris will be soon in print.

The book publisher is italian: "Tipografia Saviolo"
The name of the book is "Keris Invincible II°"
The book is not in italian language but only in english language
The book has a big size and is full of nice large colour photos.

Two mounths ago I saw a print preview in Milan: is about 150 Ghiringhelli's keris never seen in other book before. One page with the picture of keris the other with description.
The quality of the book (edition, photos and written texts) would be EXCELLENT!!

[Alam Shah]

The new Vanna Ghiringhelli book about keris will be soon in print. The name of the book is "Keris Invincible II°"

The quality of the book (edition, photos and written texts) would be EXCELLENT!!That's good news indeed. Any idea, what's the estimated cost of the book? :D

[Marcokeris]

That's good news indeed. Any idea, what's the estimated cost of the book? :D

Alam
I don't know the cost but other books about custom knives of the same publisher are about 80 euro

[Alam Shah]

Alam
I don't know the cost but other books about custom knives of the same publisher are about 80 euroThanks for the info. Do keep us updated when it's available. I want one for myself. :D

[Alam Shah]

A note:
a new indonesian book with the same title: "keris jawa" (author M.T. Arifin) would be edit in indonesia.
Is this true? If yes some keris lover could kindly give me any notice about it?
Thanks.Title: Keris-Jawa : bilah, latar sejarah hingga pasar
Author: MT Arifin.
Publisher: Jakarta : Hajied Pustaka, 2006.
Format: 417 pages. : ill. col. ; 21 cm.

Comments:
A thick text book literally filled with text, very few pictures or illustrations.
Written in Bahasa Indonesia. I've browse through, but yet to read it.
Its available at the reference library in Singapore. :)

(The author is an Indonesian Military Analyst, who have a keen interest in keris.)

[A. G. Maisey]

Thanks for your advice on this one Shahrial.

I have not heard of this one, nor seen it.

Do you have chapter headings?

Anything about the author?

This is an English only discussion group, so if you wish, you can PM me. Thanks.

[Alam Shah]

This is an English only discussion group, so if you wish, you can PM me. Thanks.PM sent. ;)
I'm responding to Marco's earlier request. :cool: All posts are written in English. I guess it's ok to comment/discuss about keris books not written in English, right? :shrug:

[A. G. Maisey]

Thanks Shahrial.

I certainly hope discussion is OK.

I think the Men with the Whips might object to information or discussion in another language, but I hope discussion about something that is in another language would be OK.

Perhaps the moderators could clarify?

[David]

Well, my "Whip" is in the shop at the moment ;) but i see no reason at all why we cannot discussing books written in other languages as long as we keep the discussion in English. I also see no reason why passages cannot be written out in other languages as long as they are completely and accurately translated. :)

[Marcokeris]

Thanks Shahrial.
Next mounth i'ld be in Yogya for a few days. There I'll try to find the book even if my Bahasa's comprehension is very very modest :( .....but i like to have all write texts about keris in every languages :)

[simatua]

For the ones that does not have it yet
http://www.topmdi.com/java/doc/EnsiklopediaKeris.pdf

[David]

Thanks Simatua, great link! :)

[Marcokeris]

SIMATUA: GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Alam Shah]

For the ones that does not have it yet
http://www.topmdi.com/java/doc/EnsiklopediaKeris.pdf
Is this an early draft of the Ensiklopedi Keris?
There are only 86 pages, whilst the Ensiklopedi Keris is a whopping 630 pages. :confused: From the header, it's labelled as "A to Z – Sesuatu mengenai KERIS dan TOMBAK" and from the footer of the document, it's labelled as "KERIS – SENJATA TRADISIONAL INDONESIA. Is there a book by the title of the header or footer?
:confused:

[A. G. Maisey]

Yeah, this struck me too, Shahrial.

I suspect that what we might be looking at is an edited version of one or other of the two editions of Ensiklopedi.

The first edition---Ensiklopedi Budaya Nasional--- does not line up with the page entries, nor does the second edition---Ensiklopedi Keris.

