Alam Shah's Keris Gallery http://alamshah.fotopic.net/ 29 rows en-gb 60 Keris Sumatra, Lurus, Bertanda http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1642746.html Probably a 19th century keris from Sumatra. Tuesday 20 January 2009: Probably a 19th century keris from Sumatra.

A small straight keris. The profile of the front. The broad 'sampir', (sheath crosspiece), with a nice wood pattern. A custom-made 'jawa demam' hilt form, with malay decorations. The spiral motif of the daun ketumbit. A malay decorative pattern. Two-piece 'pendokok' (hilt cup), a blend of javanese lower piece with an original upper portion of the ensemble. The temper marks, visible two-thirds of the blade. Markings on the lower part of the blade. The worn-out fretworks at the flaring part of the blade. The 'belalai gajah', (kembang kacang) profile. Blade profile. Profile of the reverse short straight Closer picture of the tip Diamond cross-section of the blade profile. Close-up of the lower part. Blade profile. Close-up of the three horizontal lines.

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]]> Tue Jan 20 2009 Keris Minangkabau, Lurus, Ganja Iras http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1642649.html Probably a 19th century keris carita piece from either sides of the Straits of Malacca. Wednesday 21 January 2009: Probably a 19th century keris carita piece from either sides of the Straits of Malacca.

the rhino horn tubular formation visible at the front portion of the hilt. the hilt is made from rhino horn.

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]]> Wed Jan 21 2009 Keris Sundang Borneo, Lurus http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1642645.html Probably a 19th century Malay piece from Borneo. Saturday 24 January 2009: Probably a 19th century Malay piece from Borneo.

Used to be some pattern on the blade, which is now worn down. Profile of the 'belalai gajah'. Profile of the 'greneng'/'kerawang' or fretworks. The base of the blade. The 'asang-asang', (base clips) are missing. Unusual hilt form. The hilt seems to be from horn. Fits nicely in the hand. Profile of the kakatua hilt. The strange hilt form with a hole on top. The hole, about 1cm in diameter. Some say the horn might be rhino. Any comments? Another view of the hilt. The base of the blade. The kakatua form prevents from slipping in use and as a basher in close-quarter encounter.. :) A straight blade with a central groove. Blade length, 21 inches. An old Malay Sundang, probably a 19th century piece, originated from Borneo.

Published in Alam Shah's Keris Gallery

]]> Sat Jan 24 2009 [Ref] Keris Performances http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1281817.html Balancing the keris... performances. Wednesday 21 June 2006: Balancing the keris... performances.

Multiple keris balancing positions demonstration, during the Rangsang Rias Pusaka Bangsa II (2005) event. Note the badik balancing at the tip of the keris blade. Different types of keris are balanced. Keris Bali, Keris Jawa, Keris Palembang and Keris Melayu.

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]]> Wed Jun 21 2006 Keris Melayu Terengganu, Luk 9 http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1281188.html A 19th century Peninsular keris. Terengganu, North Malaysia origin. Sunday 15 April 2007: A 19th century Peninsular keris. Terengganu, North Malaysia origin.

A Malay peninsular piece. Fittings are typical of Terengganu origins. The hulu is made from kemuning wood (Murraya paniculata), the sampir of ketengga wood (Memillia caloxylon) and the batang of angsana wood (Pterocarpus indicus). Fully-restored sheath joints. Typical Terengganu hilt, ferrule and sheath. Profile of the ayam teleng hilt. A typical Terengganu fittings. An Anak Ayam Teleng hilt form, brass pendokok, and Malay styled sheath form. The patterns found on the cross-piece (sampir) wood. The hilt is anak ayam teleng form, with its squarely angled head and longer neck, is characteristic of keris originating from Terengganu. I love the wood grains and chatoyance of the ketengga sampir (cross-piece). The sarung joint looks 'molek' after the initial repair. The tapak gajah is visible at the base which suggests many fine layering works were done. Found a similar blade example in Frey's, Pg 73, Kris Archives, Exhibit 19a. A Terengganu Luk 9 keris. Old blade, 14 inches long. Total Length 17.5 inches. Profile looks like a Palembang blade.(?) The blade has slightly unusual pamor. The pamor types are tapak gajah and wos wutah. On the ganja, there is pamor sumber. The belalai gajah (in malay) is a little worned-out. The ganja area, just below the tapak gajah is slightly worn-out. The greneng and aring too. In Javanese, it is known as batu lapak (saddle stone). The Javanese believed the 'tuah'of pamor batu lapak can bring wealth to the owner. Profile of the bilah (blade). (Oppss! Slightly at at angle.) The hexagonal cross section blade has a slight Bugis influence. A close-up of the tip area, on the reverse side of the blade. A close-up of the tip area. Rough texture of the blade. The pamor of this blade.

Published in Alam Shah's Keris Gallery

]]> Sun Apr 15 2007 Keris Bugis Sumatra, Luk 7, Ganja Iras http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1281179.html Estimated 19th century blade, with Pamor Beras Wutah. New Peninsular Malay-styled sheath. (Replaced hilt cup). Saturday 14 April 2007: Estimated 19th century blade, with Pamor Beras Wutah. New Peninsular Malay-styled sheath. (Replaced hilt cup).

