Newly-made Minangkabau Keris Naga

David · 3rd March 2018, 02:59 PM

I would have to agree that despite drawing references from Minangkabau style naga keris, you can't really call this one and i don't believe anyone looking at it with any knowledge of that style would think it was. If it truly was you intention to own a keris that could be identified as Minang i don't believe this is it.
However, what you have had created by your Madurese smith is an attractive modern "art" keris that seems to have some decent craftsmanship behind it. Like Paul i would say this is not my "cuppa", but i can appreciate the work that went into it.

Battara · 3rd March 2018, 03:31 PM

I like it.

drdavid · 3rd March 2018, 10:58 PM

Alexish, if this is what you asked them to make then I think they have done an admirable job. It may not fit with the classics but the garap (workmanship) on the blade looks good, the pamor well controlled and the sheath nicely carved. Enjoy your keris.
Drd

Gustav · 4th March 2018, 12:01 AM

If I am not completely mistaken, we have seen at least two Kerisses of this maker on forum before, both Malela blades. He surely is improving.

Rick · 4th March 2018, 04:29 AM

For what it's worth, and only my point of view:

Garish is a word I might use to describe this end product.
For me his effort begs the question; who designates what is the proper form of a traditional Keris?

Should this be considered a product of the keris culture as is known at present?
If it is:
Where are the parameters?
Where do we go from here?
Have we discarded the Kraton dapurs' guidance for bling?
When this happens are we, in fact, cheapening the end product culturally and spiritually?

I have always equated the form of a Keris with Haiku; there are rules; if you don't meet them in the composition; then it is not Haiku.

I evaluate the keris's I see within the same type of parameters.

I feel that the new improvisations we see too often these days are not really improvements; rather they are distractions from the ideal.

In essence:
What actually constitutes a proper keris?

A. G. Maisey · 4th March 2018, 06:16 AM

Rick, something like 35 years ago there was an exhibition in Solo of the work of the new keris making generation, who were known as the Anak-Anak ASKI.

The work on display was beautifully sculpted, it was immaculate in its execution. Superb garap.

A very famous keris connoisseur was attending this exhibition in the same group of people that I was with. His name was Goh Tik Swan aka Harjonegoro.

His comment was:- "Well, this is certainly art, but are these things keris?"

alexish · 4th March 2018, 07:31 AM

Dear collectors,

Thanks for all your comments. Here are more detailed pictures of the keris hulu after staining. I also enclose pictures of the original antique ivory hulu that inspired this newly-made piece.

4th March 2018, 04:29 AM	#5
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	Opinion For what it's worth, and only my point of view: Garish is a word I might use to describe this end product. For me his effort begs the question; who designates what is the proper form of a traditional Keris? Should this be considered a product of the keris culture as is known at present? If it is: Where are the parameters? Where do we go from here? Have we discarded the Kraton dapurs' guidance for bling? When this happens are we, in fact, cheapening the end product culturally and spiritually? I have always equated the form of a Keris with Haiku; there are rules; if you don't meet them in the composition; then it is not Haiku. I evaluate the keris's I see within the same type of parameters. I feel that the new improvisations we see too often these days are not really improvements; rather they are distractions from the ideal. In essence: What actually constitutes a proper keris? Last edited by Rick; 4th March 2018 at 05:17 AM.

4th March 2018, 07:31 AM	#7
alexish Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Posts: 127	Hulu Dear collectors, Thanks for all your comments. Here are more detailed pictures of the keris hulu after staining. I also enclose pictures of the original antique ivory hulu that inspired this newly-made piece. Attached Images

3rd March 2018, 02:59 PM	#1
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,211	I would have to agree that despite drawing references from Minangkabau style naga keris, you can't really call this one and i don't believe anyone looking at it with any knowledge of that style would think it was. If it truly was you intention to own a keris that could be identified as Minang i don't believe this is it. However, what you have had created by your Madurese smith is an attractive modern "art" keris that seems to have some decent craftsmanship behind it. Like Paul i would say this is not my "cuppa", but i can appreciate the work that went into it.

3rd March 2018, 03:31 PM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	I like it.

3rd March 2018, 10:58 PM	#3
drdavid Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 372	Alexish, if this is what you asked them to make then I think they have done an admirable job. It may not fit with the classics but the garap (workmanship) on the blade looks good, the pamor well controlled and the sheath nicely carved. Enjoy your keris. Drd

4th March 2018, 12:01 AM	#4
Gustav Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,273	If I am not completely mistaken, we have seen at least two Kerisses of this maker on forum before, both Malela blades. He surely is improving.

4th March 2018, 06:16 AM	#6
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,992	Rick, something like 35 years ago there was an exhibition in Solo of the work of the new keris making generation, who were known as the Anak-Anak ASKI. The work on display was beautifully sculpted, it was immaculate in its execution. Superb garap. A very famous keris connoisseur was attending this exhibition in the same group of people that I was with. His name was Goh Tik Swan aka Harjonegoro. His comment was:- "Well, this is certainly art, but are these things keris?"