20th Century Solonese Keris

ganjawulung · 15th May 2007, 02:03 PM

Yeah, David,

The keris art is still living here. Although Sukamdi this nowadays, can not do his works like in 1999. He got tremor in his hand, due to the seriousnes of concentration in keris making. So I am lucky enough to get "his last work" of this divine birds. And I still keep other creation of Sukamdi, with the unique dhapur too: "sepang luk". Sepang, or almost simitrical model of sor-soran, usually straight keris. But that time, Sukamdi had made the sepang in luks. Beautiful too. The material was from broken kerises from sedayu (black) iron.

In solo there is also another creative keris maker, less than 50 years of age named Subandi. He knows well the right pakem, because he once learnt from old empu like the late empu Yosopangarso (yogyakarta) and also the senior Sukadgo (Solo).

Other Solonese keris maker are: Yanto (very good also in kinatah or gold ornament for kerises) and Yantono (sometimes, make western blade with pamor in his own besalen or forgeron).

In Madura also there is a good development in keris making. Now Madura is not only the place for the "kodian" (cheap) keris maker, but also the creative young keris maker. One of the best young keris maker in Madura today is Zulhan, and his senior Hosdy. Very-very talented, good craftmenship, and... perfect finisher. And don't underestimate Madurese smith now. Madurese pamor, now is the best in Indonesia, in technique and variation of pamor motives.

In Muntilan -- about 10 kilometers from Yogyakarta -- also there is Heru, a very young and talented keris maker. In one keris Exhibition in Bentara Budaya Jakarta last year, Heru was number 3 winner of "keris competition" (the first time, of such event in years). And the winner is a metallurgy bachelor from Surabaya, Rudy Hartonodiningrat. Also very talented.

Actually, keris is still living in here, Dave...

15th May 2007, 02:03 PM	#4
ganjawulung Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: J a k a r t a Posts: 991	Living Kris Makers Yeah, David, The keris art is still living here. Although Sukamdi this nowadays, can not do his works like in 1999. He got tremor in his hand, due to the seriousnes of concentration in keris making. So I am lucky enough to get "his last work" of this divine birds. And I still keep other creation of Sukamdi, with the unique dhapur too: "sepang luk". Sepang, or almost simitrical model of sor-soran, usually straight keris. But that time, Sukamdi had made the sepang in luks. Beautiful too. The material was from broken kerises from sedayu (black) iron. In solo there is also another creative keris maker, less than 50 years of age named Subandi. He knows well the right pakem, because he once learnt from old empu like the late empu Yosopangarso (yogyakarta) and also the senior Sukadgo (Solo). Other Solonese keris maker are: Yanto (very good also in kinatah or gold ornament for kerises) and Yantono (sometimes, make western blade with pamor in his own besalen or forgeron). In Madura also there is a good development in keris making. Now Madura is not only the place for the "kodian" (cheap) keris maker, but also the creative young keris maker. One of the best young keris maker in Madura today is Zulhan, and his senior Hosdy. Very-very talented, good craftmenship, and... perfect finisher. And don't underestimate Madurese smith now. Madurese pamor, now is the best in Indonesia, in technique and variation of pamor motives. In Muntilan -- about 10 kilometers from Yogyakarta -- also there is Heru, a very young and talented keris maker. In one keris Exhibition in Bentara Budaya Jakarta last year, Heru was number 3 winner of "keris competition" (the first time, of such event in years). And the winner is a metallurgy bachelor from Surabaya, Rudy Hartonodiningrat. Also very talented. Actually, keris is still living in here, Dave...