I suspect that whoever prepared this for publication on the web has gone through it and edited out entries that do not refer to keris and tombak. I did a couple of test checks on entries relating to people, and I cannot find entries to correspond with the entries in the hardcopies.Also lots of stuff missing for weapons other than keris and tombak.

In any case, whatever has been done to it, its not a complete version of either of the hardcopies, but that said, it is still a useful reference.

I don't think it is a separate publication, but it might be. Its not listed under the web title in David van Duuren's bibliography, and it could be expected to be so listed if it was published prior to Ensiklopedi Budaya.

Maybe what you suggest about it being an early draft might be the answer.

[Alam Shah]

... I have not heard of this one, nor seen it.
Do you have chapter headings? Anything about the author?

This is an English only discussion group, so if you wish, you can PM me. Thanks.As mentioned... here are the picture of the book and its contents pages. The extras I found in this book is that it analyses the supply and demand, with a flow chart covering the major keris markets, on a general level.

In the Executive Summary, Malay Art Gallery was mentioned, specifically. ;)
The layout and illustration needs improvement. It feels like reading a report than a book. :)

[A. G. Maisey]

Thanks for your efforts in this matter, Shahrial.

I'll be in Solo in a couple of weeks, and I'll see if I can get hold of a copy at that time---if its still in print. A lot of books in Indonesia are produced on very short print runs.

Check your PM.

[Alam Shah]

...The author of the book is Mrs. Vanna Scolari Ghiringhelli.
Mrs. Ghiringhelli wrote some years ago another fine book: "kris gli invincibili"
The book is just done and the author is now looking for a book publisherHi all,

Received info from Mrs. Vanna Scolari about the new book. :D

Saviolo Publisher is reserving pre-publication orders for The Invincible Krises 2 by author, Vanna Ghiringhelli, which is scheduled for World Premiere in November, 2007 at the Italian Knife Show in Milan.

http://www.saviolopublisher.com/books/the-invincible-krises-2/prod_8.html

Following the great success of the author's first volume of, "The Invincible Krises", this completely new and unique book focuses on the famous Indo-Malay Keris dagger. The individual keris pieces illustrated in the book, each selected from the prestigious Ghiringhelli collection, are being published here for the first time.

Every dagger in The Invincible Krises 2 is accompanied by detailed technical description as well as a cultural extension, making for pleasant and informative reading for serious students, collectors and casual browsers. The many references included in the text enable readers to quickly increase and deepen their knowledge on the historical significance and cultural impact of Keris daggers. With an appeal to every collector, the final portion of the book is devoted to the often overlooked subject of woman's Kris.

In the Preface and Introductions, author Vanna Ghiringhelli has dedicated The Invincible Krises 2 not only to seasoned collectors, but also to those who are new to the Keris World. The book is illustrated with 110 colour photographs of Kerises and the entire text is written in English. Detailed descriptions of the blade forging are written by Keris expert and collector, Dr. Sandro Forgiarini, whose text is accompanied by dozens of photos showing the smith's work and the forge.

This outstanding collectible book is being produced by Saviolo Publisher in Limited Edition of only 1,000 copies.

Get your copy now... (I had). ;)

[Marcokeris]

Surely i'll be in Milan next november

[vogan]

Thank you very much Alam Shah for the early link to the publisher of The Invincible Krises 2! As soon as I saw it I ran upstairs for my credit card. They have a secure site and postage to the US was just $15.00. It seems only fair that collectors get a chance at reserving a copy before the scalpers jack up the price on what's left. I thought the first volume a lovely little book, small format (just 5.5 by 6.5 inches for those who don't have a copy), but with excellent photos (- no, I have not yet acquired KERIS JAWA: Antara Mistik dan Nalar, as I am still clinging to the hope an English version is in the works).

