Keris Handle / Hilts Appreciation

rasjid · 4th May 2011, 04:56 PM

[ So --- are we now going to consider all the possible factors that can apply to a Central Javanese planar hilt? ]

I don't know Alan, previous post already discuss the hilt's material.

Alan, my last post about the additional point (weight distribution at hand on keris) which I personally thought should be consider when you attach your choosen hilt.

As Detlef and David mention in earlier post, there are other factors to be considered when you mix n match Javanese hilt with the keris. I agree, is there anymore points to add according to the standard of a knowledgeable keris collectors?

thanks
rasjid

A. G. Maisey · 4th May 2011, 11:49 PM

Rasjid, I'm not too strong on what "knowledgeable collectors" consider to be correct. I do not consider myself a collector --- although I once was --- and I do not necessarily accept that which is accepted as knowledge by the bulk of collector groups.

What I have noted amongst the people I know in Solo is that when a hilt is mated to a keris, the major considerations are all directed at achieving a harmonious visual presentation when the keris is worn.

The totality of the ensemble is considered when mating it to the person who is to wear it.

I would guess that weight distribution and point of balance could be a consideration for a dancer, or perhaps a silat practitioner, but in my experience it is not considered when preparing a keris for wear, nor for display, and those two matters are the principal ones considered in modern Jawa.

rasjid · 5th May 2011, 04:53 AM

Thank you Alan for the insight regarding your last post.
May be due to my other hobby that I have a few knives that I bought and make as well than this habit carry forward to my keris collecting that I like to handle a keris which also has a good balance at hand.

regards,
rasjid

4th May 2011, 04:56 PM	#1
rasjid Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Jakarta - Indonesia Posts: 114	[ So --- are we now going to consider all the possible factors that can apply to a Central Javanese planar hilt? ] I don't know Alan, previous post already discuss the hilt's material. Alan, my last post about the additional point (weight distribution at hand on keris) which I personally thought should be consider when you attach your choosen hilt. As Detlef and David mention in earlier post, there are other factors to be considered when you mix n match Javanese hilt with the keris. I agree, is there anymore points to add according to the standard of a knowledgeable keris collectors? thanks rasjid

4th May 2011, 11:49 PM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,048	Rasjid, I'm not too strong on what "knowledgeable collectors" consider to be correct. I do not consider myself a collector --- although I once was --- and I do not necessarily accept that which is accepted as knowledge by the bulk of collector groups. What I have noted amongst the people I know in Solo is that when a hilt is mated to a keris, the major considerations are all directed at achieving a harmonious visual presentation when the keris is worn. The totality of the ensemble is considered when mating it to the person who is to wear it. I would guess that weight distribution and point of balance could be a consideration for a dancer, or perhaps a silat practitioner, but in my experience it is not considered when preparing a keris for wear, nor for display, and those two matters are the principal ones considered in modern Jawa.

5th May 2011, 04:53 AM	#3
rasjid Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Jakarta - Indonesia Posts: 114	Thank you Alan for the insight regarding your last post. May be due to my other hobby that I have a few knives that I bought and make as well than this habit carry forward to my keris collecting that I like to handle a keris which also has a good balance at hand. regards, rasjid