My Java keris

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Johan van Zyl

I really trust these pics are a bit better....
Johan

It would be really helpful when you would show the complete keris inside the scabbard and a picture similiar the last one in this post from the blade but show the blade complete and maybe a little bit bigger. Welcome to the forum!

Regards,
Detlef

[David]

Thanks for the additional photos Johan. I would second Detlef's photo requests though.
This actually looks like a fairly decent old keris. Again, it is difficult to tell the pamor pattern without seeing this blade in full warangan stain, but i suspect the pattern might possibly be Sada Saler or perhaps one of the adeg (standing) pamor patterns.

[A. G. Maisey]

Based upon what I can presently see I am inclined to place this keris as North Coast, and towards the west. We do need to see full length images in order to place the origin of the complete keris.

The blade alone I also think is North Coast, towards the west. The blumbangan is boto rubuh, and that pretty much eliminates Central Jawa and (probably) most of East Jawa, additionally the ron dha is a bit outside acceptable parameters for Central Jawa and most of East Jawa. The pamor is an adeg pamor, maybe adeg sapu, but probably safer just to give it as adeg, which makes it pamor miring.

Not a bad old keris, and in nice condition.

[Rick]

A nice older keris; and I do think you have contrasting shades of metal there.
Welcome Johan.

[A. G. Maisey]

Oh yes, I didn't mention the nickel question.

Many old Javanese keris do not contain nickel, but that does not mean that the pamor has no contrast. The contrast is provided by "white iron" = high phosphorus content iron. This white iron was a local product and was not suitable for tool or weapon production, so it was combined with the more expensive irons, mostly imported, to provide a usable product, the end result being pamor. This type of pamor does not jump up and bite you, like 19th century Bali pamor, but there is nearly always a sufficient degree of contrast to allow it to be clearly seen.

[Johan van Zyl]

Sajen, David, Rick and Mr Maisey, it has truly been a long time since I have last enjoyed such satisfying reading! I thank you. By the end of the day I should have taken the pics that you request (or as far as possible with the apparatus at my disposal, which is not too high-tech), and I am further anxious to read what you might have to say when the pics are posted. I am already bristling with questions, but I will listen to some soothing music while I re-read the fact-filled comments you sent, of which there are a good many I did not comprehend. You can be sure I'll gladly investigate them!
Johan

[Johan van Zyl]

Oh to be technologically gifted! (Sigh!) Here goes some pics, for better or worse.

[Johan van Zyl]

Please see my latest pics, and this one of the ukiran. I have read that the shape of this type of ukiran symbolises a human form, but other sources say it is meant to resemble a god in a squat or stooped position. Discernable with the required imagination is the form's back, the back of the head, the crown, forehead, nose, face and stomach. Could you please comment on this seeming ambiguity?
I have read that this form of the ukiran with its seven planes or flats has the Sarakarta shape, which is around the city of Solo in Central and Eastern Java. Mr Maisey has said that the blade is North Coast, towards the west. If this ukiran is indeed Central Java, does it mean the two have come from different parts of the island?
Could you perhaps identify the type of wood of this ukiran for me? And a last question: how is it that the patra (cecekan) resembles a kala face?
As you can see, I have done some homework, so as not to put you to too much trouble, but I realise a little bit of quick knowledge can be dangerous. Your comments are very valuable to me! So please tell me what you think.
Johan