Hidden Room

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[JPSF]

B.I.,
interesting that the description is in English or were there multiple languages represented? Absolutely an astounding collection, but it's too bad there isn't easier access and information for the collector/scholar.

[B.I]

Originally Posted by JPSF

B.I.,
interesting that the description is in English or were there multiple languages represented? Absolutely an astounding collection, but it's too bad there isn't easier access and information for the collector/scholar.

hi john,
long time. slight confusion, the last 2 images were from the royal armouries and were to add to the one piece keris mentioned and shown in the venice museum, hence the description in english. i took pics of everything in that room, except on malaysian cannon, which wasnt as good as the double barrel. there were no other weapons except the japanese. no kukris i'm afraid. BIofGB

[DAHenkel]

Interesting - it appears the coteng hilt has migrated to the tajong sheath and the tajong hilt has migrated to a Javanese with a ladrangan sheath.

Curators, you just can't trust 'em to get it right.

[wilked aka Khun Deng]

This is truly a find! Thanks for sharing. I don't collect keris (yet) but I truly appreciate their beauty and absolutely LOVE the detail on that carving. Amazing to find a collection this extensive in so unlikely a place.

[wolviex]

Originally Posted by DAHenkel

Curators, you just can't trust 'em to get it right.

ehmmm!!

[JPSF]

Brian
Thanks for the great photos. You have quite a knack for clandestine "through the glass" imagery. Will the forumites get a chance to meet you in Baltimore?

[B.I]

hi john,
with respect to those followers of indonesian weapons, i wish they were pure indian or nepalese instead. maybe someone else will find a 'hidden room' that will excite us both.
i had not considered baltimore, but may find myself in san fran in march so you never know. we have a mutual friend who will be speaking there so this may be a good reason to turn up.
the pitt rivers is a museum that will impress many here, as the collection is more ethnographical with a huge assortment from almost every non-european nation. unfortunately the museum is so dark and dingy that earth shaking pieces are probably hidden at the back of dark display cabinets. from memory you cant take photos in there, but i know i have some somewhere, and will try and find them to see if there is anything worth posting. i do know that there are enough indian weapons for me to ignore the south east asian pieces in there (sorry).

[GIO]

Originally Posted by DAHenkel

Interesting - it appears the coteng hilt has migrated to the tajong sheath and the tajong hilt has migrated to a Javanese with a ladrangan sheath.

Curators, you just can't trust 'em to get it right.

You cannot expect to find experienced personnel in all museums.
In the "Indonesian Room" there is an inscription with few lines trying to explain what the keris is. Unfortunately in three lines there are four big mistakes !
Among the Japanese swords (many have been sent to Japan for restoring and polishing) there was one with an evident fingerprint on the blade. A nightmare for sword lovers !
Few people is interested in ancient weapons. The director, Mrs Fiorella Spadavecchia (Spadaveccia means "Old sword") does not honor her name: she is apparently more interested in shadow puppets (she wrote a book on wayang kulit)
If you wish to take photographs in the museum, you may ask for the permission to Mrs. Spadavecchia. Her office is far from the museum, in S. Marco square, right side facing the church.

[Spunjer]

wow, that's a beautiful twisty core..

[paolo]

Yes ,really beautiful, but when I visit the Museum I didn't find the keris of the photo !!!!
Paolo