An old keris blade in a new sheath. The sheath is a Peninsular Malay-styled sheath. Profile of the hulu (hilt). Bugis kerdas hilt, made of horn and kemuning wood. Silver pendongkok in an uncommon cup form. The 'redish' colour of the kemuning wood hilt. The buah pinang, made of horn. Blade length: 12 inches. Total length: 15 inches. An old blade with a repaired belalai gajah. Some pamor akhodiyat on one side of the blade. Near the tip of the blade, there is pamor aliph and at the sorsoran, pamor raja gundolo. The blade has a hexagonal profile, typical of Bugis or Bugis influenced blade. The greneng areas are worned-off. The fine layering of the blade is visible on both sides. The keris is sturdy and used good quality materials for the bilah (blade). This piece is Ganja Iras, which means that the Ganja and the blade is made as a one-piece construction. The surface of the blade is textured, not smooth. You can feel it running your fingers over it. Pamor raja gundolo at the base sorsoran area. Minor pitting found on this old blade. The pamor is not quite visible. A Sumatran keris hilt. (Ref: Tammens, De Kris 3, Pg: 160, Fig 143). Profile of the bilah. A new commissioned sheath, made for the blade. Upper cross-piece (sampir) made of (?) wood. Nik Dee did mentioned the name when he looked at the piece, but I've forgotten, what it's called. The blade protruding a little, common for the Malay form. Closer shot of the silver pendongkok (hilt cup). A three-piece construction with floral chased pattern. Flat base, the stem and the cup.

Published in Alam Shah's Keris Gallery

]]> Sat Apr 14 2007 Misc stuffs http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1275935.html Just an average keris collector. Sunday 2 January 2005: Just an average keris collector.

Published in Alam Shah's Keris Gallery

]]> Sun Jan 2 2005 Regarding Online Keris Groups http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1275219.html There are a few online groups on multiply for keris collectors. Collectors are encouraged to link-up, share knowledge, reference and collection online. My site : http://alamshah67.multiply.com Keris Collectors Online group : http://keriscollectors.multiply.com Panji Senjata2 Nusantara group : http://senjata2nusantara.multiply.com Yayasan Keris Singapura (YKS) group : http://yayasankerissg.multiply.com Majalah Pamor di Singapura group : http://sgpamor.multiply.com Create your own personal site at: www.multiply.com Saturday 1 January 2005: There are a few online groups on multiply for keris collectors. Collectors are encouraged to link-up, share knowledge, reference and collection online. My site : http://alamshah67.multiply.com Keris Collectors Online group : http://keriscollectors.multiply.com Panji Senjata2 Nusantara group : http://senjata2nusantara.multiply.com Yayasan Keris Singapura (YKS) group : http://yayasankerissg.multiply.com Majalah Pamor di Singapura group : http://sgpamor.multiply.com Create your own personal site at: www.multiply.com

Keris Collectors Online @ multiply.com A collection of Collector's pieces representing the now defunct KampungNet Keris Gallery. Superceded with Keris Collectors Online @ multiply.com

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]]> Sat Jan 1 2005 Keris Sumatra, Jambi, Luk 7 http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1230877.html A 19th century keris. Wednesday 14 March 2007: A 19th century keris.

The sheath batang (shaft) is made from sena wood and the buntut (end piece), made of jati wood. The lower portion show remnants of 'prada mas', gold painted decoration works. The hilt and sheath is thick and stocky. It's 'reddish' in colour, probably coated with 'sapan asli'. A traditional resin-like substance. The hilt, from the front. Looks like a face... The small but broad sampir cross-piece, made of Jati Gembol, with minor chips, and wear marks. The batang sunnah (upper shaft), is binded with black twine. A close-up of the sorsoran (base) area. Close up of the tip portion. Malay and Bugis blade are made more towards the functional aspect. Pamor is secondary, less important. A rugged-looking blade, robust and a typical looking Bugis influenced blade. A close-up of the 'batu lapak' area. The ganja area, at the centre, looks like another material inserted within the layering. Profile of the blade. Heavy bugis influence, with a hexagonal cross-section. Blade is too narrow to be a Penghulu blade. But perhaps...? The rugged belalai gajah (sekar kacang) and huge lambe gajah are crude but functional. Note the fine layering at the sides of the blade. Close up, on the reverse side. Nice looking pamor pattern, with pamor tunggak semi. A close up of the base area. Pamor Batu Lapak at the base of the blade, a bit to the left. At the core of the 'batu lapak' there seems to be a fine 'bawang sebungkal'(?), made of a bright material. A small keris. The form of the fittings are very similar to a Penghulu (chieftain) piece. The buntut sheath end-piece is a replacement. A close up of the hilt. Note the balung on the top and the small beak or nose-like protrusion. The unique hulu (hilt), is made from Jati Gembol. Possibly a Jambi hilt form. The Bugis brass pendokok is a more appropriate replacement.