[Rick]

It seems we can place an order in country . :)
http://www.saviolopublisher.com/

[Alam Shah]

It seems we can place an order in country . :)
http://www.saviolopublisher.com Gee, it's the same site that I've provided. :D :p

Vogan, the English version of the said book will be out, sooner or later. ;)

[Rick]

:o :o OOPS! :D :D

[David]

Vogan, the English version of the said book will be out, sooner or later. ;)

I just asked the same question about this book on the magazine thread (since Alan mentions it there). Do you speak with any authority on this or are you just assuming? If it will be "later" that's fine, but if it never happens and then the original Indo book goes out of print i will be screwed paying higher prices for a hard to find book. Oh well... :shrug:

[David]

And does anyone know what the dimensions of the new Invincible will be. I am seriously hoping for a much larger book than the last. Great photos, but so damn small.

[A. G. Maisey]

Shahrial, I've had the opportunity to read the MT Arifin book now.

My mother always told me never to say anything if I could not say something nice.

I would prefer to reserve comment on KERIS JAWA, by M T Arifin.

I'd say that Invincible Keris#2 is a "must have". I will be very interested in the level of accuracy shown in this second edition.

[pakana]

Is this "Invincible keris 2" book referring most to Indonesian keris or Malay?From the picture outside you can tell that Malay keris are also inside,but what about Indonesian?Thanx

[Marcokeris]

These two pages from Arifin book could be some interest (wood prizes in Solo market)

[A. G. Maisey]

Actually, I thought that this was one of the least interesting or valuable parts of this book.

These prices are only relevant to the person they were given to, on the day they were given.

[Marcokeris]

Alan, it is the only thing i have understood in the book.
About photos an indonesian friend when gave me the book said that the three keris on the cover are all new... but i don't know how and why he said that

[BluErf]

Is this "Invincible keris 2" book referring most to Indonesian keris or Malay?From the picture outside you can tell that Malay keris are also inside,but what about Indonesian?Thanx

But, that is an Indonesian (Minang) keris on the cover. :) Sumatra is as much a part of Indonesia as Java, Bali and Sulawesi. :)

[David]

But, that is an Indonesian (Minang) keris on the cover. :) Sumatra is as much a part of Indonesia as Java, Bali and Sulawesi. :)

My thoughts exactly! :)

[A. G. Maisey]

Marco, I do not have the book in front of me,but my memory of it is that yes, they are recent keris.

Don't worry too much about not understanding anything that is in that book.

[Alam Shah]

... About photos an indonesian friend when gave me the book said that the three keris on the cover are all new... but i don't know how and why he said thatYes, I agree... all 3 blades are new. 2 Naga Sasra and 1 Naga Siluman. (You could see it from the pics I posted). ;)

Marco, you have Haryono's Keris Jawa: Antara Mistik dan Nalar and coupled with Bambang's Ensiklopedi Keris, that should give you loads of Javanese keris info. Imo, regarding the pricing info, it fluctuates and differs in different markets, so it's not really useful. :) :D

[cahaya]

hai...,i'm absolutely agree that is new kris, with Kanjeng Kyai bla bla bla.... good for intermezo

[devriesantiek]

Hello everybody,

I'm a new member. My name is Patrick de Vries from Holland. I have an antique shop specialised in antiques from Indonesia.

{ commercial links edited by Rick}

My quesion is about books: I have many books about keris and other Indonesian weapons, but most are written in bhs Indonesia. I know a bit bhs, but it is very hard to read and understand it.
I know there is a translation of the Budaya Nasional. Does anybode know where I can get it (or borrow a copy?).
Any other good suggestions for book?

Best regards and thanks,

Patrick

[Rick]

Hi Patrick, welcome to the Warung . :)
I edited out your links because they seem to be of a commercial nature.
We all would love to see your private collection; any pieces offered for sale must be posted in the Swap forum.

If you have any questions feel free to ask.
Again,
Welcome.

Rick

[A. G. Maisey]

G'day Patrick,

There was a translation done of "Budaya Nasional".

My understanding is that it was commissioned by Hardiono of Surabaya. Pak Hardiono was an important dealer of some years ago, and he has now passed away.

