My first keris

BluErf · 29th January 2007, 01:46 PM

Hi Steve,

Congratulations on your first keris! May there be more in the future.

It's interesting that you started out with a Palembang keris; most people (me included) start out with Javanese/Madura Muda kerises, being seduced by the flashiness (no offence to Javanese kerises and collectors

). However, I grew to appreciate Bugis/Malay/Sumatran kerises for the tough iron/steel used in their construction, the simple but functional forging, the tempering which hardens 70% of the blade, the confident feel in the hand, and not forgetting the fiery-grained kemuning wood used to make the sheath and hilt.

In my opinion, Palembang kerises marry the sturdiness of Bugis kerises with the grace of Javanese kerises. And they have some of the finest carved hilt forms of the keris world.

What is it in this keris that caught your eye?

David · 29th January 2007, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BluErf

In my opinion, Palembang kerises marry the sturdiness of Bugis kerises with the grace of Javanese kerises. And they have some of the finest carved hilt forms of the keris world.

I agree! Their seems to be a more even marriage of influences in Palembang and perhaps Sumatran keris in general.

Ferguson · 30th January 2007, 12:43 AM

Thanks guys. I'm learning already. Palembang is southern Sumatra, Selut is the "ferrule", Ukiran is the hilt.

I was attracted to it because it looks "real", and the "bent" style of the ukiran looks neat.

Steve

Lew · 30th January 2007, 02:22 AM

Steve

You did good. David if you remember we discussed this keris a few months ago when it was up for auction but we both passed on it

Steve keris are very addicting so be careful or you will end up like the rest of us

Lew

BluErf · 30th January 2007, 01:18 PM

Oh Lew, I remember your avatar...

Neat keris... Very Neat keris.

BluErf · 30th January 2007, 01:22 PM

Hi Steve,

I guess all kerises are real from a certain perspective.

But I know what you mean. The keris looked like it could well have been carried in the sash of some Palembang gentleman in the 19th century, and was tough enough to be used to defend himself.

The bent hilt is probably one of the earliest forms of ergonomic design to fit the human hand and to facilitate a firm thrust.

Ferguson · 4th February 2007, 03:28 PM

I may be hooked.

This is a very neat piece. What distinguishes it instantly to everyone as a Palembang keris? Thanks for all of your help!

Steve

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29th January 2007, 01:46 PM	#1
BluErf Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,180	Hi Steve, Congratulations on your first keris! May there be more in the future. It's interesting that you started out with a Palembang keris; most people (me included) start out with Javanese/Madura Muda kerises, being seduced by the flashiness (no offence to Javanese kerises and collectors ). However, I grew to appreciate Bugis/Malay/Sumatran kerises for the tough iron/steel used in their construction, the simple but functional forging, the tempering which hardens 70% of the blade, the confident feel in the hand, and not forgetting the fiery-grained kemuning wood used to make the sheath and hilt. In my opinion, Palembang kerises marry the sturdiness of Bugis kerises with the grace of Javanese kerises. And they have some of the finest carved hilt forms of the keris world. What is it in this keris that caught your eye?

30th January 2007, 12:43 AM	#3
Ferguson Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kernersville, NC, USA Posts: 793	Thanks guys. I'm learning already. Palembang is southern Sumatra, Selut is the "ferrule", Ukiran is the hilt. I was attracted to it because it looks "real", and the "bent" style of the ukiran looks neat. Steve

30th January 2007, 02:22 AM	#4
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Steve You did good. David if you remember we discussed this keris a few months ago when it was up for auction but we both passed on it Steve keris are very addicting so be careful or you will end up like the rest of us Lew

30th January 2007, 01:18 PM	#5
BluErf Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,180	Oh Lew, I remember your avatar... Neat keris... Very Neat keris.

30th January 2007, 01:22 PM	#6
BluErf Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,180	Hi Steve, I guess all kerises are real from a certain perspective. But I know what you mean. The keris looked like it could well have been carried in the sash of some Palembang gentleman in the 19th century, and was tough enough to be used to defend himself. The bent hilt is probably one of the earliest forms of ergonomic design to fit the human hand and to facilitate a firm thrust.

4th February 2007, 03:28 PM	#7
Ferguson Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kernersville, NC, USA Posts: 793	I may be hooked. This is a very neat piece. What distinguishes it instantly to everyone as a Palembang keris? Thanks for all of your help! Steve