Published in Alam Shah's Keris Gallery

]]> Wed Mar 14 2007 Rencong Aceh, Sumatra, Hulu Meucangge http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1068560.html Acquired from a relative of a deceased collector. Tuesday 27 June 2006: Acquired from a relative of a deceased collector.

Handle is made of buffalo horn. (The hilt of the rencong is in the shape of The sheath of the rencong. Is it made of bone, horn or ivory? With its slim and slender profile. Used mostly as a close combat 'stealth atacking' weapon. Rencong Sumatra, Aceh. Hulu Meucangge form. Sheath is made from marine ivory. Total length 9 Profile of this small and short recong blade. The profile of the blade's base and the brass ferrule. The 'flaring' base of the blade with its hexagonal cross-section. Decorations of the blade. The back of the blade. How it thickens, towards the hilt. The surface of the old blade. Profile of the rencong's blade. The back profile of this elegant weapon. Only the rencong and the sewar have this profile at the base near the tang.

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]]> Tue Jun 27 2006 Rencong Aceh, Sumatra, Hulu Meucangge http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1055822.html (2006), ... 19th century. Wednesday 28 June 2006: (2006), ... 19th century.

A small piece at the mouth is slightly broken. An old repair along the back of the sheath suggests that this piece had been heavily used. Total length: 44cm. Blade Length: 28cm. Triangular cross-section. Tip of the blade. Some wear marks which suggests that the blade had seen some action. The blade design and thickest part toward the hilt. Profile of this slender blade. Some pittings are found along the blade. The grove is clearly visible Details of the blade's base. Showing the size of the blade. An old repair was found to the back of the sheath. The old silver panels reinforced and hold the sheath together. Acehese artwork found throughout the sheath, on this side. Stylized bamboo shoot motifs, pucuk rebung carvings at the lower portion. Artwork, typical of Acehese found on one side of the sheath. Typical Acehnese pattern found on most artwork, including the 'sikin panjang' and other weapons. Close up of the silver panel. Note the old repaired section of the sheath. Engraved scrolls, curves and chevron patterns via chisel-works.

Published in Alam Shah's Keris Gallery

]]> Wed Jun 28 2006 Rencong Aceh, Sumatra, Hulu Puntung http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1055765.html An early 20th century rencong, from Aceh, Sumatra. Thursday 29 June 2006: An early 20th century rencong, from Aceh, Sumatra.

The original damaged sheath. Probably an early 20th century rencong from Sumatra. Blade is 9 ½ inches long forged from fine pattern welded steel (with pamor). Horn handle. Total length 13 ½ inches. (This rencong fits nicely in my palm.) Details of the base. Good pamor pattern. Thick triangular cross-section. Thickness at the base is 10mm and 2mm at the tip. Old horn handle is slightly damaged. The handle style is hulu puntung. It is believed that this style was adopted for better concealment. The long slender single edge of the rencong. The piece, after sheath repairs. Upper sheath repaired. After repairs of the sheath. Thick blade.

Published in Alam Shah's Keris Gallery

]]> Thu Jun 29 2006 Keris Sumatra, Minangkabau, Lurus http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1047834.html An estimated early 20th century keris, with Pamor Lidi Sebatang (Sada Saler). Tuesday 11 July 2006: An estimated early 20th century keris, with Pamor Lidi Sebatang (Sada Saler).

Minangkabau-styled buntut, made of wood. Pamor Lidi Sebatang, from the tip to one third of the blade. About Pamor Sada Saler, (vein of a palm-leaf). This is a pamor for warriors. The Javanese belief that, A Minangkabau warrior. Ref pic, Draeger's The Weapons & Fighting Arts of Indonesia, Pg:125, Fig:79. (Note the hilt facing inwards and the 'binded' keris). The sampir (cross-piece) had some repair and patch-works done. Note the angle of the hilt tilting to the right, (for a right-handed use). The other two thirds of the blade. Note the texture of the keris blade. A straight bladed keris from Sumatra, probably from Minangkabau region. The panetes (Pucuk Keris) or blade tip is in the nyujen style (narrow pointed tip). The pesi (tang) is the tapak jalak type, with an 'x' at the tip of the pesi. Profile does resembles the dapur Johan Mangan Kala Leres, with the exception of 2 fullers in the middle section and a unique greneng area. Profile of the blade. The sampir material is made from kemuning wood which had been lightly stained. Profile of the simple ivory hilt and brass hilt cup.

Published in Alam Shah's Keris Gallery

]]> Tue Jul 11 2006 Badik Bugis Sumatra http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1037638.html A late 19 century small badik. Friday 30 June 2006: A late 19 century small badik.

Wooden handle of a typical Sulawesi-styled Bugis badik, but this one is probably made in Sumatra. Sheath is made of kerbau horn with simple engraving. Carved wooden hilt and horn scabbard. Overall length is 10 Profile of the blade. Profile of the blade on the other side. A 19th Century straight bladed sidearm from Sumatra known as a badik. The kerbau (carabao) horn sheath is held together with white metal rivets. A simple short and sturdy blade.Blade length is 7 inches. Anyone know the pamor type? The tip of the blade. Notice the pamor on the blade. What can you see?

