Modern keris bethok

A. G. Maisey · 29th July 2023, 11:35 PM

I have not previously commented because I cannot see anything to comment on.

It is a current era keris, the craftsmanship appears to be middle of the road, ie, neither good nor poor, the form is moderately unusual, but this is a pretty common characteristic of current era keris, it has a random pamor that was probably too thin to begin with --- or maybe the slorok was too thick --- & was unable to support the carver's needs. The curve where the blumbangan meets the kruwingan appears to be very clumsy, but this could just as easily be because of the way the light falls.

The wrongko is poorly carved, I cannot comment on the hilt because I cannot see enough of it.

I cannot see anything in this keris that would make it weird or unusual for a current era keris of this quality. I rather like the elongated gandhik with its Sunda style curve, the gonjo appears to be neatly fitted, I do not like the failure to manage the ada-ada in a more harmonious way, but any minor criticisms that might be able to be made of this keris are not justifiable:- it is what it is, and it does not pretend to be a major work of art.

Jean · 30th July 2023, 09:31 AM

Alan,
Very accurate and detailed comment, thank you!

Rick · 27th August 2023, 04:15 AM

It took a bit of time to find my example.
Worth the wait imo.

milandro · 27th August 2023, 07:43 AM

I Like it, stylish and simple

JustYS · 27th August 2023, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

It took a bit of time to find my example.
Worth the wait imo.

Definitely worth the wait I love it.

Similar of yours made by Pak Sukamdi (from Keris Jawa book)

Gustav · 27th August 2023, 10:44 AM

Well, it's time to add two of my favorite pictures.

milandro · 27th August 2023, 10:47 AM

well, forging of blades it is a flourishing industry in the Indonesian archipelago and there is no shortage of modern blades.

Personally I find the bethok forms very elegant.

I wanted to have one and when it was offered to me from my German correspondent on Bali I took it.

Gustav · 27th August 2023, 11:10 AM

Most of the lately posted here actually are Jalak Budho.

At least some if not most of blades in my pics will end as "river findings".

Regarding the Keris of Milandro, I would like to add, strangeness of the impression is greatly created by the shape of Gandhik, inspired by the long and thin "false Gandhik" which on Dhapur Sineba blades are found on backside. I constantly find myself thinking I'm looking on a reversed picture of a Keris Dhapur Sineba, but where the normaly Gandhik should be there suddenly is Wadidang and Buntut. A mind twisting experience.

Jean · 28th August 2023, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gustav

Well, it's time to add two of my favorite pictures.

Thank you Gustav, impressive!

27th August 2023, 04:15 AM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	It took a bit of time to find my example. Worth the wait imo. Attached Images

27th August 2023, 10:44 AM	#6
Gustav Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,280	Well, it's time to add two of my favorite pictures. Attached Images

29th July 2023, 11:35 PM	#1
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,015	I have not previously commented because I cannot see anything to comment on. It is a current era keris, the craftsmanship appears to be middle of the road, ie, neither good nor poor, the form is moderately unusual, but this is a pretty common characteristic of current era keris, it has a random pamor that was probably too thin to begin with --- or maybe the slorok was too thick --- & was unable to support the carver's needs. The curve where the blumbangan meets the kruwingan appears to be very clumsy, but this could just as easily be because of the way the light falls. The wrongko is poorly carved, I cannot comment on the hilt because I cannot see enough of it. I cannot see anything in this keris that would make it weird or unusual for a current era keris of this quality. I rather like the elongated gandhik with its Sunda style curve, the gonjo appears to be neatly fitted, I do not like the failure to manage the ada-ada in a more harmonious way, but any minor criticisms that might be able to be made of this keris are not justifiable:- it is what it is, and it does not pretend to be a major work of art.

30th July 2023, 09:31 AM	#2
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	Alan, Very accurate and detailed comment, thank you!

27th August 2023, 07:43 AM	#4
milandro Member Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Netherlands Posts: 492	I Like it, stylish and simple

27th August 2023, 10:47 AM	#7
milandro Member Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Netherlands Posts: 492	well, forging of blades it is a flourishing industry in the Indonesian archipelago and there is no shortage of modern blades. Personally I find the bethok forms very elegant. I wanted to have one and when it was offered to me from my German correspondent on Bali I took it.

27th August 2023, 11:10 AM	#8
Gustav Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,280	Most of the lately posted here actually are Jalak Budho. At least some if not most of blades in my pics will end as "river findings". Regarding the Keris of Milandro, I would like to add, strangeness of the impression is greatly created by the shape of Gandhik, inspired by the long and thin "false Gandhik" which on Dhapur Sineba blades are found on backside. I constantly find myself thinking I'm looking on a reversed picture of a Keris Dhapur Sineba, but where the normaly Gandhik should be there suddenly is Wadidang and Buntut. A mind twisting experience.