Keris (or not ?) with chinese handle

A. G. Maisey · 8th April 2022, 01:19 AM

There are a lot of Chinese people in Jawa, apparently one of them decided to make a statement.

Everything about this keris is outside socially correct parameters for Javanese social & cultural purposes.

My guess is that it dates from second half of the 20th century, that it uses an older Chinese carving that has been adapted for the hilt, and it was only ever intended for wear in a Chinese social setting.

Social attitudes in Jawa during other periods of time, and in other than a Chinese environment would militate against other possibilities.

One other thing:- the selut is very recent, I'd say 1960's at the very earliest, this pattern selut is usually plated brass.

8th April 2022, 01:19 AM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,736	There are a lot of Chinese people in Jawa, apparently one of them decided to make a statement. Everything about this keris is outside socially correct parameters for Javanese social & cultural purposes. My guess is that it dates from second half of the 20th century, that it uses an older Chinese carving that has been adapted for the hilt, and it was only ever intended for wear in a Chinese social setting. Social attitudes in Jawa during other periods of time, and in other than a Chinese environment would militate against other possibilities. One other thing:- the selut is very recent, I'd say 1960's at the very earliest, this pattern selut is usually plated brass. Last edited by A. G. Maisey; 8th April 2022 at 03:50 AM.