Unusual planar keris handles

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

If you look carefully at the planes on the hilt I posted, you will see that these planes are not flat planes at all, but curved. This curved effect is called "kruwingan", because it has already been done the planes are now "dikruwing". Strictly speaking this word should only be used to describe this type of work in metal, for instance, in a keris the gulo milir is kruwingan work, but it is acceptable to use it to describe the same type of work in other mediums.

Regarding age of the hilts. I think you mean Mataram era?

Frankly I have no idea at all how old they are. Bearing in mind how quickly materials deteriorate in Jawa they could be 19th century if they left Jawa within the last 50 years or so.

The Mataram era is a pretty elastic description since the House of Mataram is still in power in both Solo and Jogja.

Hello Alan,

thank you for explanation.

And yes, I have meant "era"!

Regards,

Detlef

[Jean]

I already showed this one I think but it is one of my favourites
Regards

[David]

Oh Jean, i do so love this hilt. Thanks for showing it again. I think that even though this has clearly been carved out a a planar mold, so much figural carving has been done that we cannot call it a planar hilt anymore. It defies the very definition of planar. Still awfully beautiful though...

[Jean]

Thanks David and yes, the planes on the front side have disappeared!

[Sajen]

Have received these pictures from a friends hilt.