Published in Alam Shah's Keris Gallery

]]> Fri Jun 30 2006 Badik Bugis Sulawesi http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1037553.html Estimated 19th century badik from Sulawesi. Friday 30 June 2006: Estimated 19th century badik from Sulawesi.

Profile of the blade. Note the angle of the hilt. Profile of the old blade. 'Tiger stripes' of the Angsana wood is clearly visible on the sheath. Chatoyance on the hilt is also visible. The metal band on the lower part of the sheath is made of silver. The ferrule and clip are made of silver. The clip has a simple leaf engraving on it. The patina on the silver suggests that this is old. The blade thickness is about 5 mm. The blade is well-balanced. It can be suspended on its edge, horizontally. The hilt (hulu) is made from kemuning woods. See the chatoyance of the handle. The sheath has the 'tiger stripes' effect.

Published in Alam Shah's Keris Gallery

]]> Fri Jun 30 2006 Keris Jawa (Patrem), Luk 3, Dapur Jangkung http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1032010.html A small keris. Pamor Beras Wutah, Mrambut. Also visible is pamor Wirasat. Sunday 16 July 2006: A small keris. Pamor Beras Wutah, Mrambut. Also visible is pamor Wirasat.

Some said that, <i>Patrem</i> is a smaller type of keris specially designed for ladies. This one's for my wife... :) The piece originally does not come with a <i>pendok</i>. Got a <i>tukang</i> to add the brass <i>pendok blewah</i>. It looks more Jogya now. The hilt (ukiran) had been replaced with a simple Jogya-styled <i>ukiran</i> (without the <i>patras</i>). The blade fits snugly in the warangka (after being fixed by a tukang in Jakarta). Closer profile of the mendak, warangka and pendok Close up of the wrangka. The grains of the wood, visible. The hilt (ukiran) from another angle. The replaced mendak. wood patterns of the hilt Keris Jawa Gayaman (Patrem), Luk 3 - Dapur Jangkung. Ukiran Nunggak Semi, Yogya (tanpa patra). Pendok <i>blewah</i>. Pamor wos wutah and mrambut. Close-up of the base (sor-soran) area. pamor pattern near the tip. Pamor mrambut on certain parts of the blade. Keris blade length, 9 inches. Blade length-wise, it is called <i>patrem</i> if measured from the <i>Ganja</i> till the point of the Keris, is the length of one span of an adult human footstep. Pamor pattern seams to have an abstract outline of a standing person. See if you can find it. ;) Pamor pattern close-up. Seems like pamor wirasat is visible. wood-patterns of the hilt, from another angle. The hilt (ukiran) made from beautifully patterned wood.

Published in Alam Shah's Keris Gallery

]]> Sun Jul 16 2006 Keris Jawa, Luk 5, Dapur Pandawa, Tangguh Mataram Sultan Agung http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1031893.html An 18th century blade in Jawa Pesisir dress, Pamor Wos Wutah. Saturday 15 July 2006: An 18th century blade in Jawa Pesisir dress, Pamor Wos Wutah.

The oversheath (pendok) is covered with floral and animal motifs. The sheath (wrangka) is uniquely carved with a rare form. Ukiran is North Java, Cirebon-styled from a <i>buta bajang</i>, (a <i>raksasa kerdil</i>) form, made from kayu sawo. The motifs of the ukiran and the curly hair of the raksasa is visible. <i>Pamor Wos Wutah</i>. The blade is old. I was informed that the blade is <i>Tangguh Mataram Sultan Agung</i>. The <i>kembang kacang nguku Bima</i>. The pamor is denser towards the middle, common for blades made during the Mataram period. The sitting position of the raksasa. The new hilt cup (selut) is made from silver. Slim slender profile of a <i>Pandawa</i> blade form. Keris Jawa, Luk 5. Wrangka Ladrangan Jawa Pesisir, Ukiran Raksasa kerdil, Dapur Pandawa (nguku bima), Pamor Wos Wutah. A closer shot of the pamor pattern.

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]]> Sat Jul 15 2006 Keris Jawa, Luk 5, Dapur Pandawa Karna Tinanding, Tangguh Kamardikan http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1031861.html A modern piece emulating the rare keris form with Pamor Wulung. Friday 14 July 2006: A modern piece emulating the rare keris form with Pamor Wulung.

