Gilded and painted Keris for viewing

[Gavin Nugent]

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]

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

[Kiai Carita]

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.

[A. G. Maisey]

You're better than me Kiai, I can't tell what materials have been used for the sungging work from a photo, but wouldn't argue about the time frame, 1980's is near enough to 1970's in my book. The point is this:- its not old paint work.

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by Kiai Carita

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.

Interesting and quite possible, varnish or lacquer would explain the way in which the paint has flaked and appears rippled in a few small patches.
Being a very time intensive task to create what they have, I'd be interested in seeing or learning more about the processes involved in decorating these sheaths either new or old now I have presented both.

Gav

[vampire]

very nice collection of keris
real nice
i have 3 like that
if i ever get mine photos on the com.
i send them to you
greet jan