My Hulu Tajong...

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...

BluErf · 9th October 2011, 08:26 AM

That's true. I ordered one from a carver from Madura, and it has been more than 7 months and no sight of the hilt.

The carver is very talented, but for reasons unknown, he has not delivered.

Thanks for sharing the rajamala hilts. They are one of my favourite hilt forms!

ganjawulung · 9th October 2011, 09:06 AM

Kai Wee, I think I know the carver -- with "S" initial -- and has a facebook account, but with modified name a bit. Yes, he is one of the best young Maduran carver today. Unfortunately, with a bit disappointing reputation on promising to finish on time, or even "not to finish" at all...

On the examples on hilt, I don't think the second is "rajamala" type. Or do you? It is more 'gentle' type than "rajamala"... I don't even know the name. Wayang hilt?

BluErf · 9th October 2011, 02:24 PM

Yes it is him. Maybe I'll see him around at one of the pameran in the future

The second hilt - I see what you mean, but I have no idea what other wayang characters this could represent. It does have the same feel as Rajamala, but no obvious moustache (I see a beard).

ganjawulung · 9th October 2011, 03:19 PM

Good luck, then... Here are other examples on "Rajamala" from Kraton Museum of Surakarta, Central Jawa. A museum just beside the Kraton of Solo. Five years back I took this foto. Rajamala for sailing mascot at sea, used to be put on the tip of the "haluan" of a boat or ship. And also, "Kala Makara" sea mascot for the same purpose....

8th October 2011, 11:40 AM	#1
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

9th October 2011, 03:19 PM	#7
ganjawulung Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: J a k a r t a Posts: 991	Good luck, then... Here are other examples on "Rajamala" from Kraton Museum of Surakarta, Central Jawa. A museum just beside the Kraton of Solo. Five years back I took this foto. Rajamala for sailing mascot at sea, used to be put on the tip of the "haluan" of a boat or ship. And also, "Kala Makara" sea mascot for the same purpose.... Attached Images

9th October 2011, 01:32 AM	#2
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	#3
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...

9th October 2011, 08:26 AM	#4
BluErf Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,180	That's true. I ordered one from a carver from Madura, and it has been more than 7 months and no sight of the hilt. The carver is very talented, but for reasons unknown, he has not delivered. Thanks for sharing the rajamala hilts. They are one of my favourite hilt forms!

9th October 2011, 09:06 AM	#5
ganjawulung Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: J a k a r t a Posts: 991	Kai Wee, I think I know the carver -- with "S" initial -- and has a facebook account, but with modified name a bit. Yes, he is one of the best young Maduran carver today. Unfortunately, with a bit disappointing reputation on promising to finish on time, or even "not to finish" at all... On the examples on hilt, I don't think the second is "rajamala" type. Or do you? It is more 'gentle' type than "rajamala"... I don't even know the name. Wayang hilt?

9th October 2011, 02:24 PM	#6
BluErf Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,180	Yes it is him. Maybe I'll see him around at one of the pameran in the future The second hilt - I see what you mean, but I have no idea what other wayang characters this could represent. It does have the same feel as Rajamala, but no obvious moustache (I see a beard).