A modern keris which was made to emulate a rare dapur. <i>Dapur Pandawa Karna Tinanding</i>. The sheath is a newly made wrangka Ladrang Solo, made from <i>Nagasari</i> wood. Overall length is 50cm. Length of blade is 35.5cm. Dapur Pandawa, luk 5. Karna Tinanding, based on the <i>ricikan</i>. Seems to have <i>Pudak Sategal</i>. Profile of the wilah. No pamor or keris <i>kelengan</i> is also known as <i>Wonoayu</i> in Madura and part of East Java. It's also known as keris <i>Pengawak Waja</i> in Jawa. Old Solo-styled ukiran (hilt), made from <i>Tayuman</i> wood in the <i>Yudowinatan</i> form with <i>wanda Wiradiningratan</i> style. The pendok style is <i>Bunton Ukir Cukit Solo</i>, made of brass with silver plating. Sporting a new mendak (hilt ring)with <i>meniran with beads</i> pattern, made of copper. Slim profile of a Pandawa blade. For <i>pamor kelengan</i>, it is believed that if the owner is married, it can make the owner a cleverer thinker and a wiser person. (Only God knows. May the grace of God enlighten us all). <i>Nggigir Sapi</i> cross section. Normally Karna Tinanding ricikan have <i>pudak sategal bungkem</i>. This example, is different. (It resembles flower petal with with pointed end.) This beautifully sculpted blade is of closely grained, sparkling, black iron. The quality of workmanship in this blade is of high standard. It has a strong charismatic character, powerful-looking and classy (in my opinion only). The ricikan includes, an elaborate ganja kelap lintah with elaborate greneng works. A bungkul, a sogokan depan and belakang, 2 pejetan, 1 lambe gajah on both sides, 2 jalu memet on both sides, 2 belalai gajah (or kembang kacang) and a set of Pudak Sategal. 1st prize winner of Keris Jawa, Luk 5, Dapur Pandawa Karna Tinanding. Crisp <i>ricikans</i>, good metal quality. Crisp <i>ukiran</i> with open-work carving. Hilt made of premium <i>Tayuman</i> wood in the <i>Yudowinatan</i> form with <i>wanda Wiradiningratan</i> style (see the openworks at the upper patra). <i>Wrangka</i> made of <i>Nagasari</i> wood.

Published in Alam Shah's Keris Gallery

]]> Fri Jul 14 2006 Keris Jawa, Luk 7, Dapur Sempana, (Gresik) http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1031827.html My 1st keris (1989), with Pamor Wos Wutah and Pamor Sanak. Thursday 13 July 2006: My 1st keris (1989), with Pamor Wos Wutah and Pamor Sanak.

Talismanic inscription on the other side of the blade. This talismanic inscription was found in the ancient manuscript, After a little etching. A keris from Gresik, East Java. Probably used by a spiritual healer or for talismanic purpose. The design and shape of the blade suggests that the primary use of this piece is for esoteric purposes. This keris looks like it has a metal hilt, or is it similar to a keris sajen type which is a one piece-construction. The piece is at least 16 years. Acquired in 1989. It's had been with me since. Fine pamor structure showing the different types of metals used. Talismanic inscription on one side of the blade. This talismanic inscription was found in the ancient manuscript, 'Aji Mantra Guna', one of the primbon books. Its purpose is 'to catch a thief'. Supposedly, when a thief comes into the house to steal, the person would not be able to find his way out. (Only god knows the truth). Metal hilt depicting a man holding 3 objects.

Published in Alam Shah's Keris Gallery

]]> Thu Jul 13 2006 Keris Bugis Sumatra (selit), Sepokal http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1031813.html A mid 20th century keris selit (pendek). Wednesday 12 July 2006: A mid 20th century keris selit (pendek).

TThis is an old piece which had been restored. The blade is of an average quality. (The joints had been repaired). Keris (pendek) Bugis Sumatra, with a 'mini' sampir <i>tebeng</i> styled sheath. Probably of East Sumatra origin. The hilt is made of <i>kenaung</i> wood with a malacca cup <i>pendokok</i>, made of silver, with openworks design. The <i>hulu</i> is in <i>kerdas</i> form. The <i>sampir</i> is made from <i>jati</i> (teak) wood and the <i>batang</i> is made from <i>sena</i> wood. The slight protusion of the blade is common for this <i>tebeng</i> style sheath. Typical <i>dapur sepokal</i>, but a miniature piece. Probably used by a boy or a woman. Short blade with pamor wengkon, beras wutah and akhodiyat. There is a groove in the centre of the blade which suggests that it is for a talismanic inlay. Just below the groove, there is <i>pamor akhodiyat</i> visible. The 9 inches blade is slightly curved. Total length is 12 inches. Pamor <i>Satriya Pinayungan</i> is visible near the tip of the blade. It is sometimes said to be a loose pamor material. Nevertheless the pusaka-value is high. (It's direct translation is 'Warrior sheltering under palm-leaf'). The <i>buntut</i> (bottom tip) is made from dark ebony or <i>kenaung</i> wood.

