Sumatran keris

[A. G. Maisey]

It seems that I might be a little less perceptive than some other people.

To me, the gonjo appears to be manipulated into a pamor miring pattern, but from the photos, and most especially, with only photos to help me, I cannot be any more certain than that the gonjo appears to be manipulated, and might be separately forged.

Something else that I feel I might be seeing is a keris with a collection of characteristics that are normally associated with a variety of keris from a variety of different locations and different time periods.

Based upon what I believe I can see in the photos I do not have sufficient information to form any supportable opinion.

Currently, I'm looking at a puzzle.

[kai]

G'day Alan,

This keris was in cat #79; your description back then:

Keris 2
A South Sumatra keris of 11 Luk (waves), the blade is an old one estimated as first half of the 19th century, and had its origin in West Java, probably Banten, indicated by the concave gandhik and the boto rubuh blumbangan. This is an old blade of very high quality, the pamor is wos wutah, but the pamor of the gonjo is a complex pamor miring, the gonjo is bekas kinatah, that is, it once had kinatah work, but all that can be seen of that work now is the carving that supported it and a few specks of gold. The garap (workmanship) is masterful. This is a very high quality wilah (blade), and is certainly the work of a skilled empu.
<snip>
I bought this keris at auction in Sydney in the 1960's, when I acquired it, it was in poor condition and it has now been restored. Condition is perfect.

Blade length 15.25"" (387mm) overall length 18.75" (475mm)

Hope this helps!

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Does the close-up help?

[jagabuwana]

Originally Posted by kai

Does the close-up help?

Gorgeous!

[rasdan]

Originally Posted by kai

Does the close-up help?

I agree with Gustav. Blumbangan is actually boto rubuh. So now I think it is West Java.

[Anthony G.]

Originally Posted by kai

G'day Alan,

This keris was in cat #79; your description back then:

Hope this helps!

Regards,
Kai

Thanks. So I concluded is a Javanese keris then.

[David]

Originally Posted by Anthony G.

Thanks. So I concluded is a Javanese keris then.

Well, the bottom line is that it is quite a beautiful keris regardless of place of origin, which was probably only of passing concern to the person who placed it in Sumatran dress to begin with.

[A. G. Maisey]

This is what this keris looked like when I had it.

[Anthony G.]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

This is what this keris looked like when I had it.

Yes, that is correct and it is a wonderful piece. Someone told me it is not Sumatran but Javanese keris bilah and that kick me start wondering.