Shadow Keris

David · 10th November 2010, 12:11 AM

Not sure what more i can tell anyone Gustav. I pretty much lucked into this keris shooting a collection of weapons that someone in my area was trying to get rid off. JHe needed images for internet sales. He had a number of keris and i got some in exchange for the work and also bought others at some good prices. I have many more Java/Bali keris in my collection so the Malay pieces are more a mystery to me, but i do know quality when i see it.

As for age i wouldn't call this contemporary either, though i also would question if it is 100 years old. So i might call it "old", but not yet antique. It shows some age,patina and slight pitting and the I have always thought that pre-WW2 was a good assessment, but i might be wrong.

BluErf · 10th November 2010, 12:56 PM

I agree that this keris is not contemporary. The smiths in Malaysia has lost the ability to produce anything even close to this now. It's a beautiful keris, and age is one thing we cannot fault it on; it will age nicely.

Alam Shah · 10th November 2010, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BluErf

I agree that this keris is not contemporary. The smiths in Malaysia has lost the ability to produce anything even close to this now. It's a beautiful keris, and age is one thing we cannot fault it on; it will age nicely.

Prior to contrary belief, it is not true Kai Wee. Through WW2 smiths in Pattani did continue keris production in remote regions, although in smaller scale.. slowed down during WW2 but increased production since.. info from various sources.

BluErf · 11th November 2010, 07:12 AM

I see new kerises from the North, but they are just KLOs made with power tools from metal blanks. Haven't seen a really good quality new keris from the area yet. If there are, I would be most happy for the future of Malay kerises!

laEspadaAncha · 12th November 2010, 03:23 AM

Don't spend too much time in this forum, but the thread title intrigued me. David, that's one stunning photograph and you are correct in that it would make for an eye-catching cover.

David · 12th November 2010, 04:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laEspadaAncha

Don't spend too much time in this forum, but the thread title intrigued me. David, that's one stunning photograph and you are correct in that it would make for an eye-catching cover.

Thanks, a compliment much appreciated...

PenangsangII · 26th November 2010, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BluErf

I see new kerises from the North, but they are just KLOs made with power tools from metal blanks. Haven't seen a really good quality new keris from the area yet. If there are, I would be most happy for the future of Malay kerises!

I cant agree more.

In recent years, due to exposure from electronic media, the interest on keris has improved tremendously, but this supposedly good development also had invited unscrupulous makers and dealers alike. Thus the KLOs are flooding the Malaysian keris market.

tunggulametung · 26th November 2010, 03:31 PM

But I saw on social networking sites/blog many keris enthusiast which is likely from Singapore/Malaysia sometime post really nice contemporary Keris Semenanjung

As for power tools, we really have to compromise (more result oriented). I know in the ideal world it is nice to know that our collection is fully handcrafted but for today economy it is difficult for the artist to survive just to rely on fully handcrafted piece of art which take longer to accomplish not to mention for example good day to work, pauses between work, ideal work hour etc etc if we are to follow the traditional path. Moreover, values and the planet and it's surrounding which the artist live is rapidly changing, so his need and inspiration. They understand that collectors are mostly towards antique pieces/pay good money for antique, which is one of the contra-productive aspect on contemporary art. Who knows that in earlier few centuries things are the other way around. I agree about degradation of skill, but someone with good knowledge/basic skill on how to make one item only need to see enough examples and stimulus/support to achieve better quality piece of art. But most of their time are not spent on study, so I guess it is our responsibility on approaching and passing this. Let us ask our self for example how many time we commissioned new keris or it's fittings directly to the artist? Well not so many artist around and geographical barrier as well as amount to pay for newly commissioned job will likely exceed what we are willing to pay. In 21st century mostly anything are ready to wear. How many time we are today into buying fabric and bring it to tailor? Ready to wear clothing are abundance in the market, more selection and affordable. If we are commissioning a new work, we cannot see how it like until it finish, the result might be disappointing and we are rarely into buying this risk.

