new small Balinese (?) Keris for comments

A. G. Maisey · 5th February 2017, 10:51 AM

David, if you had asked me this question 20 years ago I would have given the opinion that this keris was a modern confection that had absolutely nothing at all to do with Bali.

However, the keris scene in Bali is changing, as far as I can see the change is being driven by the market, the better Balinese makers are going to Central Jawa and Madura for instruction, present day Balinese style no longer necessarily reflects Balinese style of 100years ago.

This is a present day keris.

Is it representative of traditional Balinese style?

No, in my opinion not in even the slightest degree.

Is it artistic?

Yes, highly so.

Is it representative of the present day Balinese approach to keris production?

Yes, it is.

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5th February 2017, 10:51 AM	#4
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,017	David, if you had asked me this question 20 years ago I would have given the opinion that this keris was a modern confection that had absolutely nothing at all to do with Bali. However, the keris scene in Bali is changing, as far as I can see the change is being driven by the market, the better Balinese makers are going to Central Jawa and Madura for instruction, present day Balinese style no longer necessarily reflects Balinese style of 100years ago. This is a present day keris. Is it representative of traditional Balinese style? No, in my opinion not in even the slightest degree. Is it artistic? Yes, highly so. Is it representative of the present day Balinese approach to keris production? Yes, it is.