Keris with wahyu tumurun (divine inspiration) pamor
Full Description:
An attractive keris from 19th century Surakarta, Java, Indonesia. The blade has pamor (blade pattern) wahyu tumurun, a complex meandering pattern of light grey lines on a darker grey background. The scabbard has a large wrangka (boat shaped throat piece) and the pendok (lower part of the scabbard) in silver, chased with floral patterns. The hilt in classical form. The mendak (the ring between the hilt and blade) of silver construction.
Often the original intention that the keris has magical and spiritual qualities is ignored, and the keris just considered an object or a weapon. In honour of the traditions of the keris and the empu (talented smiths) who made them, I would like to note what each pamor represents. Here pamor wahyu tumurun brings Gods inspiration and therefore makes owner feel secure and able.
Provenance
Dutch collection
Polak Works of Art, Amsterdam
Philip Hartmann, Amsterdam