Nice real old one from Bali

Mick · 15th October 2007, 10:43 PM

I believe that there is only one keris dressed I this manner in existence. It has been in the museum in Jakarta for years. It had been displayed as damaged until it was borrowed by Helen Jessup for a United Stated tour in 1990. It was repaired specifically for this tour. I believe that the photos in the referenced link show the back side of the dress.

Here is a photo of the piece as it was displayed. You can make out the Balinese Kala that is on the front.

There is a beautiful picture of the repaired piece on page 162 of Helen Jessup’s “Court Arts of Indonesia” which was published by the Asia Society Galleries, New York as a catalogue of the exhibition.

Of further interest there is a picture of a fine old painted Balinese sheath further along in the referenced link. These are possibly more rare than the golden covered pieces.

Battara · 16th October 2007, 12:54 AM

I agree that this is Battara (

) Bayu. I have seen this documented in several books in the past. A real nice piece. Yes, shame I too have never seen the blade. Still thanks for the pictures.

David · 16th October 2007, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mick

There is a beautiful picture of the repaired piece on page 162 of Helen Jessup’s “Court Arts of Indonesia” which was published by the Asia Society Galleries, New York as a catalogue of the exhibition.

Thanks Mick. I knew i had seen this keris before. The picture in Jessup's book (like all the pics there) is indeed beautifully done and really shows just how exquisite this dress is. Unfortunately there is still no photo of the blade.

A. G. Maisey · 16th October 2007, 04:45 AM

Here are a few pics of another gold Bali handle.

http://kerisattosanaji.com/Baligoldhandle.html

Jason Anstey · 16th October 2007, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Here are a few pics of another gold Bali handle.

http://kerisattosanaji.com/Baligoldhandle.html

G'Day Alan

Wow!!! that is exquisite ! THe stones look of a particulary high quality based on my impression of their translucency? Please don't tell me they are pastes!!

Can you give us some details on the stones, the large light blue one looks like topaz, I assume that some of the others are lower grade (jewellery wise) sapphires and rubys??

Forgive my ignorance , but are the processes for gilding plateing of the gold?

Cheers mate

Jason

A. G. Maisey · 16th October 2007, 07:31 AM

G'day Jason, the stones are rubies, diamonds, black stars, and something else I'm not sure of.

This handle is gold, as in 22ct., not gilded or gold plated.

Probably dates from the early 20th century or late 19th century. Was in the possession of the Raja of Badung who passed away in the late 1980's.

Jason Anstey · 16th October 2007, 07:41 AM

blooody hell!

must weigh a fair bit.

Magnificent piece, thanks for sharing.

Cheers

Jason

A. G. Maisey · 16th October 2007, 09:03 AM

Jason, this sort of work, both in gold and in silver, is not cast, it is fabricated, then it is filled with wax and embossed with hammer and punches, when finished the wax is boiled out, and it is filled with resin.

Yes, it is fairly heavy, but the gold is probably no more than an eighth of an inch thick at its thickest part.

Don't thank only me, but thank the owner as well. I have his permission to show this piece.

15th October 2007, 10:43 PM	#1
Mick Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Orlando Posts: 104	I believe that there is only one keris dressed I this manner in existence. It has been in the museum in Jakarta for years. It had been displayed as damaged until it was borrowed by Helen Jessup for a United Stated tour in 1990. It was repaired specifically for this tour. I believe that the photos in the referenced link show the back side of the dress. Here is a photo of the piece as it was displayed. You can make out the Balinese Kala that is on the front. There is a beautiful picture of the repaired piece on page 162 of Helen Jessup’s “Court Arts of Indonesia” which was published by the Asia Society Galleries, New York as a catalogue of the exhibition. Of further interest there is a picture of a fine old painted Balinese sheath further along in the referenced link. These are possibly more rare than the golden covered pieces. Attached Images

16th October 2007, 12:54 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	I agree that this is Battara ( ) Bayu. I have seen this documented in several books in the past. A real nice piece. Yes, shame I too have never seen the blade. Still thanks for the pictures.

16th October 2007, 04:45 AM	#4
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,015	Here are a few pics of another gold Bali handle. http://kerisattosanaji.com/Baligoldhandle.html

16th October 2007, 07:31 AM	#6
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,015	G'day Jason, the stones are rubies, diamonds, black stars, and something else I'm not sure of. This handle is gold, as in 22ct., not gilded or gold plated. Probably dates from the early 20th century or late 19th century. Was in the possession of the Raja of Badung who passed away in the late 1980's.

16th October 2007, 07:41 AM	#7
Jason Anstey Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 102	blooody hell! must weigh a fair bit. Magnificent piece, thanks for sharing. Cheers Jason

16th October 2007, 09:03 AM	#8
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,015	Jason, this sort of work, both in gold and in silver, is not cast, it is fabricated, then it is filled with wax and embossed with hammer and punches, when finished the wax is boiled out, and it is filled with resin. Yes, it is fairly heavy, but the gold is probably no more than an eighth of an inch thick at its thickest part. Don't thank only me, but thank the owner as well. I have his permission to show this piece.