A bit unusual keris

[John]

Originally Posted by Raja Muda

... Last month I visited the Asian Civilisations Museum across the bay from the Cavanagh bridge.
I was intrigued to see one of the kerises in the display. It has a nogo blade if I'm not mistaken but it was provenanced Bugis (again, if memory serves me right). I don't know if anyone else here, especially the orang Singapure have ever noticed this particular blade (inside the Malay world gallery).
Were the Bugis smiths also manufacturing blade types similar to those by the Javanese empus or was this one a trade blade? hmmm

Just happened to chance upon this thread (post) via url from the "Question About SEA Armor" thread. I vividly remember seeing this particular gorgeous solid sturdy tegap strait Bugis Naga keris at the ACM during my visit there in April and particularly like it's coherent form. The other rather catchy and outstanding piece was the Peninsular (?) keris blade with 10 different pamors (if I remember correctly). Almost gives one the impression that it might be it's smith's final attempt to register as much of his key pamor skills onto that blade like a "textbook" he wanted left behind.

[Raja Muda]

Hi John,

I think Naga blades can both be a joy and frustration to collectors. From conversations I had with collectors who put a lot of faith in lore and a bit less on systematic book learning (my approach is a combination of both I guess) they have this belief that keris with Naga were meant for royals and blue bloods only. And talking about Java, such keris were probably spread around hundreds of Priyayi from your Raden Mas up to your Kanjeng Pagerans etc. Getting a good old one would be a great thing.
However, the naga motif today is also one of the most mass produced pattern you get on cheap tourist blades made from Madura, with a kind of yellow metal inlay that imitates Kinatah blades.
There are occassionally good newly made blades of this kind, and I think it's OK to buy them, just for the sake of keeping the craft alive, but you have people who try and pass the as older stuff. Bad.
Hence the reason why I stick to Malay kerises.

[John]

Originally Posted by Raja Muda

Hi John,
...Hence the reason why I stick to Malay kerises.

Maybe I'm getting old. It has just been old or fairly old Bugis for me the past couple of years...and waiting for 2 more old Bugis from England...

[BluErf]

Originally Posted by John

The other rather catchy and outstanding piece was the Peninsular (?) keris blade with 10 different pamors (if I remember correctly). Almost gives one the impression that it might be it's smith's final attempt to register as much of his key pamor skills onto that blade like a "textbook" he wanted left behind.

Hi John,

I think that's a Javanese keris. Yes, really brings a tear to the eye... its so beautiful...

Hey, show us your 2 old 'babies' when they arrive ok.

[John]

Hi Kai Wee,

Pity I didn't bring my camera that day as ACM does allow photography without flash.

The 2 old "babes" will make a transit at Singapore so probably you could take a look in person and perhaps offer some restoration recommendations prior to them moving on to Kelantan for the purpose. If they turn out well, I probably will put up pictures here or at the KampungNet.

[Alam Shah]

Hi John,

Pity I couldn't meet up with you when you last visit Singapore. When you next visit, do let me know. We can meet up, along with some other keris enthusiasts.

I believe your 2 pieces will be at Adni's, when it comes? May I see it, too.

[John]

Originally Posted by Alam Shah

Hi John,

Pity I couldn't meet up with you when you last visit Singapore. When you next visit, do let me know. We can meet up, along with some other keris enthusiasts.

Certainly and many thanks for the kind open invitation! Only keris enthusiast I was lucky enough to meet was Mr Chew (MyKampung). If only Adni didn't have to go to KL so soon (within hours of our meeting), he would have been able to arrange for meeting with a few friends like Kai Wee, Paul etc. Sayang lah but certainly will make it the next trip.

I believe your 2 pieces will be at Adni's, when it comes? May I see it, too.

Of course. The more the merrier. The pieces are said to be from the collection of the late Evan Perry, armourer to the Tower of London.

[BluErf]

Whoa John, I'm already feeling jealous from the sound of it.

Hopefully I can get to see them, but I can only hope because my system project is ramping up for launch at the end of the year, and my working hours are getting really bad (was in office past midnight yesterday).

[John]

Kai Wee, now I'm getting a little worried in case they fall short of your expectations.

Yeah, I know what it's like in a Bank...have been past midnights and weekends as well. Good luck in your project.