Gilded and painted Keris for viewing

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by Kiai Carita

If you examine closely is it watercolour and ink covered by a spray varnish? This method of sungging began to become common in the 1980s.

Interesting and quite possible, varnish or lacquer would explain the way in which the paint has flaked and appears rippled in a few small patches.
Being a very time intensive task to create what they have, I'd be interested in seeing or learning more about the processes involved in decorating these sheaths either new or old now I have presented both.

Gav