Published in Alam Shah's Keris Gallery

]]> Wed Jul 12 2006 Keris Sumatra, Minangkabau, Luk 3 http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1031764.html An 18th century Minangkabau keris, with Pamor Miang Tuesday 11 July 2006: An 18th century Minangkabau keris, with Pamor Miang

The Minang-styled <i>pendokok</i> (hilt cup) is made from brass, beautifully worked to encase 2 rows of red rubies. The centre portion is decorated with wire-works floral patterns. The big hulu (hilt) looks oversized, but is normal for this form. Length of the hulu (hilt) is 11cm / 4.5 inches. The chatoyance of the <i>kemuning</i> wooden hilt and cross-piece is evident.Sheath form is similar to the one in Van Duuren's 'The Kris - An earthly approach to a cosmic symbol', pg: 9. A question: Is this a man's or woman's keris? What do you think? I think it's a woman's keris. The <i>batang</i> (shaft) is stained dark wood. The buntut, is made of kemuning wood. Blade length (from pesi to tip) is 27.5cm / 11 inches. Blade area is 23cm / 9 inches. As received. Rusty blade. Had applied oil to 'loosen' the rust a little. Profile of the blade. A small blade, about the size of a Javanese patrem. The <i>greneng</i> area. Fine fretworks typical of Minang style. A gentle luk 3 blade with 2 shallow fullers across from the base to near the tip. The gandik area. Not so prominent now. Still have rust to remove...afterwhich should look more defined.Note the Kembang Kacang bungkem or Belalai Gajah bungkem (in Malay). An 18th Century, 3 luks blade from West Sumatra, rare Minangkabau small keris. The sheath, sampir (upper cross section) and buntut (end-piece), are made from kemuning wood.

Published in Alam Shah's Keris Gallery

]]> Tue Jul 11 2006 Keris Bugis Sumatra, "Naga Singa", Luk 5, Ganja Iras http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1031721.html An estimated late 19th century keris from Sumatra (with Pamor Inkal). Monday 10 July 2006: An estimated late 19th century keris from Sumatra (with Pamor Inkal).

Hulu is huge but original to the form. Two rattan binding on the sheath. A huge wooden hilt form. <i>Pendokok</i> is a lotus-styled form. High contrasting pamor on the surface of the blade. The profile of the hilt. A few different types of metal were used for this blade. There is <i>pamor inkal</i> at the <i>pejetan</i> area. Received with the blade heavily coated with protective wax. This kept the blade in a good state. <i>Pamor Inkal</i> dipercayai mempunyai tuah seperti berikut. Teguh menghadapi masaalah; di takuti haiwan; dapat membasmi tempat angker The <i>ganja iras</i>, with the contrasting <i>pamor wengkon</i> visible. The stylised eyes and beak are prominently carved. The ricikans of the blade. If anyone knows anything about this piece, please let me know. ;) The sorsoran area of the blade. <i>Ganja iras</i> is clearly visible. The <i>belalai gajah bungkem</i> clearly visible. It is believed that the 'bungkem' is good for a leader who have followers. Left-hand gripping the heavy blade. Huge-handle, but comfortable ergonomically. <i>Pamor sanak</i> and <i>pamor miang</i>, visible on the blade. A rare piece from Sumatra. Sampir form is unique.

Published in Alam Shah's Keris Gallery

]]> Mon Jul 10 2006 Keris Bugis Riau-Lingga, Sepokal http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1031641.html A mid 19th century Straits Bugis keris with Pamor Perut Ular, Saturday 8 July 2006: A mid 19th century Straits Bugis keris with Pamor Perut Ular,

At the base, the <i>ujung gunung</i> formation is visible. There seems to be a <i>pamor titipan</i> of a different material. <i>Keris Bugis Riau, Dapur Sepokal</i>, <i>Pamor Perut Ular</i>. An example of a Bugis keris from the Malay Archipelago, with typical Bugis fittings. Details of the brass buntut. The old 19th century kemuning sampir with some age-cracks. A middle 19th century piece. Top sheath or <i>sampir</i>, is made of <i>kemuning</i> woods with flashing grains. The hilt is made of wood. Any idea on the wood type? Looks like kemuning hitam to me... the darker variant. Profile of the blade. Sturdy blade with an arcing or angular profile with simple features that has an overall shape or dapur that is called <i>dapur sepokal</i>. Condense pamor patterns are arranged in the mlumah technique and is of the pamor perut ular variation. Hexagonal cross-section, typical of Bugis or Bugis-influenced blades. Blade is : 12.6 inches. Overall length: 15.5 inches. Close up of the base (sorsoran) area. The layering of the blade and hexagonal profile is quite visible here. The ganja area had worn down at the <i>dagu</i> area, a sign og old age. Wooden bottom stem or <i>batang</i> is fully encased with finely repoussed brass stem cover.

Published in Alam Shah's Keris Gallery

]]> Sat Jul 8 2006 Keris Bugis Sulawesi, Sepokal, Hulu Gading http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1031061.html A 19th century Bugis Sulawesi keris, with a carved ivory hilt. Friday 7 July 2006: A 19th century Bugis Sulawesi keris, with a carved ivory hilt.

