Keris Handle / Hilts Appreciation

[rasjid]

Hi Alan, yes, I agree with your previous posting that I have to clarify about the Kraton pieces.

I'm trying to get general preference about the wood material from Keris collectors. I myself prefer the nginden type after a while I prefer the clean type material (as Kai, mention - maybe quiter grain) which in fact will improve the overal worongko and handle suitability.

My points for choosing the tayuman wood material (only); as previous post that quality of the carving at its best - please comment:
1. The handle height should be Not too tall and not too short (nice to look at) which shows the personality for the owner.
2. prefer quiter grain wood material, smooth no marks.
3. The colour should be darker than the worongko.
4. If the handle has the Selut, the total height (point#1) will affect the total appearance thus normally we choose a lower handle to compensate additional height of the selut. May be ladrang type more suitable for handle with selut? Comment? anyone?

Thank you Alan for your addtional info in regards your experience in handling some keris from Surakarta Karaton. I was told that Karaton pieces own by the Prince is similar with your explanation; in regards the handle -> its plain grain, no "puser" ; which supporting your last post as well.

Thanks again.

rasjid

[A. G. Maisey]

My comments in response:-

1)--- yes, the hilt needs to be in correct proportion to the wrongko, but the wrongko itself is perhaps more important as a match to physique, character, age & rank of the wearer. Thus, it starts with the wrongko, and the hilt matches the wrongko.

2)--- if we are talking about the hilt alone, my preference will always be for the most outstanding grain available, however, if we are talking about the hilt as a part of a complete ensemble, the hilt will need to match or complement the wrongko, this could mean a dead plain grain, it could mean a material other than tayuman, it could mean anything.

3)--- As a general rule, yes, but exceptions do occur; for example, cendana wangi will virtually always be lighter than the wrongko, but it can be an outstanding hilt material, and is highly prized. Its a matter of taste and overall appearance.

4)--- Yes, correct, ideally a hilt should be carved specifically for a selut, and yes, a selut does look better with a ladrang wrongko.

[rasjid]

On addition to my previous point:

May be the handle "weight" also play an important role because when valuating Keris, I also holding the keris and feel the weight distribution throught out the blade and "tang ting" as well. Any comment anyone?

I always prefer the balance distribution somewhere around the tip of sogokan area. I have experience with new blade made by pak Subandi - solo which I supply my own high carbon steel for the core blade. The blade is too heavy from normal keris (core too thick) but finally I have a big/thick Solo ivory to match) and better weight distribution.

thank you.
rasjid

[A. G. Maisey]

Rasjid, we started off talking about just the material in the handle, and now we're going into factors such as balance when the handle is fitted to a keris.

I'm not so sure exactly where we're headed.

As you've already remarked, tayuman is a preferred material for handles. It is a very dense wood and will sink in water, so this throws the balance back into the hand. However, it is an absolutely lousy wood to wear in daylight, ideally it should never be kissed by the sun, or you will very possibly end up with some unsightly splits in it. Ideally, tayuman should only be worn at night.

So --- are we now going to consider all the possible factors that can apply to a Central Javanese planar hilt?

[rasjid]

[ So --- are we now going to consider all the possible factors that can apply to a Central Javanese planar hilt? ]

I don't know Alan, previous post already discuss the hilt's material.

Alan, my last post about the additional point (weight distribution at hand on keris) which I personally thought should be consider when you attach your choosen hilt.

As Detlef and David mention in earlier post, there are other factors to be considered when you mix n match Javanese hilt with the keris. I agree, is there anymore points to add according to the standard of a knowledgeable keris collectors?

thanks
rasjid

[A. G. Maisey]

Rasjid, I'm not too strong on what "knowledgeable collectors" consider to be correct. I do not consider myself a collector --- although I once was --- and I do not necessarily accept that which is accepted as knowledge by the bulk of collector groups.

What I have noted amongst the people I know in Solo is that when a hilt is mated to a keris, the major considerations are all directed at achieving a harmonious visual presentation when the keris is worn.

The totality of the ensemble is considered when mating it to the person who is to wear it.

I would guess that weight distribution and point of balance could be a consideration for a dancer, or perhaps a silat practitioner, but in my experience it is not considered when preparing a keris for wear, nor for display, and those two matters are the principal ones considered in modern Jawa.

[rasjid]

Thank you Alan for the insight regarding your last post.
May be due to my other hobby that I have a few knives that I bought and make as well than this habit carry forward to my keris collecting that I like to handle a keris which also has a good balance at hand.

regards,
rasjid