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