If we are meeting for the first time, my name is Khairi Johari, better known as Pak JoFe, The Keris Collector from Singapore, your personal guide to the exciting world of the keris and its collecting culture.
If you are a fan of history, art, and mythology, embodied into these traditional daggers, that we natives of the Malay World refer to as the keris, be sure to subscribe and join our community right here on The Keris Collector YouTube Channel.
Our
debut video series on the hobby of keris collecting. Produced and hosted by the
founder of The Keris Collector himself, Khairi Johari @ Pak JoFe.
In this
video, The Keris Collector shares ten essential tips on how to be a better
keris collector. These are useful pointers for novices and beginners in this
hobby.
Leave a
comment for suggestions on potential topics that may be produced for future
videos. We look forward to your suggestions.
“I can’t remove the hilt. It is stuck. It appears to have been glued. Please help.”
– Commonly asked questions from new collectors.
To those of you whom encounter this, fret not. Most importantly, remain calm and do not apply unnecessary force in attempting to remove the hilt.
WHY IS THE HILT STUCK?
There are a number of possible reasons as to why the hilt may appear to be immovable.
The hilt has not been removed for a long time, hence reaction with moisture and humidity resulted in a build up of rust and sediments which may have oragnically fused the hilt to the keris tang over time.
The hilt has been sealed with glue, gum, natural resin or even modern epoxy to secure the hilt in a permanent fashion.
A previous restoration work may have been done to the piece which resulted in the previous owner deciding that the hilt should not be removed ever again.
Traditionally a keris is believed to be “retired” from active use by having the hilt permanently fixed in the wrong handling position. A possible symbolic representation that the keris has now been laid to rest and functions as a symbol of peace.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
There are various methods to apply to remove a stuck hilt, however we will recommend our preferred method of loosening or removing a stuck hilt.
We apply the use of a humble hair dryer. A modern appliance commonly available in most modern homes today.
This method works most of the time however, there may be instances whereby the hilt has been permanently secured using modern steel epoxy. If this is the case, we do not recommend removing the hilt as this may result in damaging the hilt or keris tang (pesi/puting) permanently.
HOW TO DO IT?
Watch the video below on how to do this. It is self explanatory.
https://vimeo.com/297458497
You apply heat directly to the base of the keris blade. The heat will spread to the tang and eventually will help to expand and loosen the adhesive.
Next is to apply gentle pressure by jiggling and wiggling the hilt in a left right direction to loosen the grip of the adhesive.
With some patience and repeated application of heat, the hilt will dislodge.
A note of caution though, do not apply too much pressure or you will risk breaking the hilt or worse the tang (pesi/puting) of the keris.
PRECAUTIONS
Some safety common sense to take note of:
The blade is sharp, apply common sense when handling the blade. Keep your work area clear of unnecessary distractions and people.
The blade will be hot, protect your hands with gloves or some other non-conducting insulative material.
Keep flamable objects away from the work area.
Have a first aid kit ready in the event of an accident.
CONCLUSION
Hope this quick guide is useful. Please feel free to contact us if you have further queries. We will try our best to respond in a timely manner.
[contact-form-7 id=”713″ title=”Contact The Keris Collector”]
How do you classify a keris or a pusaka in accordance to its age? New – Old – Vintage – Antique – Ancient?
Whilst this may be a touchy subject to many, I feel it is best to address this subject with the standards accepted internationally in the arts and curios market.
FORMAL DEFINITION
ANTIQUE
According to Merriam Webster, an antique is defined as “a relic or object of ancient times” or “a work of art, piece of furniture, or decorative object made at an earlier period and according to various customs laws at least 100 years ago.”
COLLECTIBLE (OLD)
A collectible is defined as “An object desired for its intrinsic, sentimental, artistry value, less than a hundred years old, often distinguished from antiques”.
Any object; verified at being at least 50 years of age but not reaching 100 years or more; desired for its artistry, function, or the likes, is deemed to be as an old collectible.
VINTAGE
If antiques are things that are 100 years old or older, what are vintage pieces?
