Rajah Kalacakra Keris

[David]

Originally Posted by Jean

The kalacakra motif is well-known in Central Java but this one is not very finely made IMO.

So, are you and Donny identifying this scorpion symbol as a Buddhist symbol by referring to it as a "kalacakra motif" (Rajah Kalacakra)? Just to be clear for those who may not have studies such things, "kalacakra", is not a name for this particular scorpion symbol, but rather a sanskrit word for the "wheel of time" as it relates to Vajrayana Buddhism. The "Rajah" of the name Donny was given would refer, of course, to a royal entity.
As for the quality of the carving for the base of this kinatah, i agree that it is not exceptional. Do you think that is an indication of when it may have been applied.
I have seen this symbol before on both new and old blades. David van Duuren shows a blade with scorpion kinatah in "A Critical Bibliography" and better photos of that same keris can be found in the latest addition of Groneman's "The Javanese Kris". Frankly, the carving of that scorpion is even inferior to this one.