Back in the 1990's I noted a small number of these translations available through a dealer in Solo.

I have not seen a translation for sale for many years.

In any case, it was a very, very bad translation, and in my opinion it was so difficult to understand that it could in itself cause misunderstandings.

I do have a copy of it somewhere. If you care to email me privately we may be able to work something out.

[Marcokeris]

A new indonesian book on Yogya sarong

[Alam Shah]

A new indonesian book on Yogya sarongInteresting,

What are its contents? Where can I get a copy? :)

[Marcokeris]

Interesting,

What are its contents? Where can I get a copy? :)
I received an email from the author and together the photo of the book. I dont know if the book is ready or not, but next week I'ld know some more about the book.

[cahaya]

I received an email from the author and together the photo of the book. I dont know if the book is ready or not, but next week I'ld know some more about the book.
Hi all,
just info:
as i know the book is not ready now, i hope ready in this year :shrug:

[VVV]

I have recieved Karsten Sejr Jensen's new "book". It's a CD about Keris from all over the archipelago.
As I am a bit biased I leave it up to other forumites to review if it's the ultimate book of what has so far been published... ;)
More info is published here

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4926

Michael

[Alam Shah]

I recieved the Krisdisk. My opinion... good handy reference to carry around. Ideal for any keris collector. Perhaps, I shouldn't comment. I might be bias as well... let us see what others have to say. :)

[Naga Sasra]

VVV and Sharial,
I am courious as to why you both feel you are biased regarding the issue of this CD?
Of cause no explanation is required from either of you, I was just wondering why the bias :confused:

[VVV]

VVV and Sharial,
I am courious as to why you both feel you are biased regarding the issue of this CD?
Of cause no explanation is required from either of you, I was just wondering why the bias :confused:

Both of us has some of our keris on the disk.
And I have tried to help Karsten with comments and feedback while it still was in production.

Michael

[David]

Both of us has some of our keris on the disk.
And I have tried to help Karsten with comments and feedback while it still was in production.
Michael
hmmm...seems like an added reason to pick it up then. ;) :)

[Rick]

Both of us has some of our keris on the disk.
And I have tried to help Karsten with comments and feedback while it still was in production.

Michael


Can we use Paypal ? :)

[VVV]

Hi Rick,

For ordering info please go to

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4926

Michael

[Rick]

Thanks Michael ... :)

[Michel]

Marcokeris informed us sometime in April that Mrs Ghinringhelli had produced a second book on keris. Alam Shah (I think) gave us the address of the Publisher and I immediately ordered one copy that was supposed to be published in November only.
Well, good news, I receive my copy today !
First impressions : Great book, with good illustrations in A4 format.
A few pages of explanations about who is a keris, what is a keris, what a keris can do, how is a keris forged and then starts the collection of Mr.Ghiringhelli with a photo and a page of explanations per weapon. It even shows a few keris for woman "keris wanita" as Mrs. Ghinringhelli calls them.
At the end an interesting bibliography.
I am very happy with this book that I have not yet read but glanced upon only.
Hope that a few of you have received it or will receive it and will comment.
Michel

[ganjawulung]

Marcokeris informed us sometime in April that Mrs Ghinringhelli had produced a second book on keris. Alam Shah (I think) gave us the address of the Publisher and I immediately ordered one copy that was supposed to be published in November only.
Well, good news, I receive my copy today !
First impressions : Great book, with good illustrations in A4 format.
A few pages of explanations about who is a keris, what is a keris, what a keris can do, how is a keris forged and then starts the collection of Mr.Ghiringhelli with a photo and a page of explanations per weapon. It even shows a few keris for woman "keris wanita" as Mrs. Ghinringhelli calls them.
At the end an interesting bibliography.
Dear Michel,
Two weeks ago in Jogjakarta (Indonesia), Marco gave me the original small book of "Kris Gli Invincibili" (The Invincible Krises). Amazing! I really enjoy to see the pictures of Vanna and Mario Ghiringhelli's collection. The krises and sheaths are in good classic style of Nusantara kerises (not only from Java). Good handles collection too. (Thank you, Marco). I hope someday, to get the second edition that I think it will be as amazing as the first book. Bravo...!

