First Keris

kai · 7th June 2007, 10:37 PM

Hello Ganja,

I also like both hulu on the left, especially the upper one may also look good with your ensemble. But I agree that the lower right one is probably the nicest (and apparently quite old) example with interesting pendokok!

Short of an authentic Bugis blade like Rick's Sepokal, you could also try to find a fitting Javanese blade since trade blades of good quality are pretty frequently found with keris from Sulawesi...

Regards,
Kai

ganjawulung · 8th June 2007, 03:12 AM

Thanks Kay,

Hopefully in a couple weeks, I will complete this sheath with the right keris. I've got one, and I returned it to the seller, because of no good appearance in the sekar kacang and greneng on the tail. Wavy (bugis?) keris with quite good pamor. But no good garap of work of art...
Anyway, thanks your kind attention.

Ganjawulung

PenangsangII · 8th June 2007, 11:00 AM

Pak Ganjawulung,

Bugis kerises are meant to be used as weapon, so they are normally not beautiful (artistically), but believe you me, the appealing point of Bugis blades is the macho image.

I suggest that you find a solid and robust bugis sepokal to be dressed in your sarung & hulu.

ganjawulung · 11th June 2007, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PenangsangII

.. Bugis kerises are meant to be used as weapon, so they are normally not beautiful (artistically), but believe you me, the appealing point of Bugis blades is the macho image.

I suggest that you find a solid and robust bugis sepokal to be dressed in your sarung & hulu.

Dear (Ario) Penangsang Part Two (?),
This Bugis blade was sent to me from East Java last Saturday. The "pasikutan" (appearance, sorry for using Javanese term on this Bugis), is quite robust. Good iron, but too much corrosion on the core side. The pesi was wax-sealed in a Javanese/Solonese hilt. (Pls see the pictures). Do I need to send it back? Please, your advise, Penangsang...

Ganjawulung

Alam Shah · 11th June 2007, 05:33 AM

Made in the style of Bugis blades... but might not be...

Just my 2 cents opinion.

PenangsangII · 11th June 2007, 06:09 AM

Pak Ganja,

Got the nick from my late grandfather who used to liken my temperement to that of Arya Penangsang

.

Regarding the sepokal, like Alam Shah had said, I am not too sure whether that is a true blue Bugis or a keris from other regions, looks like a sepokal though.

I saw Raja Gunadala at the base of your keris (looks like a human figure?), I suggest that you keep it. Very nice old blade, and I would like to see it the bugis hulu and sarung before commenting any further.

kai · 11th June 2007, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Regarding the sepokal, like Alam Shah had said, I am not too sure whether that is a true blue Bugis or a keris from other regions, looks like a sepokal though.

It is a Sepokal but I assume that he's referring to the pieces produced by Maduran bladesmiths these days - at least that's what came to my mind...

BTW, I don't like the Jawa-style etching&staining on a Sulawesi-style blade (nor Sumatran, Malayan, Bali, etc. for that matter

): The heavy warangan can be easily toned down by soaking in coco nut water but I'd also suggest some gentle polishing to get a smoother surface (assuming this is a recent piece and there is enough substance to the blade to work with). While old Bugis-influenced blades often have topographic relief from repeated cleaning/etching, they still tend to have a smooth surface rather than the "porous" finish in keris Jawa.

Much more important would be a decent fit to your scabbard though - any pics? (Kampung.net is still down, I guess? Searching this forum and Alam Shah's website will turn up quite a few pics though to get a better feeling how Bugis blades are supposed to fit.)

Regards,
Kai

8th June 2007, 11:00 AM	#3
PenangsangII Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 401	matching bugis blade Pak Ganjawulung, Bugis kerises are meant to be used as weapon, so they are normally not beautiful (artistically), but believe you me, the appealing point of Bugis blades is the macho image. I suggest that you find a solid and robust bugis sepokal to be dressed in your sarung & hulu.

11th June 2007, 05:33 AM	#5
Alam Shah Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,248	Made in the style of Bugis blades... but might not be... Just my 2 cents opinion. Last edited by Alam Shah; 11th June 2007 at 06:29 AM.

7th June 2007, 10:37 PM	#1
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Hello Ganja, I also like both hulu on the left, especially the upper one may also look good with your ensemble. But I agree that the lower right one is probably the nicest (and apparently quite old) example with interesting pendokok! Short of an authentic Bugis blade like Rick's Sepokal, you could also try to find a fitting Javanese blade since trade blades of good quality are pretty frequently found with keris from Sulawesi... Regards, Kai

8th June 2007, 03:12 AM	#2
ganjawulung Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: J a k a r t a Posts: 991	Thanks Kay, Hopefully in a couple weeks, I will complete this sheath with the right keris. I've got one, and I returned it to the seller, because of no good appearance in the sekar kacang and greneng on the tail. Wavy (bugis?) keris with quite good pamor. But no good garap of work of art... Anyway, thanks your kind attention. Ganjawulung

11th June 2007, 06:09 AM	#6
PenangsangII Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 401	Pak Ganja, Got the nick from my late grandfather who used to liken my temperement to that of Arya Penangsang . Regarding the sepokal, like Alam Shah had said, I am not too sure whether that is a true blue Bugis or a keris from other regions, looks like a sepokal though. I saw Raja Gunadala at the base of your keris (looks like a human figure?), I suggest that you keep it. Very nice old blade, and I would like to see it the bugis hulu and sarung before commenting any further.