Peninsular or Sumatra?

VVV · 19th June 2011, 01:49 PM

Here is a keris were the seller and I don't agree on the possible origin.
I would appreciate your comments and ideas on this one too.

Michael

Sajen · 19th June 2011, 02:07 PM

Hello Michael,

beautiful keris although I don't think that the blade is original to the sheath IMHO. But in my humble opinion all look very Peninsula to my eyes, special hilt, pendokok and sheath. By the blade I am unsure.

Best regards,

Detlef

Alam Shah · 19th June 2011, 03:35 PM

Hi Michael,

Imho, the hilt, hilt cup and sheath are Peninsular made, probably Kelantan. The blade, I'm not sure. During my last visit to Kelantan, months ago, I've seen newer blades in this form. The hilt, emulating Palembang style but probably made in Malaysia. Seen quite a few, in private collections made by local craftsmen, old and new..

BluErf · 19th June 2011, 03:47 PM

It's a N Malay interpretation of a Sumatran keris.

Nice catch, Michael.

VVV · 19th June 2011, 05:16 PM

Thanks all so far,

Then I was wrong because I thought the hilt was a poorly made (in) Palembang.
The blade seems a bit tricky?

Michael

David · 19th June 2011, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VVV

Then I was wrong because I thought the hilt was a poorly made (in) Palembang.

Michael, even out of focus i am having a hard time accepting your hilt as "poorly made"...

Sajen · 19th June 2011, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

Michael, even out of focus i am having a hard time accepting your hilt as "poorly made"...

Agree with David! When you don't like the hilt send it to me Michael!!

I think it's hippo ivory, can you confirm this?

Regards,

Detlef

asomotif · 19th June 2011, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VVV

I thought the hilt was a poorly made (in) Palembang.

I am with David and Detlef.
Of course there are Palembang hilts that are carved much finer. But This hilt is very nice and it fits the ensemble quite well.

Love the pendokok.

Best regards,
Willem

DAHenkel · 20th June 2011, 12:00 AM

Kelantan or Terengganu dating to around 1920 - 1940. There was a craze in those days for innovation and hybrid styles abound. The Palembang style seems to have been particularly influential. The 'air-tangan' of the piece though is unmistakably Peninsular - so is the sheath, which is the debek style and very Kelantanese. In these days smallish keris for "formal" attire were popular and even today in Kota Bahru they call them keris selit because the fit just nicely into the waist of your sarong.

Super nice piece and absolutely all original. Another nice catch Michael...

19th June 2011, 01:49 PM	#1
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Peninsular or Sumatra? Here is a keris were the seller and I don't agree on the possible origin. I would appreciate your comments and ideas on this one too. Michael Attached Images

19th June 2011, 03:35 PM	#3
Alam Shah Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,248	Hi Michael, Imho, the hilt, hilt cup and sheath are Peninsular made, probably Kelantan. The blade, I'm not sure. During my last visit to Kelantan, months ago, I've seen newer blades in this form. The hilt, emulating Palembang style but probably made in Malaysia. Seen quite a few, in private collections made by local craftsmen, old and new.. Last edited by Alam Shah; 20th June 2011 at 04:15 AM. Reason: spelling

19th June 2011, 02:07 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,485	Hello Michael, beautiful keris although I don't think that the blade is original to the sheath IMHO. But in my humble opinion all look very Peninsula to my eyes, special hilt, pendokok and sheath. By the blade I am unsure. Best regards, Detlef

19th June 2011, 03:47 PM	#4
BluErf Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,180	It's a N Malay interpretation of a Sumatran keris. Nice catch, Michael.

19th June 2011, 05:16 PM	#5
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Thanks all so far, Then I was wrong because I thought the hilt was a poorly made (in) Palembang. The blade seems a bit tricky? Michael

20th June 2011, 12:00 AM	#9
DAHenkel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 125	Kelantan or Terengganu dating to around 1920 - 1940. There was a craze in those days for innovation and hybrid styles abound. The Palembang style seems to have been particularly influential. The 'air-tangan' of the piece though is unmistakably Peninsular - so is the sheath, which is the debek style and very Kelantanese. In these days smallish keris for "formal" attire were popular and even today in Kota Bahru they call them keris selit because the fit just nicely into the waist of your sarong. Super nice piece and absolutely all original. Another nice catch Michael...