A Japanese Performing HaraKiri (Seppuku).. with the Keris

ALEX · 30th October 2017, 04:37 PM

I saw a carved wooden statue of Japanese bearded man wearing only a short folded loincloth around his hips and performing what seems to be HaraKiri, with the Keris, into his right side of the chest (opposite of the heart). Not sure if this can be called HaraKiri as HaraKiri is performed to abdominal section, and from the seated position. First, I thought the man is Indonesian/Javanese based on the Keris, but the face is clearly Japanese. An unusual depiction that would be interested to know whether based on something actual or fictional. Any ideas or suggestions of what could this be?

mariusgmioc · 30th October 2017, 06:01 PM

A photo is worth 1000 words!

Without a photo, I'm afraid there isn't much to talk about...

ALEX · 31st October 2017, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

A photo is worth 1000 words!

Without a photo, I'm afraid there isn't much to talk about...

I do not have a photo yet. Besides, if one does not know about a Keris being historically used in certain ritual... would a photo enlighten?

Rick · 31st October 2017, 03:35 PM

Possibly it is a rendering of the 'Barong and Keris' dance as performed by Balinese dancers.

ALEX · 31st October 2017, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

Possibly it is a rendering of the 'Barong and Keris' dance as performed by Balinese dancers.

Thank you, Rick. This is it. I looked up 'Barong and Keris dance' online and it is strikingly similar depiction. I'll try to post photo of the statue, but am almost certain this is what it depicts, the position of the Keris, the pose, facial expression, etc. Thanks again!

Rick · 31st October 2017, 05:30 PM

You're very welcome Alex.

ALEX · 23rd November 2017, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

A photo is worth 1000 words!

I agree, Marius

I finally got the photos.
The face looks more Japanese rather Javanese to me, especially the eyes, high cheekbones, etc. so this threw me off. I think it represents exactly what Rick stated above. Also, a heavy and good quality wood that is likely teak. Any similar carvings out there?

A. G. Maisey · 23rd November 2017, 07:01 PM

The material is not teak, it appears to be Makassar Ebony.

30th October 2017, 04:37 PM	#1
ALEX Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 936	A Japanese Performing HaraKiri (Seppuku).. with the Keris I saw a carved wooden statue of Japanese bearded man wearing only a short folded loincloth around his hips and performing what seems to be HaraKiri, with the Keris, into his right side of the chest (opposite of the heart). Not sure if this can be called HaraKiri as HaraKiri is performed to abdominal section, and from the seated position. First, I thought the man is Indonesian/Javanese based on the Keris, but the face is clearly Japanese. An unusual depiction that would be interested to know whether based on something actual or fictional. Any ideas or suggestions of what could this be?

30th October 2017, 06:01 PM	#2
mariusgmioc Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austria Posts: 1,906	A photo is worth 1000 words! Without a photo, I'm afraid there isn't much to talk about...

31st October 2017, 03:35 PM	#4
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	Possibly it is a rendering of the 'Barong and Keris' dance as performed by Balinese dancers.

31st October 2017, 05:30 PM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	You're very welcome Alex.

23rd November 2017, 07:01 PM	#8
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,992	The material is not teak, it appears to be Makassar Ebony.