Just my two rupiahs...

tunggulametung · 26th November 2010, 04:08 PM

(Without experience, enough skill and proper tools) I once decided to make my own buntut without power tools which can be commissioned for small amount of money and will likely be done in one or two days, almost surely with power tools. At first I can't stop doing it because like what many artist has gone trough I guess, the semangat, the more powerful spirit is working and my hands are nothing but medium, but then... this job has take long hour and I tell you it hurt your palm

, I put it aside looking for better days to continue (excuses). Looks not a prime material, should I cut another part of the horn and start all over again?

26th November 2010, 04:08 PM	#9
tunggulametung Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 238	(Without experience, enough skill and proper tools) I once decided to make my own buntut without power tools which can be commissioned for small amount of money and will likely be done in one or two days, almost surely with power tools. At first I can't stop doing it because like what many artist has gone trough I guess, the semangat, the more powerful spirit is working and my hands are nothing but medium, but then... this job has take long hour and I tell you it hurt your palm , I put it aside looking for better days to continue (excuses). Looks not a prime material, should I cut another part of the horn and start all over again? Attached Images

10th November 2010, 12:11 AM	#1
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,211	Not sure what more i can tell anyone Gustav. I pretty much lucked into this keris shooting a collection of weapons that someone in my area was trying to get rid off. JHe needed images for internet sales. He had a number of keris and i got some in exchange for the work and also bought others at some good prices. I have many more Java/Bali keris in my collection so the Malay pieces are more a mystery to me, but i do know quality when i see it. As for age i wouldn't call this contemporary either, though i also would question if it is 100 years old. So i might call it "old", but not yet antique. It shows some age,patina and slight pitting and the I have always thought that pre-WW2 was a good assessment, but i might be wrong.

10th November 2010, 12:56 PM	#2
BluErf Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,180	I agree that this keris is not contemporary. The smiths in Malaysia has lost the ability to produce anything even close to this now. It's a beautiful keris, and age is one thing we cannot fault it on; it will age nicely.

11th November 2010, 07:12 AM	#4
BluErf Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,180	I see new kerises from the North, but they are just KLOs made with power tools from metal blanks. Haven't seen a really good quality new keris from the area yet. If there are, I would be most happy for the future of Malay kerises!

12th November 2010, 03:23 AM	#5
laEspadaAncha Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 608	Don't spend too much time in this forum, but the thread title intrigued me. David, that's one stunning photograph and you are correct in that it would make for an eye-catching cover.

26th November 2010, 03:31 PM	#8
tunggulametung Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 238	But I saw on social networking sites/blog many keris enthusiast which is likely from Singapore/Malaysia sometime post really nice contemporary Keris Semenanjung As for power tools, we really have to compromise (more result oriented). I know in the ideal world it is nice to know that our collection is fully handcrafted but for today economy it is difficult for the artist to survive just to rely on fully handcrafted piece of art which take longer to accomplish not to mention for example good day to work, pauses between work, ideal work hour etc etc if we are to follow the traditional path. Moreover, values and the planet and it's surrounding which the artist live is rapidly changing, so his need and inspiration. They understand that collectors are mostly towards antique pieces/pay good money for antique, which is one of the contra-productive aspect on contemporary art. Who knows that in earlier few centuries things are the other way around. I agree about degradation of skill, but someone with good knowledge/basic skill on how to make one item only need to see enough examples and stimulus/support to achieve better quality piece of art. But most of their time are not spent on study, so I guess it is our responsibility on approaching and passing this. Let us ask our self for example how many time we commissioned new keris or it's fittings directly to the artist? Well not so many artist around and geographical barrier as well as amount to pay for newly commissioned job will likely exceed what we are willing to pay. In 21st century mostly anything are ready to wear. How many time we are today into buying fabric and bring it to tailor? Ready to wear clothing are abundance in the market, more selection and affordable. If we are commissioning a new work, we cannot see how it like until it finish, the result might be disappointing and we are rarely into buying this risk. Just my two rupiahs...