Keris Palembang

[Jean]

Originally Posted by Gonzoadler

Hello,

I want to show my Keris Palembang and I have also some questions:

Often the parts of a Keris are from different times. In the case of my dagger I would think so, too. I suspect the ivory hilt is antique and probably 19th, maybe early 20th century. Is that right?
And has the fine carved hilt a religious or mythological meaning?

The scabbard could be newer, but has some age, too. The mouthpiece is made of more beautiful wood than the remaining part. Was there a silver mounting to cover this part? Or had it been repaired? Or is that normal?

The determination of the age of Keris blades is a wide and complex field.
Because of the high quality and the knowledge the smith had to have (the damascus pattern follows the shape of the blade) it should be an antique blade. Is a precise dating possible?

Sorry for my many questions, I'm not a really experienced Keris colector.

Best,
Robin

Hello Robin,
This is a typical and excellent specimen of kris from Palembang, congrats!
.The blade has 9 waves and a ganja iras (typical from the area) and pamor Adeg. It probably dates from the 19th century. The top face of the ganja may have been originally covered with gold kinatah.
.The ivory hilt is in in one of the typical Jawa demam (feverish Javanese) styles from Palembang and is perfectly executed. It may be as old as the blade or possibly a bit younger (first half o the 20th century).
. The scabbard is typical and it is normal that the top part (sampir) be made from a different wood species (kemuning) than the stem (angsana). The tip of the stem has an odd shape, it should be partly rounded.
Regards