20th Century Solonese Keris

[BluErf]

Originally Posted by ganjawulung

But Raden,
Yes, they are machinal. But in a certain way, keris world now is far behind the development of damascus steel world. At least in commercialization of the new product. This world of keris is still looking back and admiring at the past all the time. Yes, of course "describing the past, inscribing the future", like the thesis of Dr Nancy Florida (specialised in Javanese litterature of Ranga sasmita -- not Ranggawarsito -- on Babad Jaka Tingkir). But actually, we must not forget to look forward, the future...

Ganjawulung

Hmmm... no doubt machine-made damascus patterns can be very fine and fancy (I've seen a piece that depicted santa claus on his rein-deern sleigh!), The "spiritual" and "human" connection is gone. Almost like instead of having Monet paint a picture, we get a computer to generate the image and print it. Feeling's not quite the same. The accomplishment "by hand" of the keris-maker is no longer there.

I think keris-making can advance, through innovation in pamor, dapur and in the keris sheaths and hilts. Tools used can be modern, but the process should be guided directly by the human hand and spirit, rather than an algorithm keyed into a machine that produces the item.

Well, maybe I'm just old-fashioned.

[ganjawulung]

Alam Shah,

Thanks a lot, for the positive suggestion. Of course, I will bear it in my mind your positive comments. And also, the "spiritual and human" vision of BluErf.. That's good for the development of this keris world..

[Raden Usman Djogja]

Gonjo,

That is a weakness of traditional-keris-smith facing with modern system. however, if snki, stsi or local government know and realize about it, who knows one of them will do something benefitting to all.

According to shape/dhapur "SEPANG LUK", I would like to inform you that I have one keris: tangguh/period expected:: MAJAPAHIT and shape/dhapur: SEPANG URUBING DAMAR (there are 3 luks on the top of blade). So, sepang with luks is no new. The new one is, perhaps, sepang with 7 luks. Then, Sukamdi creation is still able to be patented. Fortunately, I bring it (Sepang Urubing Damar) to Africa where I live now. Therefore, if any kerislover wants to have a look, perhaps, I could take and share a picture of it.

Usmen

[ganjawulung]

Originally Posted by Raden Usman Djogja

Therefore, if any kerislover wants to have a look, perhaps, I could take and share a picture of it.

Please Raden,

I want to look at your "sepang urubing damar".. Every sepang has its own beauty. One of the "everybody likes" dhapurs..

[David]

Wow! This conversation is great! This is important stuff to consider for the continuence of the keris art. I would love to encourage more talk on these matters.
Maybe it is just the anarchist in me, but i do have a bit of a problem seeing any kind of artform patented. I think it is up to the buyer to be able to determine if they are buying real and quality items and putting a patent on a keris dhapur in no way insured that it won't be copied anyway. Just look at all the fake Guccis in the fashion world.
Keris makers today are certainly creating new keris with old dhapurs, dhapurs that were never "patented".

[ganjawulung]

Originally Posted by David

... I think it is up to the buyer to be able to determine if they are buying real and quality items and putting a patent on a keris dhapur in no way insured that it won't be copied anyway. Just look at all the fake Guccis in the fashion world.
Keris makers today are certainly creating new keris with old dhapurs, dhapurs that were never "patented".

You are right David,

Keris makers (not only today) they are making new keris with old dhapurs. But every keris maker has their own style. Empu Jaka Supo's style of making sengkelat dhapur, for instance, is different with Pangeran Sendang Sedayu although they were from the same era (Majapahit). Or Ki Guling's style with Ki Nom in the Mataram era. Can people patent the style of making the same dhapur?

And in many aspects, keris making is a collective art. Almost no single keris maker can claim that he is the owner of the copyright. In the process of keris making, there is pande and panjak (helpers), the empu. And the sheath? The hilts? The mendak (rings) and pendok? All are specialized.

Maybe this is not a correct analogy: even autocar today cannot claim by a single company. Almost all the parts come from specialized company. I think
it's too complicated to think about patent on keris..

[Raden Usman Djogja]

Gonjo,

Give me time till monday or tuesday to post urubing damar pictures. I do this reply at home. To upload is easier from my pc in the office.

As I know, there are thousand patents inside a single car. Perhaps, even with identical-end Keris shape/dhapur but using different process, the keris smith is able to patent it. He has a right to patent his specific process while "the shape/dhapur" belongs to somebody else (even anonym).

I think for Empus, recognition is very important (first priority) and money follows behind (second, tenth or last priority). The problem is, Empus hesitate to champaign for himself. To patent is a part of selfcampaign. What Empus want is people recognizing Empu automatically. Unfortunately, modern system doesnt provide their preference. Now, they live not in Majapahit era. Some approaches must be changed by themselves or by people who care them.

By having open recognition, the Kerissmith/Empu innovation will grow day by day. It does not matter if after that, business as usual in Indonesia, so many unresponsible men recopy it without any permission.

If I am not mistaken, by receiving a certain award from UN bodies, such as intagible heritage for Keris by Unesco, there will be a certain nasional body (either governmental body, NGO or community group) supported/funded by UN bodies (Unesco). Which Indonesian Body has received that fund? I think it is interesting to propose (to the Indonesian Body which receiving Unesco Fund) to patent one of your collection on behalf of its creator (Sukamdi).

It is just my idea. Forget it soon if unrealistic.

Usmen