A 19th Century Bugis Sulawesi keris. Some visible crack line on the old sampir. Seems to have a 'Y' chatoyance on the top sheath. Wengkon lines is visible. The blade was coated with wax, when first received from Netherlands. Profile of blade. Good Bugis sepokal blade. The blade had been cleaned. The keris sarung is old and the buntut was repaired a long time ago. Although not a proper south sulawesi-styled buntut. Top sheath made of <i>kemuning</i> wood. Bottom stem made of <i>angsana</i> wood. The antique elephant ivory hilt is well-carved with floral motifs. The brass ferrule (pendokok) is a 2-piece construction). The arabic 'Allah' carved at the centre of the ivory hilt is clearly visible. The endless knot motif found on the top of the hilt. The carved ivory hilt, from another angle. Simple pendoko for this piece.

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]]> Fri Jul 7 2006 Keris Melayu (selit), Sepokal http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1031008.html Estimated mid 20th century keris selit (pendek). Thursday 6 July 2006: Estimated mid 20th century keris selit (pendek).

The blade is protruding a little from the sheath, typical of Malay pieces. The hulu (hilt) and sampir (upper cross section) are made from ketengga woods and batang (shaft) of sena woods. A simple ivory buntut was made by a tukang in Kelantan, typical of malay form. The pendokok (hilt ring) is made using a 3-piece construction, lower shaft, mid ri-padan and the lotus cup section. The lotus petals are made from engraved lines, then embossed into 5 circles. The pendokok (hilt ring) with simple carvings. A silver lotus cup pendokok, custom-made for this piece, (acquired without one). Close up of the <i>hulu Jawa Demam</i> hilt form. A simple piece. The blade length is 7 1/2 inches, Overall length is 12 1/2 inches. Pamor <i>ujung gunung</i> and <i>wengkon</i> are visible. Tempered mark, 1 inch from the tip. A simple, well-constructed blade. Profile of the bilah. Keris Pendek Melayu Riau, Sepokal. Hulu Jawa Demam. (missing <i>buntut</i> replaced).

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]]> Thu Jul 6 2006 Keris Melayu Pandai Saras Carita, Kelantan, Lurus http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1030591.html An old, estimated 18th century kelantanese blade. Commissioned fittings was done by Nik Rashidee Nik Hussein, Kelantan, Malaysia. Wednesday 5 July 2006: An old, estimated 18th century kelantanese blade. Commissioned fittings was done by Nik Rashidee Nik Hussein, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Proposed fittings sketched by Nik Rashidi Nik Hussein. Elephant ivory buntut (end-piece), with the <i>pantat lipas</i> design. (The ivory buntut is from working elephants of Southern Thailand.) Chatoyance of the <i>Sena</i> or <i>Angsana</i> wood. In Kelantan, this variant is known as <i>Sena Bima</i>. Harvested from a tree growing in the wild areas of Songkla province in Southern Thailand. The completed fittings, made by Nik Rashidee Nik Hussein, Kota Bahru, Kelantan, Malaysia. <i>Keris Lurus Kelantan Sari Bulan</i>. The back of the hulu. The blade's <i>ganja</i> slight jutting out, typical of Kelantan style. The <i>batang</i> (shaft), is made of <i>Sena</i> or <i>Angsana (Pterocarpus indicus)</i> wood. Closer shots of the hilt. <i>Daun bayam</i> and <i>sulur kacang</i> vegetative motifs carved on the hilt. Side profile of the hilt, with matching <i>pendokok</i> (hilt cup) 'hugging' the hilt. Front profile of the hilt. Crisp vegetative and <i>cincang</i> cross-hatching motifs on the hilt. The stripes of the premium kemuning gua musang wood is quite visible. The shape of the <i>Pucuk Keris</i> (blade tip) is <i>Nggabah Kopong</i>. Harmoniously flowing wood grains of the kemuning wood at the back and base of the hilt. The blade design, have a single sogokan depan (ngarep), with no sogokan belakang (mburi). The opposite side of the old blade. <i>Greneng</i> area of the blade. In malay, this area is known as <i>kerawangan</i> Profile of the blade. Any idea who is the maker of this keris? An old blade, with 'veins' running throughout the blade. The <i>Hulu Jawa Demam Pattani</i> or <i>Anak Ayam</i> (hilt), made of <i>Kemuning (Murraya paniculata)</i> wood from Gua Musang region with a Kelantan-styled, <i>pendokok</i> (hilt cup). The pronounced 'daun' clearly visible. <i>Sampir</i> (sheath's cross-piece) made of <i>Kemuning Emas</i> wood. Carvings above the <i>buah pinang</i> (betel nut) area of the hilt. Closer shot of the hilt cup, with <i>telor ikan</i> (fish-eggs) incorporated with floral motifs. The hilt, looks like a 'turkey', with the carvings on the <i>pipi</i>. The <i>caping</i> (point at the centre of the sheath) is crisp and in line with the hilt base. Stripes of the <i>Kemuning Gua Musang</i> wood on the tip of the hilt. Crisp and harmonious sampir. This sampir form is a rare type in Kelantan. It is a derived from the <i>Pattani Sari Bulan</i> sheath form. Profile of the gilded silver <i>pendokok</i> (hilt cup). In Kelantan, it is called <i>Pendokok Geluk</i>. Geluk (in Malay) means a container to store water. Sharp crisp carvings on the back portion of the hilt. Well-shaped <i>buah pinang</i>.

