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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...
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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?
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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