According to Merriam Webster, the term “vintage” was originally applied to bottles of wine. This term was then poached and used as a general term in defining collectible objects.
As a general guide, the term ‘vintage’ should not be used in reference to objects less than 25 years old.
ACCEPTED DEFINITION BY INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
Most authorities define ‘antique’; to be an item or any piece of furniture or decorative object or the likes, produced in a former period and valuable because of its beauty or rarity; whose age is dated with clear evidence of at least at 100 years of age of more, and is collected or desired for its rarity, condition, utility, or some other unique features.
If an item is not definitively datable to 100 or more years in age, it should not be directly referred to as an antique.
CONCLUSION
To conclude, when it comes to my definition and acceptance of specific categorisation, in brief, I accept the following categorisation as an acceptable and safe reference.
Antique:
Must be at proven and verified to be at least as being at minimum 100 years or more.
Old:
Must be at proven and verified to be at least as being at minimum 50 years or less but not lesser than 25 years of age.
Vintage:
Must be at proven and verified to be at least as being at minimum 25 years but not more than 50 years of age.
New:
Must be proven and verified to be less than 25 years of age.
This is my personal gauge. Due dilligence is critical before finalising any purchases and it is always important to be well informed so as to add value to yourself and your collection.
But bottom line, if you like what you see and you can afford the offered price, and you feel it worth it, disregard all these factors mentioned above and just buy it.
Regards,
Khairi Johari @ Pak JoFe
The Keris Collector
21 Jan 2018
Recently, a collector messaged me an enquiry as follows:
THE QUESTION
“How does a malay or minangkabau kris naga look like? Can you send me some pictures?”
MY THOUGHTS
I find this an interesting question and I would like to share my thoughts with all of you.
While I do not own any specimens of Dragon Motif blades aside from my first Javanese “kodian” specimen, I feel as a general guide, one must have a firm understanding of identification and categorisation of keris blades.
Subtle and sometimes obvious difference in stylised forms, unique to specific geographical region within Nusantara, plays a pivotal part in identification of a blade – to determine its estimated origins and probable maker (smith, empu, panre, pandai besi, etc)
Additional design elements or traits, such as “dragonesque” features are next to secondary.
A Malay blade can never be a Javanese blade, likewise a Javanese blade can never be a Malay blade, such is with Bugis blades too. The Malay Blades Diaspora too are sub divided into various plethora of Malay Regions – Peninsular Malay, Riau Malay, Sumatra Pagar Ruyong Malay, Palembang Malay, Minang Malay, Banjar Malay, and many more.
MY CONCLUSION
It always goes back to primary basics – The Blade. Hence having a firm footing in the understanding of this aspect, serves as a reflection of one’s understanding of this hobby.
To those new on this subject, this is a great opportunity to have the right understanding of keris fundamentals.
Look out for my basic introductory class coming soon. ?
Regards,
Khairi Johari @ Pak JoFe
The Keris Collector
20 Jan 2018
Many wrote to me in the past few weeks inquiring on acquisition of kerises and perceived “standard” pricing of kerises. So here are my thoughts and opinion on these questions.
Keris itself is intangible. It is only of value, if there are people who appreciates it. Without appreciation, the keris loses its perceived value and will just become another trinket of history.
Value is decided by those who appreciates it. Artistry, rarity and prominence of known makers, adds to the demand for steep prices or low prices due to ignorance, or the need for a quick buck so to speak. There is no right or wrong perception when it comes to collecting.
You collect what you like and you pay what you can afford. The keris after all is akin to owning a Rolex watch. You select what speaks to you and feel good when worn and you pay in accordance to the budget available to you on hand. Pricing, fluctuates on demand most of the time.
For newly commissioned pieces, prominence of the maker (Empu, Pandai Keris, Panre, etc.) plays a part too. Choice of materials as well. Traditional makers takes pride, joy and effort in fashioning a quality piece. It can be an effort that takes up many Man-Days. Hence, it is illogical to demand extremely low prices for a quality commissioned piece.
