Keris for comments

rasdan · 24th February 2008, 04:13 PM

Here's what i know about markings Alan.

The markings normally occur on Pandai Saras and malela blades. I haven't seen one on a Malay blade (like Flavio's keris) before. What i know is that in north eastern part of the Peninsula and southern Thai, some keris blades have specific markings. Some say it is a makers mark, some say it is made if the empu is really satisfied with his work. It is also said to be a mark to distinguish special keris with significant esoteric distinction compared with others. I normally avoid to discuss this topic as it is highly disputable, but all that depends on what we believe.

I dont know when this practice starts. Unlike the infamous "pemangkang jagad" and "retak dagu" formations that is regarded as auspicious, I havent found any written reference that states that these markings on keris blades are regarded as lucky. But, I haven't been reading enough, i presume. Anyhow, they are highly sought after due the scarcity of these blades. Attached are the photos of markings on keris the blades picked from our past threads.

A. G. Maisey · 24th February 2008, 09:47 PM

Thanks Rasdan.

This is a new story for me.Never heard it before. I suppose if the practice was limited to a particular area, it could have some truth in it, but it is most certainly out of step with practice in the part of the world that I know.

I remember seeing that criss-cross pattern keris before. My bet is that that is a keris made from a file. Could be an imprint from vice jaws, but I doubt it, the pattern is too distinct.

rasdan · 25th February 2008, 01:08 AM

You are welcome Alan. Yeah, I also thought that it is from a file at first. It looks rather strange.

24th February 2008, 04:13 PM	#1
rasdan Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kuala Lumpur Posts: 369	Here's what i know about markings Alan. The markings normally occur on Pandai Saras and malela blades. I haven't seen one on a Malay blade (like Flavio's keris) before. What i know is that in north eastern part of the Peninsula and southern Thai, some keris blades have specific markings. Some say it is a makers mark, some say it is made if the empu is really satisfied with his work. It is also said to be a mark to distinguish special keris with significant esoteric distinction compared with others. I normally avoid to discuss this topic as it is highly disputable, but all that depends on what we believe. I dont know when this practice starts. Unlike the infamous "pemangkang jagad" and "retak dagu" formations that is regarded as auspicious, I havent found any written reference that states that these markings on keris blades are regarded as lucky. But, I haven't been reading enough, i presume. Anyhow, they are highly sought after due the scarcity of these blades. Attached are the photos of markings on keris the blades picked from our past threads. Attached Images Last edited by rasdan; 24th February 2008 at 04:23 PM.

24th February 2008, 09:47 PM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,992	Thanks Rasdan. This is a new story for me.Never heard it before. I suppose if the practice was limited to a particular area, it could have some truth in it, but it is most certainly out of step with practice in the part of the world that I know. I remember seeing that criss-cross pattern keris before. My bet is that that is a keris made from a file. Could be an imprint from vice jaws, but I doubt it, the pattern is too distinct.

25th February 2008, 01:08 AM	#3
rasdan Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kuala Lumpur Posts: 369	You are welcome Alan. Yeah, I also thought that it is from a file at first. It looks rather strange.