My Hulu Tajong...

ganjawulung · 7th October 2011, 02:42 AM

It is a 21st century Tajong, made in Jakarta...

drdavid · 7th October 2011, 06:32 AM

Hi Ganjawuung
you answered my question before i could ask it

The carving seems very good most of the time, perhaps a little less elegant around those squares on the top. Do you know what type of wood? Did you commission this?
regards
drd

ganjawulung · 7th October 2011, 07:25 AM

No, dr David, I didn't commision it. I bought it from Yogya, but I knew it was made in Jakarta. The same talented carver made and carved this buffalo horn Cirebon hilt below. You may see, that the upper one is the original and old Cirebon "wayang" motif-hilt, and the lower is the 21st century Cirebon hilt with almost the same motif. But it is very clear to see that the buffalo horn one is newly made. The maker didn't intend to make it as if it is worn out...

GANJAWULUNG

Alam Shah · 8th October 2011, 03:07 AM

The carver have talent but aesthetically, still have a long way to go for the tajong hilt. As for the cirebon hilt, I guess the source itself is not a good enough a copy to duplicate and learn from.

ganjawulung · 8th October 2011, 11:40 AM

Agree with you, Shahrial, aesthetically still long way to go. Aesthetic is not just a matter of forms, or beautiful forms but also philosophy. Every keris' detail contains its specific philosophy... (Below, example of picture on Rajamala hilt, from Tegal and Cirebon area, for comparison to Tajong form)

BluErf · 9th October 2011, 01:32 AM

I think it is good that the tajong art is being kept alive, that someone takes the pain to learn it. However, it is important for seller to disclose where this hilt is made, and not pass it off as the real deal. For the buyer, it is also important to learn about the nuances, and make an informed decision when buying one.

ganjawulung · 9th October 2011, 02:35 AM

Yes, Kai Wee, and sometimes I feel surprised when I saw someone working on something (it could be keris hilt, bugis warangka and even Melayu blades, or javanese blades) -- I asked who commissioned it? The maker said: "Mr this and that" from abroad. So, the buyer knows well where it was made. I notice this, not only in Jakarta, but also in certain place in Solo...

7th October 2011, 07:25 AM	#3
ganjawulung Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: J a k a r t a Posts: 991	21st century... No, dr David, I didn't commision it. I bought it from Yogya, but I knew it was made in Jakarta. The same talented carver made and carved this buffalo horn Cirebon hilt below. You may see, that the upper one is the original and old Cirebon "wayang" motif-hilt, and the lower is the 21st century Cirebon hilt with almost the same motif. But it is very clear to see that the buffalo horn one is newly made. The maker didn't intend to make it as if it is worn out... GANJAWULUNG Attached Images

8th October 2011, 11:40 AM	#5
ganjawulung Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: J a k a r t a Posts: 991	Agree with you, Shahrial, aesthetically still long way to go. Aesthetic is not just a matter of forms, or beautiful forms but also philosophy. Every keris' detail contains its specific philosophy... (Below, example of picture on Rajamala hilt, from Tegal and Cirebon area, for comparison to Tajong form) Attached Images

7th October 2011, 02:42 AM	#1
ganjawulung Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: J a k a r t a Posts: 991	It is a 21st century Tajong, made in Jakarta...

7th October 2011, 06:32 AM	#2
drdavid Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 372	Hi Ganjawuung you answered my question before i could ask it The carving seems very good most of the time, perhaps a little less elegant around those squares on the top. Do you know what type of wood? Did you commission this? regards drd

8th October 2011, 03:07 AM	#4
Alam Shah Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,248	The carver have talent but aesthetically, still have a long way to go for the tajong hilt. As for the cirebon hilt, I guess the source itself is not a good enough a copy to duplicate and learn from.

9th October 2011, 01:32 AM	#6
BluErf Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,180	I think it is good that the tajong art is being kept alive, that someone takes the pain to learn it. However, it is important for seller to disclose where this hilt is made, and not pass it off as the real deal. For the buyer, it is also important to learn about the nuances, and make an informed decision when buying one.

9th October 2011, 02:35 AM	#7
ganjawulung Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: J a k a r t a Posts: 991	Yes, Kai Wee, and sometimes I feel surprised when I saw someone working on something (it could be keris hilt, bugis warangka and even Melayu blades, or javanese blades) -- I asked who commissioned it? The maker said: "Mr this and that" from abroad. So, the buyer knows well where it was made. I notice this, not only in Jakarta, but also in certain place in Solo...