Two 17th century Keris at the Power and Fashion Exhibition in Dresden

Bjorn · 8th June 2017, 08:52 PM

I agree with David. The painting of the sheath looks very Chinese. The same style also exists in Japan, imported from China, but considering the large amount of ethnic Chinese and peranakan in Indonesia, Chinese influence seems more likely.

Both blades are nice, but I love the Sumbawa one. The blade itself strikes me as Javanese also, but perhaps there were Javanese smiths at the royal courts of Sumbawa at one point? Or it could have been a gift to cement the relationship between ruler and vassal. I forget whether Sumbawa was a vassal state to Mojohapit.

Alan, out of curiosity, what are the reasons the Dresden museum does not want these photos made public?

8th June 2017, 08:52 PM	#7
Bjorn Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Netherlands Posts: 188	I agree with David. The painting of the sheath looks very Chinese. The same style also exists in Japan, imported from China, but considering the large amount of ethnic Chinese and peranakan in Indonesia, Chinese influence seems more likely. Both blades are nice, but I love the Sumbawa one. The blade itself strikes me as Javanese also, but perhaps there were Javanese smiths at the royal courts of Sumbawa at one point? Or it could have been a gift to cement the relationship between ruler and vassal. I forget whether Sumbawa was a vassal state to Mojohapit. Alan, out of curiosity, what are the reasons the Dresden museum does not want these photos made public?