Ganjawulung

[Marcokeris]

Marcokeris informed us sometime in April that Mrs Ghinringhelli had produced a second book on keris. Alam Shah (I think) gave us the address of the Publisher and I immediately ordered one copy that was supposed to be published in November only.
Well, good news, I receive my copy today !
First impressions : Great book, with good illustrations in A4 format.
A few pages of explanations about who is a keris, what is a keris, what a keris can do, how is a keris forged and then starts the collection of Mr.Ghiringhelli with a photo and a page of explanations per weapon. It even shows a few keris for woman "keris wanita" as Mrs. Ghinringhelli calls them.
At the end an interesting bibliography.
I am very happy with this book that I have not yet read but glanced upon only.
Hope that a few of you have received it or will receive it and will comment.
Michel
Yes Michel the new Mrs. Ghiringhelli book is really good . The photos are excellent and the quality of paper also (...on pag. 116-117 i saw the best keris panjang of my life.....astounding.....breathless..... :eek: )

In Yogya another two new book about keris
In Yogya another two new book about keris now:

[Marcokeris]

I received an email from the author and together the photo of the book. I dont know if the book is ready or not, but next week I'ld know some more about the book.
The author told me the new book will be finished about the end of the year. I saw some pages and really the quality of photos and researches would be excellent (i hope the text will be in bahasa but also in english language).
I put here a picture of the new book

[Michel]

Hi Marco,
You seem to have very special connections with the world of book Edition. You knew before hand the publication of Mrs Ghiringhelli book, you announce now this new book in Jogjakarta. In any case thank you for informing us, this type of information is very useful for collectors.
Yes the keris panjang of page 116/117 in Mrs Ghiringhelli's book is impressive. It is the first, that I have seen, that carries these perforations in the blade and it appears to me as specially long with 62 cm vs 55 and 50 cm for my 3 keris panjang. As in "Traditional weapons of Indonesian Archipelago", page 64, van Zonneveld, mentions lengths of 73cm, 67cm and 57.5cm I am wondering if my keris panjang are not specially short ! ?
What I like in Mrs Ghiringhelli's book is that it shows keris that are not of kratong quality, the kind of weapons you can dream of but have not the means to obtain. They are all interesting, with something special, but they are not out of reach of a normal collector. This book presents, with good photos, a collection of weapons that many of us could have.
Thank you Marco for letting us know about this book.
Regards
Michel

[VVV]

I have now read The Invincible Krises 2 by Mrs Vanna Ghiringhelli.
What's interesting with this book, like Michel also mentioned, is that most of the Keris depicted aren't flamboyant showpieces.
Instead they have been selected for their interesting features that Mrs Ghiringhelli comments.
Compared to Karsten's Krisdisk, which is more of an in depth encyclopedic work, this is like having a conversation with the authour on her Keris.
I especially appreciate the pages about female Keris and also the cultural, as well as mystical and symbolic, explanations of some of the features.
Even if some of her ideas could be questioned she also gives, most of the time, good references for her views.
On the downside I would have appreciated more than one picture of each Keris.
Also I miss explanations on why she doesn't follow traditional regional classifications of some of the hilts and Keris (mostly on Sumatran Keris)
But overall I am very happy that I bought this book and I have learned a lot from it as well as got some new ideas for further studies.

Michael

[Marcokeris]

Another new book about keris is "the magickal kris".
The book is about combat by keris written by an expert in fighting: Mr.Ger Giesen.
In the book there is a chapter (part 3 : the kris and his meaning in javanese culture) written by dutch anthropologist dr. Hilga Prins (work's author: kris and kosmos :confused: ). Ms. Prins' written is very interesting and well can joint to latest Ms. Ghiringhelli's work.
The book is cheap and is easy to order to "van Stockum Boekverkopers"

[VVV]

Thanks Marco!!!

Michael