spectacular carving for comment

[mariusgmioc]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Then again, it would be useless as a weapon --- except maybe to wave at the kids stealing my fruit and cause them nightmares.

Thank you Alan again! You gave me a good laugh!

I can even imagine the kids running in horror and being haunted by the horrible elephant-headed dragono-hydra sireno-garuda (please correct me if I didn't name the beast/beasts correctly).


But who are we to criticize?! Maybe the author had a harsh childhood and took the opportunity to express in iron the sum of his childhood fears.

PS: Yet, I like this carving!

[A. G. Maisey]

Marius, I believe I am correct when I say that this object was intended as a work of art, or craft.

Throughout history, even the very greatest artists and craftsmen have had their work criticised. It is very probably a disservice to the world at large for a person who has the background, knowledge and experience to feel confident in criticism of the work of others, not to level criticism, praise or comment where this is warranted.

So, when you ask the question:- "who are we to criticise?", I believe that there are those amongst us who do have the requisite background, knowledge and experience to make comment, praise or criticism in respect of items posted to this Forum.

In fact, very often items are posted with the express request for comment.

Of course, sometimes some objects for which an opinion is requested are beyond --- often far beyond --- the remote possibility of comment, and these objects do not receive any comment, criticism or praise.

In respect of this dragon object there is an even balance of praise and criticism:- on the one hand the craftsmanship is quite acceptable, not yet brilliant, but pretty good just the same, however the craftsman who produced it made absolutely no attempt to work within the lexicon of Javanese art, and if he did indeed have any understanding of the cultural position of the keris, he certainly did not let this interfere with what he produced.

[David]

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

But who are we to criticize?! Maybe the author had a harsh childhood and took the opportunity to express in iron the sum of his childhood fears.

If i might attempt to explain Alan's criticism in somewhat different words, it is not the place or purpose of a true keris to express the "sum of the childhood fears" of the maker. The keris is a cultural icon which fulfills very particular purposes within the context of the society from which it originates. It should reflect an accurate representation of (in this case) Javanese culture and religio-mythological symbolism. This work does not. I agree that this is a reasonably crafted work of art, but i would also maintain that it is not a true keris.
The ivory planar hilt, on the other hand, seems quite nice.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by David

The ivory planar hilt, on the other hand, seems quite nice.

Don't forget the mendak!

[mariusgmioc]

I am very new at collecting kerises and definitely quite ignorant with respect to Indonesian culture. So, I posted photos of this keris as I am trying to learn more and as I have become aware that this is not really the weapon a keris should be.

Thank you for your comments!

PS: I also like the ivory hilt a lot. To me it appears to be in strong contrast to the blade.

PPS: Like the carvings too! I find the loop of the tail of the snake particularly interesting. But I am still fighting with the right name of the beast/beasts.

[David]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Don't forget the mendak!

Nope, i won't forget that. The hilt and the mendak seem to both be lovely examples of well made and traditionally acceptable keris furniture.
As for the correct name of the beastie(s) on this keris Marius, you may find yourself "fighting" for a long time to come up with a correct name. This is all the makers fantasy for the most part, taking pieces of cultural mythologies and stitching them together for his own personal effect. It is the kind of thing that may have been done to attract Western buyers who may not no better, but as Alan has already pointed out, no self-respecting Javanese would be caught dead wearing such a blade, no matter how well done the carvings might be.
It is simply not possible to obtain any reasonable understanding of the keris without also studying the Indonesian cultures which spawned it.

[mariusgmioc]

Originally Posted by David

As for the correct name of the beastie(s) on this keris Marius, you may find yourself "fighting" for a long time to come up with a correct name.

While you are right on the others, I hope you're wrong on this one! Just need more wine and I'll get the inspiration!

Still I wonder which would be more accurate:

Ganesho-naga Garuda or Garudo-naga Ganesha?! But it's the siren that baffles me...

Now that's an existential dilemma!

[Battara]

Thank you Alan.