For me, below is my principle in buying kerises or any other objects of beauty for that matter.
JUST S.L.A.B. IT
When it comes to acquiring kerises, this is my buying guide. (S.L.A.B.)
1. SEE
2. LIKE
3. AFFORD
4. BUY
I do not negotiate or bargain down prices set by the seller. That is basic courtesy in buying. Bargaining price down is akin to insulting the seller.
Also it is improper to be asking around on what a price should be like for kerises. It is entirely the decision of the seller.
PITFALLS
Common Pitfalls To Avoid:
1. DO NOT BUY STORY.
Eg. This piece comes from royal family, from other realm, made by prominent empu, etc.
2. DO NOT BUY ON IMPULSE
Unless you have the experience and knows a quality piece at one glance.
3. DO NOT NEGOTIATE
Unless you know the seller personally, this is just impolite. If you can afford it, pay it, if you feel it’s too steep, let it rest and give the matter more time to consider. Else you risk being excluded from being exposed to fantastic pieces held in reserve by the seller.
4. DO NOT GO AROUND QUESTIONING YOUR PURCHASES.
Once you have bought something, live with it. The more you ask around if your purchases are worthwhile, most times you will not be hearing what you want to hear. So might as well be happy with what you bought. Even if paid at a price or cost, the learning pointers will make you a wiser Collector in the Long run.
IF IT IS MEANT TO BE, IT WILL BE
From my experience, a keris Collection, is in essence a reflection of the collector’s self. Your vibe attracts your tribe so to speak. That itself will make your collection unique and personal in the long run. Hence, be true to yourself and enjoy what you collect. Never succumb to external pressures. Look inwards, only then will good things meant for you will surface.
These are my thoughts on this cold Long ride to the office. If additional notes pops in my head, I will update this article.
Want to know more about pricing methodology and pedagogy? Sign up for my classes. ?
Many wrote to me today enquiring on the requirements of any license or permits to own, deal, import – the keris etc. As such I am compelled to create an updated slide info for such queries.
I wrote a quick guide many years ago sometime in 2013 (I believe that copy is still floating around online somewhere).
Let us all usher in the new year of 2018 with an updated and simplified version. Please refer to the images below. Freshly done up by me in the wee hours of 31 Dec 2017. Hope this information is helpful. Cheers.
*** This guide is for collectors residing in Singapore, for this is where I am from. For collectors residing elsewhere. I encourage you to gather details from your respective customs office
*** Import restrictions on keris Hilts (Hulu) and Scabbard (Sarong) made from Elephant Ivory into Singapore.
It is a momentous milestone for The Keris Collector today. Years of collecting, public outreach programmes and sacrifices made at personal cost and expense, finally is rewarded in the form of a news feature article and video courtesy of Channel News Asia.
It is an honour that my passions and contributions is deemed news worthy by the awesome folks at Channel News Asia. Thank you for the opportunity to share my experience, contributions and exposure.
Check out the article written by ChannelNewsAsia’s Digital News Editorial, Mayo Martin in the link below:
This truly brings 2017 to a memorable close. Look out for more exciting events and activities coming up in 2018. I look forward to grooming the next generation of dedicated and committed collectors of the future. Preserve Through Discovery!!!
Prolific writer, Hidayah Amin once again, inspires her loyal fans and readers with her latest publication. “Bahasa: A Guide To Malay Languages”. As a proud fan and supporter of Hidayah Amin’s published works, The Keris Collector, didn’t miss out on the opportunity to be one of the first few to grab hold of a copy hot off the printing press so to speak.
It was a choice well made to head on down to the Lee Chong Kian Reference Library located near Bugis Junction, for the launch which was being held at the Pod, on the 16th floor of this grand library.
Looking at the past publications which were also on sale, I was silently proud that as of that day, I owned each and every title ever published by Hidayah Amin. The genre of books published by Hidayah Amin’s flagship publishing house, Helang Books, is definitely worthy of applause and standing ovation. Her books fills the gaps in areas where academics are not writing such materials for the general public. Tongue in cheek titles, inspired from somewhat thought provoking headlines and experience makes the titles much easier to remember. Truly an honor to dedicate an entire shelf of my private library specifically for publications from Helang Books.
