A Javanese Wedung...questions and comments

CharlesS · 16th June 2005, 01:26 AM

I had been looking for a GOOD one of these 'Wedungs' for a long time, and finally EBAY came through for me. The problem is that these are still made today, like kerises, normally smaller than the older ones, and often with less defined pamor.

I was tickled to get this large, heavy(almost 3lbs!) example that shows some age. The blade is very thick and heavy, and though ceremonial, I can actually imagine this one hacking away at brush as they were originally designed to do. The blade has a clear, nice pamor. The scabbard is very well made, heavy as well, and features the classic horn 'belt loop' that characterize these in the form of a snake, or naga.

So, for you keris pamor experts out there(attention Adni and Dave Henkel !!) is there any way to have an idea of the age?? Note there is nice patination to the scabbard and that the metal portion of the hilt is heavily patinated, much more so than the blade.

I'd love to know more and hear any knowledge you have to offer on this wedung.

Conogre · 16th June 2005, 05:50 PM

Sweet......I doubt that this piece is too recent as it's almost classic in appearance for the type, with many to most of those coming from Lombak and nearby islands being more elaborate in both blade and particularly hilt and scabbard decoration.
Mike

Henk · 16th June 2005, 06:34 PM

This is a very lovely wedung. I am so fortunate to own a similar one although the blade of my wedung shows no pamor. My guess is 19th or 18th century.

Mans · 17th June 2005, 05:00 AM

Nice piece, CharlesS.

Your Wedhung and the scabbard are original and authentic piece.
The pamor is Kulit Semongko (Watermelon Skin), I think.
Wedung is a traditional weapon from JOGJAKARTA. Ussualy made at front or side of traditional Java uniform. If I look at the handle at your Wedung, It has the Kinatah (Inlaid). Ussualy t his kinatah given gold inlaid. (I post my Wedhung from HB VII period - about 1855-1877).

If you said that this wedhung is thick and heavy, and if I look the smooth iron and fibrous pamor like this, I think your Wedhung made about 19th CA. (Hamengku Buwono V-VIII period).

Congratulation for your impressive piece !!!

Best regards,

Manshur Hidayat

CharlesS · 17th June 2005, 11:50 AM

Thanks 'Mans'...and what a gorgeous wedung that is of yours!! The fossilized elephant molar hilt and gold work are especially impressive. Is that the original gold work, or has it been restored?? Thanks again.

Mans · 17th June 2005, 09:37 PM

Thanks CharlesS.
Yes, it is my collections. I bought it from my friend. This wedhung has gold inlaid with floral ornament, before. But it was threadbare. So I tried to make it like an original and I ask to gold worker to do this Gold inlaid made from 24 Carats gold.

16th June 2005, 01:26 AM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	A Javanese Wedung...questions and comments I had been looking for a GOOD one of these 'Wedungs' for a long time, and finally EBAY came through for me. The problem is that these are still made today, like kerises, normally smaller than the older ones, and often with less defined pamor. I was tickled to get this large, heavy(almost 3lbs!) example that shows some age. The blade is very thick and heavy, and though ceremonial, I can actually imagine this one hacking away at brush as they were originally designed to do. The blade has a clear, nice pamor. The scabbard is very well made, heavy as well, and features the classic horn 'belt loop' that characterize these in the form of a snake, or naga. So, for you keris pamor experts out there(attention Adni and Dave Henkel !!) is there any way to have an idea of the age?? Note there is nice patination to the scabbard and that the metal portion of the hilt is heavily patinated, much more so than the blade. I'd love to know more and hear any knowledge you have to offer on this wedung. Attached Images

17th June 2005, 05:00 AM	#4
Mans Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: East Java Posts: 137	Nice Piece, CharlesS Nice piece, CharlesS. Your Wedhung and the scabbard are original and authentic piece. The pamor is Kulit Semongko (Watermelon Skin), I think. Wedung is a traditional weapon from JOGJAKARTA. Ussualy made at front or side of traditional Java uniform. If I look at the handle at your Wedung, It has the Kinatah (Inlaid). Ussualy t his kinatah given gold inlaid. (I post my Wedhung from HB VII period - about 1855-1877). If you said that this wedhung is thick and heavy, and if I look the smooth iron and fibrous pamor like this, I think your Wedhung made about 19th CA. (Hamengku Buwono V-VIII period). Congratulation for your impressive piece !!! Best regards, Manshur Hidayat Attached Images Last edited by Mans; 17th June 2005 at 05:16 AM.

16th June 2005, 05:50 PM	#2
Conogre Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 371	Sweet......I doubt that this piece is too recent as it's almost classic in appearance for the type, with many to most of those coming from Lombak and nearby islands being more elaborate in both blade and particularly hilt and scabbard decoration. Mike

16th June 2005, 06:34 PM	#3
Henk Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,209	This is a very lovely wedung. I am so fortunate to own a similar one although the blade of my wedung shows no pamor. My guess is 19th or 18th century.

17th June 2005, 11:50 AM	#5
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	Thanks 'Mans'...and what a gorgeous wedung that is of yours!! The fossilized elephant molar hilt and gold work are especially impressive. Is that the original gold work, or has it been restored?? Thanks again.

17th June 2005, 09:37 PM	#6
Mans Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: East Java Posts: 137	Thanks CharlesS. Yes, it is my collections. I bought it from my friend. This wedhung has gold inlaid with floral ornament, before. But it was threadbare. So I tried to make it like an original and I ask to gold worker to do this Gold inlaid made from 24 Carats gold.