Two new (to me) Keris from Epray for comment

Rafngard · 7th January 2016, 03:34 AM

More pics

Rafngard · 7th January 2016, 03:37 AM

....yet more

Rafngard · 14th January 2016, 06:52 PM

No comments?

Thanks,
Leif

David · 14th January 2016, 07:48 PM

Hi Leif. Sorry to see no one has commented yet. Truth be told these aren't particularly anything to write home about and you have probably already said all that needs to be said about them. You are correct that the first one (on left) is what has come to be known as a "soldier's keris" from Madura. Keris in this style dress are often thought of as early souvenir items for returning dutch soldiers. They rarely carry anything beyond a mediocre blade. This one is a pretty low end carving though. I have seen much nicer examples and have always thought i would like to add one of the nicer examples of this style to my collection one day. I am not convinced that the figurative hilt is supposed to be a female figure. What do you base that on?
Your second keris is perhaps a bit better. You are again correct, this dress is Surakarta. The best thing about this dress is that the top sheath and stem are carved all in one piece (iras) which is unusual. It looks to me like the wood needs a bit of TLC. The blade has some deep cut features, but that look kind of sloppy and stiff to me. I would also perhaps put this one in the 20th century as the seller suggested. Not a terrible keris, but nothing extraordinary.

asomotif · 14th January 2016, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

The best thing about this dress is that the top sheath and stem are carved all in one piece (iras) which is unusual.

I am not sure about the "iras" scabbard.
A picture without the pendok can help to be sure.

David · 15th January 2016, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asomotif

I am not sure about the "iras" scabbard.
A picture without the pendok can help to be sure.

Possibly, but that line looks more like a deep scratch in the wood. Seems a bit low and at a strange angel to be a joint between gander and wrongko.

Jean · 15th January 2016, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

Possibly, but that line looks more like a deep scratch in the wood. Seems a bit low and at a strange angel to be a joint between gander and wrongko.

Hi David,
I agree that the warangka looks iras and about what you say about these 2 krisses. I attach the pic of a better madurese "soldier" kris for reference.
Regards

harrywagner · 15th January 2016, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

Possibly, but that line looks more like a deep scratch in the wood. Seems a bit low and at a strange angel to be a joint between gander and wrongko.

Maybe, but from a woodworkers perspective that is exactly how you would want to do it. The angle increases the surface area of the joint which makes it stronger.

7th January 2016, 03:34 AM	#1
Rafngard Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Minneapolis,MN Posts: 349	More pics Attached Images

7th January 2016, 03:37 AM	#2
Rafngard Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Minneapolis,MN Posts: 349	...and ....yet more Attached Images

14th January 2016, 06:52 PM	#3
Rafngard Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Minneapolis,MN Posts: 349	No comments? Thanks, Leif

14th January 2016, 07:48 PM	#4
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,211	Hi Leif. Sorry to see no one has commented yet. Truth be told these aren't particularly anything to write home about and you have probably already said all that needs to be said about them. You are correct that the first one (on left) is what has come to be known as a "soldier's keris" from Madura. Keris in this style dress are often thought of as early souvenir items for returning dutch soldiers. They rarely carry anything beyond a mediocre blade. This one is a pretty low end carving though. I have seen much nicer examples and have always thought i would like to add one of the nicer examples of this style to my collection one day. I am not convinced that the figurative hilt is supposed to be a female figure. What do you base that on? Your second keris is perhaps a bit better. You are again correct, this dress is Surakarta. The best thing about this dress is that the top sheath and stem are carved all in one piece (iras) which is unusual. It looks to me like the wood needs a bit of TLC. The blade has some deep cut features, but that look kind of sloppy and stiff to me. I would also perhaps put this one in the 20th century as the seller suggested. Not a terrible keris, but nothing extraordinary.