A foundation for examining the quality of a keris blade

[ganjawulung]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Then there are the differences in standards between people with a keris interest in the western world, and people with an interest in keris in Jawa. Generally speaking, the western world collectors much prefer keris with high visual impact. Generally speaking, the collectors in Jawa much prefer keris with high prestige impact.The difference in the societies dictates what is favoured in those societies. What is desireable in Jawa, may not be particularly desireable in Sydney, or New York. And vice versa.

Dear Alan,
It would be better if you specify, which Jawa do people much prefer keris with high prestige impact. In Surakarta, yes, you are exactly right. But not in Yogyakarta -- which lies only 64 km distance, but the people have a very different taste with Surakarta. Yogyakarta people much prefer the originality, and the simplicity. And event don't wnat to touch the "gebyar keris" of Solo or Surakarta style... You will feel that atmosphere in Yogyakarta.

Surakarta's taste, is more "gebyar" (glamour, glitter) but Yogyakarta's taste is very simple. Yogya is extremely different, though so close...

Ganjawulung

[cahaya]

Originally Posted by ganjawulung

Dear Alan,
....
Surakarta's taste, is more "gebyar" (glamour, glitter) but Yogyakarta's taste is very simple. Yogya is extremely different, though so close...

Ganjawulung

you right Gonjo....., i like yogyakarta style is very simple

[A. G. Maisey]

Prestige can come from many things, but it has one common characteristic:- it raises ones profile in the target community.

If one were to buy a Ferrari and use it to go to the supermarket, one has a prestige object and is using it gain prestige.

On the other hand, if one were to deny oneself of worldly possessions and comfort, and work tirelessly for the betterment of humanity, one is also placing oneself in a situation where one gains prestige.

The concept of "prestige" in a keris does not necessarily rest in a gold selut studded with diamonds. It can equally rest in a keris that is believed to possess extreme spiritual presence. It can even rest in the rumour of possession of a particular keris.

It is unnecessary to define "which Jawa". The social mores are universal, only their expression differs, and that difference is in superficialities.