Gilded and painted Keris for viewing

Sajen · 20th November 2009, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

Can anyone speak to the place of these painted sheaths culturally? Where these reserved for specific societal stations or could anyone own one?

1994 I have seen one in an antique shop in Klungkung for sale. When I come back two days later the owner have rent it to someone who want to be married.

Detlef

A. G. Maisey · 21st November 2009, 12:03 AM

In Bali marriage keris are usually the most flamboyant that one can afford. I know one Bali bloke who virtually mortgaged his house to put together a glorious keris for his marriage. Gold, emeralds, rubies --- chocolate layer cake with cream and cherries. After his marriage it took him several years to sell it at a loss. It was offered to me, but I could not afford it.

Gavin Nugent · 14th December 2009, 12:21 PM

Another Bali Sunggingan

A better group of images of the one above.

I will enjoy viewing more diversity in these pieces when you get to yours Alan.

Enjoy.

Gav

A. G. Maisey · 14th December 2009, 09:42 PM

This is nice art work, but I most sincerely doubt that this type of Balinese sunggingan work is traditional. It is the most popular style for newly done sungging work that is specifically offered to collectors. I have never seen an old sunggingan scabbard with this style of decoration --- or more correctly, I have never seen old sunggingan work of this style.

Gavin Nugent · 14th December 2009, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

This is nice art work, but I most sincerely doubt that this type of Balinese sunggingan work is traditional. It is the most popular style for newly done sungging work that is specifically offered to collectors. I have never seen an old sunggingan scabbard with this style of decoration --- or more correctly, I have never seen old sunggingan work of this style.

I would agree this is 20th century work Alan, the presence of a whitish undercoat exposed where some old paint has fallen away, this is what would make me think the same. There is a small sticker to the blade that reads "Antique Blade, hand painted Bali keris".
Needless to say, as you note the art work is nice. it is very detailed and attractive to the eye, well my eye.
Any direction with the blade, it does appear to have nice age to it.

Best

Gavin

A. G. Maisey · 15th December 2009, 01:41 AM

Yes, the keris is old, and very probably the scabbard, but I'd guess the sunggingan work as 1970's.

Kiai Carita · 15th December 2009, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Yes, the keris is old, and very probably the scabbard, but I'd guess the sunggingan work as 1970's.

If you examine closely is it watercolour and ink covered by a spray varnish? This method of sungging began to become common in the 1980s.

14th December 2009, 12:21 PM	#3
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Another for viewing Another Bali Sunggingan A better group of images of the one above. I will enjoy viewing more diversity in these pieces when you get to yours Alan. Enjoy. Gav Attached Images

21st November 2009, 12:03 AM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,015	In Bali marriage keris are usually the most flamboyant that one can afford. I know one Bali bloke who virtually mortgaged his house to put together a glorious keris for his marriage. Gold, emeralds, rubies --- chocolate layer cake with cream and cherries. After his marriage it took him several years to sell it at a loss. It was offered to me, but I could not afford it.

14th December 2009, 09:42 PM	#4
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,015	This is nice art work, but I most sincerely doubt that this type of Balinese sunggingan work is traditional. It is the most popular style for newly done sungging work that is specifically offered to collectors. I have never seen an old sunggingan scabbard with this style of decoration --- or more correctly, I have never seen old sunggingan work of this style.

15th December 2009, 01:41 AM	#6
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,015	Yes, the keris is old, and very probably the scabbard, but I'd guess the sunggingan work as 1970's.