Published in Alam Shah's Keris Gallery

]]> Wed Jul 5 2006 Keris Melayu Bugis Riau, Luk 9 http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1030512.html Estimated 20th century Bugis Riau keris. Monday 3 July 2006: Estimated 20th century Bugis Riau keris.

Coarse layering of the blade material. Different metal types are visible on the blade. Shiny 'pyrite' are visible on certain portion of the blade. Visible layering seen near the kembang kacang area. Keris Bugis Riau, Luk 9, Pamor Nunggak Semi. One of my favorite Top sheath is of well selected <i>kemuning</i> wood with natural lashing grains. The bottom stem is made of <i>angsana</i> wood. A plain silver band on the <i>batang</i> just below the cross-piece strengthen the sheath joints. Handle is of the typical Bugis <i>kerdas</i> style form, but in the rarer hexagonal (with plainer sides). Silver filigree <i>pendokok</i> (hilt cup) completes fittings. Pamor patterns are arranged in the <i>mlumah</i> technique, and are of the <i>wos wutah</i> (scattered rice variations). The pamor <i>wos wutah</i> is said to enhance the owner's material well-being, while the pamor <i>nunggak semi</i> is said to enhance the owner's stature and the pamor <i>wengkon</i> is of the protective nature. Along the edges, there are a few layers of pamor lines called pamor <i>wengkon</i>. Patterns are unplanned, or pamor <i>tiban</i>, and at the base, there is an unusually long peak like formation called <i>nunggak semi</i>. Profile of the bilah (blade). The <i>buntut</i> (sheath base) is made of ivory. In general, Peninsula Malay sheath have a small base as compared to Sulawesi sheaths.

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]]> Mon Jul 3 2006 Keris Melayu Bugis, Luk 9 http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1029717.html A mid 19th century Peninsular Malay keris. Sunday 2 July 2006: A mid 19th century Peninsular Malay keris.

A mid 19th century blade. Length is 12.5 inches. Sturdy blade with 9 luks. Has strong Bugis perabots (base features), including the hexagonal cross section. Profile of the bilah. Pattern welded blade with pamor <i>wos utah</i> (scattered rice) and <i>ujung gunung </i>. The 'whitish' part of the pamor suggests that <i>pamor luwu</i> material was used. Hulu and sampir are made from <i>kemuning</i> wood (Murraya paniculata), with angsana wood bottom stem fitted with silver panels (replaced from the older fittings). One of my favorite piece. New silver-works on the sheath. Hulu kerdas with a thick copper bugis cup pendokok. The visible grains and chatoyance of the kemuning wood. Can you see the abstract figure near the centre of the cross-piece? ;) A mid 19th century piece from the southern Malaysian Peninsular region, either Selangor or Johore.

Published in Alam Shah's Keris Gallery

]]> Sun Jul 2 2006 Keris Bugis Riau-Lingga, Luk 7, Sampir Penghulu, Jati Gembol http://alamshah.fotopic.net/c1029390.html Estimated 19th century Bugis "Chieftain" keris. Saturday 1 July 2006: Estimated 19th century Bugis "Chieftain" keris.

Quite a number of abstract patterns found on this side of the blade. Pamor Raja Gundolo is visible at the sorsoran area. A side-view of an elephant's head is visible, where the black dot area is. Pamor <i>batu lapak</i> with pamor <i> ujung gunung</i> clearly visible at the sorsoran (base) area. The <i>belalai gajah bungkem (malay)</i> or <i>sekar kacang bungkem (javanese)</i> is clearly visible too. Broad <i>pamor wengkon</i>, with thick layering and a beautifully shaped tip. Traces of <i>pamor luwu</i> are found on the blade. Originally received. The broken buntut was replaced with an ivory piece, done by a master craftsman. The <i>jati gembol</i> (burled teak) sampir have a nice patina and grains with lovely sheen. The weight is slightly heavier than a typical Bugis blade, but due to it's short length and thicker hilt, it's well-balanced and highly maneuverable. Length=10 3/4 inches. The pesi is 2 1/2 inches, half-twisted with grooves. This can provide additional leverage when securing the hilt. Profile of the blade. Stocky, quite sharp, with a vivid pattern welded lamination. The blade measures 10 3/4 inches in total length. The kerdas hilt symbolises bravery, safety, and success. The ganja is simple, yet elegant. All fittings are original to the piece, (except the ivory buntut which is a replacement). The <i>kerdas</i> hilt is typical for this form, a larger piece to match the broad sampir. The well-patinated brass mendak is original to this piece, which fits nicely in between the hilt and the blade. Elephant ivory buntut. Bugis <i>Chieftain</i> keris probably dating to the late 19th century. This keris measures 15 1/4 inches in total length when measured in its sheath. Perhaps, also known as <i>Keris Ular Mat Daeng</i>.

Published in Alam Shah's Keris Gallery

]]> Sat Jul 1 2006