Shadow Keris

[Alam Shah]

Originally Posted by BluErf

Great shot! And about time someone writes something more, even if it is a coffee-table book, about Malay kerises.

I'm in progress of writing.. still in the early stages but do need assistance and more inputs.. anyone who is willing to contribute can contact me at my email address..

[tunggulametung]

Outstanding piece!

On the positive side about the age (assuming it is not an antique, yet, whatever), it is good too see that such level of crafmentship is still available from contemporary artists.

@ Alam, as I nowhere understand keris Melayu I might not be able to contribute on the material side but let see if I can list some 'expected points' from the view of somebody who wish to learn, I will surely be in touch. I wish the writing progressing well.

[Gustav]

I probably wouldn't call this Keris contemporary (if contemporary means the last 20 or 30 years). I am very curios if David could tell us something more about it.

[Sajen]

David, congratulations to this keris, equal if contemporary or old, just beautiful!

[David]

Not sure what more i can tell anyone Gustav. I pretty much lucked into this keris shooting a collection of weapons that someone in my area was trying to get rid off. JHe needed images for internet sales. He had a number of keris and i got some in exchange for the work and also bought others at some good prices. I have many more Java/Bali keris in my collection so the Malay pieces are more a mystery to me, but i do know quality when i see it.
As for age i wouldn't call this contemporary either, though i also would question if it is 100 years old. So i might call it "old", but not yet antique. It shows some age,patina and slight pitting and the I have always thought that pre-WW2 was a good assessment, but i might be wrong.

[BluErf]

I agree that this keris is not contemporary. The smiths in Malaysia has lost the ability to produce anything even close to this now. It's a beautiful keris, and age is one thing we cannot fault it on; it will age nicely.

[Alam Shah]

Originally Posted by BluErf

I agree that this keris is not contemporary. The smiths in Malaysia has lost the ability to produce anything even close to this now. It's a beautiful keris, and age is one thing we cannot fault it on; it will age nicely.

Prior to contrary belief, it is not true Kai Wee. Through WW2 smiths in Pattani did continue keris production in remote regions, although in smaller scale.. slowed down during WW2 but increased production since.. info from various sources.