Keris info

[Sepang]

hi mans , thanks for the samples ....

so it could be made between majapahit - early mataram era... isn't it ?

[Mans]

Originally Posted by Sepang

hi mans , thanks for the samples ....

so it could be made between majapahit - early mataram era... isn't it ?

Hi AlamShah & Bill,
I supposed that Themis keris made from Early Mataram Period.
Generally Majapahit keris has a slightly blade and longer gonjo called Sebit Ron Tal which has oval form at front of gonjo (Jawa = Sirah Cecak). The iron has smooth vibrous. And the other side, Keris from early Mataram period (Mataram Senopaten) also taking some characteristic of Majapahit keris, like Luk, slighty gonjo, but the iron made not too good as Majapahit keris. Commonly, Keris from early Mataram period used the full pamor pattern on the blade in order to hidding the ironwork.

But, keris from Mataram Sultan Agungan period, has the good ironwork as Majapahit period. It can be happen because at Sultan Agung period, the keris cultures was grow up. Keris from early Mataram Sultan Agungan period has characteristic as Mataram Senopaten, but the ironwork more better. It has smooth iron. Many keris was made at this period by many mPu (about 700 mPu from Kraton and the leader is mPu Supo Anom / Ki Nom). And the tehcnique of pamor and work more complicated.

End of Mataram Sultan Agungan period, the keris looks more handsome and stronger. This shape continued by mPu from Mataram Amangkurat and Surokarto period, but the blade more wider and stronger look.

Indeed that to know the tangguh (estimated period) of the keris, specially Javanese keris is too complicated, because there are too many kingdoms. Each of kingdoms bring the different characteristic on ironwork, row material, pamor and style (Jawa = Pasikutan). So that why many discussion about the Javanese keris, specifically of Tangguh was never ending. And often ending by misunderstanding.

I hope the different opinion about the keris can showing that the keris cultures has deep senses. And realy sorry if my opinion not to clear.

Best regards,
Mans.

[Alam Shah]

Hi Mans,
Thanks for the explanation. You've answered some of my doubts regarding majapahit and mataram era differences. As the differences are subtle, understanding of the different materials would aid to differentiate the tangguh. However an absolute answer would be difficult to derive. Therefore with only pictures, the best answer that can be achieved would be an estimated guesswork, right?

[Mans]

Originally Posted by Alam Shah

Hi Mans,
..... However an absolute answer would be difficult to derive. Therefore with only pictures, the best answer that can be achieved would be an estimated guesswork, right?

Absolutely right, Alam. Thank you.. but I always waiting for your advice at my album

[Jubilado]

Having just discovered this forum and thread, my thanks go to Mans and all of you for a very interesting discussion.

Can anyone, Mans perhaps? post similar guidance on the style of straight keris blades. I have one from Madura and one (supposedly) from Java, that I would like to learn more about.

Thank you for any information.

[Mans]

Hi Jubilado,

I think, conditions of the Keris from Madura usually more rough and heavy than the Javanese keris. The iron fibrous more clear and some iron came with many spot. Many keris from Pesisir (coastal) area usually more rough than the other. The pamor pattern of Maduranese keris more bright and coarse. The culture of Maduranese often showing their luxuries or profusion. Same as with the keris which came from there. Strong and the pamor more bright and fully on the blade. Also many pamor demostrated the high skill of the smith.
Trully, many keris with vertical technique of the pamor work came from madura.

The Javanese keris more slightly built. The iron more smooth and the iron fibrous more soft. Especially the keris from old era like Majapahit and Sedayu (about 13-15th century) and the keris from Mataram Sultan Agung period (about 17th century).

But, any keris from Madura which nearly same with Javanese Keris. Usually the keris like this came from Kraton (palace area). See the pictures #5 & 6. This is the Maduranese keris which has the characteristics as Javanese keris. But, we still can distinguishing it by the kind of pamor pattern. The pamor called Dadung Muntir and just Maduranese smith who often created the pamor like this in good conditions.

I think more detail if you see the pictures, because very difficult to me to explain it without example Also you can see more pictures at my website (http://keris.fotopic.net). I hope useful.

Detail :
#1-2 = Keris from Madura Cakraningrat on Mataram Era (estimated made about 18th century). The pamor more smooth but the Pasikutan (characteristics) still shown the Maduranese keris.
#3-4 = Keris from Pamekasan Madura. The kingdom which vassal state of Sumenep kingdom (estimated made about 17th century).
#5-6 = Keris from Sumenep Madura which has character as Javanese keris. but the pamor shown as the Maduranese keris.
#7-8 = Javanese Keris from Majapahit Era (estimated about 15th century). The iron is very smoot. Demostrated the very high skill on ironworking.
#9-10 = Javanese keris from Mataram period (estimated made about 18th century). Demostrated the difficult pamorwork and good forging.

[drdavid]

Hi Mans
a very useful series of posts for a novice. I have uploaded some pictures of my first Keris purchase, described as late Mataram, from Central Jawa. It is a lovely piece to handle, both delicate and strong...strange combination of words I know but the best description I have.