Opening Speech And Moderated Panel Forum
The official launch itself was praise worthy. Opening speeches by acclaimed author, Hidayah Amin, followed by distinguished guest, Prof Emeritus Abdullah Hassan, who had high praises for this latest publication and also shared some of his thoughts and additional insight to Malay languages. The various plethora and diaspora of the Malay Languages itself leaves any unenlightened audience, with a deeper sense of appreciation of Malay Languages. An intangible lingual identity, at risk of extinction once it is no longer practiced by the generations of today and the future.
Prof Emeritus Abdullah Hassan shares his views and comments.
An interesting focus of the launch was the moderated group forum by fellow subject matter or rather lingual expert contributors whom provided reference and source material to the author. All of whom were dressed in their chosen traditional attire which best represents the respective ethnic Malay branch they came from, eg. Bugis, Javanese, Boyan, Minang, Banjar, etc.
Contributors for Hidayah Amin’s latest book.
This forum added a unique touch of color and vibrancy to this multi-lingual ensemble of distinguished panelists. All of whom shared various insights to specific areas of their language proficiency. Banjar, Bawean, Buginese, Javanese, Malay, Minangkabau, Slitar and Tagalog are not dialects as per commonly misunderstood, they are languages on their own from various communal groups as mentioned which eventually made up the maritime Malay populace from Nusantara (Malay Archipelago).
The Keris Collector with Tuah Bugis (Sarafian Salleh), intrepid historian and expert on Bugis Culture and nomenclature. A very good friend of mine. A proud moment knowing he is one of the leading contributors in Hidayah Amin’s latest publication.
Entertainment, Reception & Refreshments
Closing performance number by Nuradee brothers added a nice flair to conclude the launch followed by a sumptuous buffet of traditional Malay kuehs, sweets and delicacies with coffee and tea complimenting one’s appetite.
Traditional kuehs from various Malay ethnic groups,
About the Book
‘Bahasa: A Guide to Malay Languages’ explains common Malay words and their equivalent meanings in eight Nusantara languages of the
Got myself two copies both of which were personally autographed by esteemed author, Hidayah Amin.
Malay Archipelago: Banjar, Bawean, Buginese, Javanese, Malay, Minangkabau, Slitar and Tagalog. Personal anecdotes by the author and charming illustrations frame a brief history of the Malay peoples, offering a unique lesson in the anthropology and experience of these eight ethnic groups. As the presence of these languages in everyday conversations gradually diminishes, it is hoped that this book may revive interest in these languages and preserve knowledge for the benefit of generations to come.
This guide is accessible to and may be enjoyed by readers of all ethnicities. Immerse yourself in the kaleidoscopic diversity of these Malay languages. May this book serve as a delightful introduction to the scintillating spirit of the different Malay ethnic groups, embodied in their mother tongues. What new words will you learn today?
On this blessed day, 1st September 2017 (10 Zulhijjah 1438H), The Keris Collector would like to take the opportunity to wish all Muslims, a blessed Ei’dul Adha. May your sincere ibadah of Hajj and Qurban be blessed and accepted by Allah SWT.
Ei’dul Adha In A Nutshell
Eid al-Adha (Arabic: عيد الأضحى, translit. ʿīd al-aḍḥā, lit. ‘Feast of the Sacrifice’, [ʕiːd ælˈʔɑdˤħæː]), also called the “Sacrifice Feast”, is the second of two Muslim holidays celebrated worldwide each year, and considered the holier of the two. It honors the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismaeel, as an act of obedience to God’s command. Before he sacrificed his son God intervened by sending his angel Jibra’il (Gabriel), who then put a ram in his son’s place. In commemoration of this, an animal is sacrificed and divided into three parts: one third of the share is given to the poor and needy; another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbors; and the remaining third is retained by the family.
