[Jean]

Hello dear members,
I received the book and carefully reviewed it and I submit my comments hereafter:
The hilts collection is rather small but of exceptional quality, equivalent to the one shown by Vanna Ghiringhelli in her book: "Kris hilts, masterpieces of South-East Asian art". The pictures are absolutely wonderful also.
The text and descriptions are detailed and interesting as expected from the author who is a renowned specialist of Indonesian culture. I have minor comments about the identification or origin of few hilts as indicated hereafter , but this is not a big deal.
I was particularly interested by the very old ivory hilt shown on pages 46 and 47 (attributed to East Java, 16th century or earlier) as I own a very similar wooden piece (see pics). The author indicates that the figure holds its left hand in abhaya mudra but although it is not clear from the pic, it may actually hold a cut arm as seen on my own pic, so depicting a raksasa (ogre).

Few minor comments about the ID or origin of some hilts:
. The ivory hilt shown on pages 42 & 43 is more probably originating from Cirebon than East Java and its face was probably reshaped due to damage.
. The ivory hilt shown on pages 78 & 79 should rather be classified in jangellan style from East Java/ Madura.
. The wooden planar hilt shown on page 81 is more probably originating from East Java than Solo, and the black kendit band may be dyed (discolored on the front side).
. Page 86: This hilt with a clearly human face and a trunk may not depict Ganesha but Sri Gajah Waktra according to EAN Van Veeendaal.
. Page 90: The figure may not depict Bayu (grimacing face with fangs, unusual attributes).
. Pages 130 & 131: This beautiful Bugis ivory hilt in takala style is also found in East Sumatra (see pic).
. Pages 132 & 133: This Bugis ivory hilt is not originating from Madura (one of the options mentioned by the author).
. Pages 140 & 141: The beautiful ivory hilt fitted on the royal Minangkabau kris is not typically Minang (see my ivory specimen) but from Sijungjung (near Padang) or from Aceh, see a similar wooden specimen.

In summary, a very valuable book for all the kris hilts afficionados!

PS: I am thankful to the author for mentioning me as a "notable collector from the last decades" but am not sure to deserve this distinction as compared to some other members and collectors whom I know...