JagadKejawen

 

 

 

 

In the old days, every Javanese man especially the nobility and the court employees wore a complete set of traditional dress including a kris in his waist, in his daily duty. Every court official and member of court family must have at least 2-two daggers, one is for daily duty, the other is worn on special occasions or court ceremonies. Obviously, the second kris is the finer quality.

In the ancient time, a kris is used as the weapon during war or man- to- man battle. Nowadays it is worn as a fine accessory for men.  Kris is highly valued, treated with special care. The traditional people respect  the kris as valuable heirloom and product of art. A  kris is considered of good quality  if it has a perfect physical appearance and also has a good spiritual value.


A Perfect Man

According to old Javanese custom, a man is considered as a perfect man( sampurno in Javanese language) if he has five things ,namely : a house, a wife, a bird, a horse and a kris.  The concise  explanation is as follow :

1. House ( Wismo in Javanese language). A man who owns a house, he must have a good income and a proper life.
2. Wife  ( Wanito in Javanese language). A married man (and of course a married woman) must  have chosen a correct and responsible way of life.
3. Bird ( Kukilo in Javanese language). The philosophical explanation is as follow: A bird  has a good melodious voice like music. Listening to tender music, man will feel relief and happy. An adult, a father of a family should speak with tender voice to give a feeling of calm and happiness within the family.
4. Horse ( Turonggo in Javanese language). A horse was a practical means of transport in the old days. It can be used to draw a cart or a man can ride a horse to go anywhere. In this context, a man should have a vehicle to control his conducts in order to gain an orderly life.
5. Kris ( Keris or Curigo in Javanese language). This traditional dagger, kris depicts a sharp thinking. It is very important to have a brilliant brain with a broad mind.

It was the order in the old days. Nowadays, some people put the kris as the first order. They say that brilliant brain, intelligence is the most important thing.


The Scabbard and The Blade.

 

 

 

In general, a kris has two important parts, namely the scabbard( warongko in Javanese language) and the blade ( wilah in Javanese language).

The scabbard/  warongko is the outfit of kris to protect the blade. Since the old days, there are two forms  of scabbard i.e. Branggah or Ladrang and Gayaman.

Branggah is worn in formal  occasion, whereas Gayaman is worn daily.

There are two  popular styles of scabbard i.e. Jogjanese style and  Surakarta style.

A good quality kris must also have a perfect appearance. The outside part of a kris consist of  (from upper part to bottom) : Ukiran ( handle); Mendhak ( ring); Warongko( wooden scabbard) and Pendhok ( wrapper of the wooden scabbard  made from carved metal). In order to have a fascinating form of kris outfit, a work of an expert artist is needed.

A high quality kris blade can only be made by an Empu, expert of kris maker, a Maestro of Kris.

A high valued kris needs also first class materials consist of first-rate iron, nickel and steel. Sometimes meteorites containing titanium is used to produce beautiful decorative patterns ( Pamor in Javanese language) on the surface of the blade.


The Art of Forging

The blade of a kris is manufactured in the forge of a dagger maestro with the clinking sound of repeated hammering of blend of iron, nickel and steel where burning red metal scattered over.

At besalen (a workshop for kris forging in Javanese language), there is a fire plate to case the raw materials consist of 5 kg iron plates measuring around 4 cm width, 2 cm thick, 15 cm length; 50 grams of nickel and 0.5 kg of steel. The three components are blended by burning and hammering. The iron is heated, it forged again and again. The nickel inserted in between the forged iron, smoldered and lengthened to a certain size and folded into two. This process is repeated again and again to reach the number of folds desired, depend to the pattern , the form of kris. The forging must be done carefully to produce the desired Pamor/ decorative design on the surface of the kris.

Afterwards, a steel sheet together with the wrought iron and nickel smoldered and forged again to strengthen the dagger. The blade is formed to the desired shape , it can be made a straight kris (Keris Lurus in Javanese) or  Kris with curves ( Keris Luk in Javanese). Thus the kris is formed in accordance to the blue print, using several tools such as rough fine, triangular files, grindstone and chisels. In order to have more beautiful pamor/decorative design on the surface of kris,(except nickel) some additional meteorites are required.

Blending metals in layers and forging is the applied technique to produce a thin and small tougher blade.

At the finishing stage, the kris is given a Sepuh treatment i.e it is heated but not smoldered and then be plated to make it more durable  and superb. The kris is then be immersed in coconut oil or in a mix solution of sulfur, lemon juice and salt. The kris is ready and its weight is about 0.4 kg.

Nowadays, to make a high quality classical kris, one will need 100 kg of teak charcoal, it will take at least 40 days or even more for complicated type of kris.  The kris maker/ Empu is helped by 2 assistants for the forging.


The Role of Empu of Kris

In the ancient period an Empu of Kris was highly honored by the traditional society. Every court palace had its own Empu or Empus. The Empus made krises by the order of the kings, the court families and dignitaries. Of course , there were empus who received orders from lesser court employees, warriors, teachers, artists, farmers, traders and individual with various kind of occupation.

In the old days, every man only keep kris or krises which were specially made for him  by Empu of Kris. It was a basic principle.

Secondly, a court officer who have to wear official kris  lent by the king during a court ceremony. Other officers such as Patih/ Prime Minister, Minister, Commander of the Military, Regent etc, they may keep the kris as long as they are assigned in the positions.

Thirdly, a man who received a kris as a gift from the king or from his superior.

Fourthly, a son who received a kris from his father. It was an old tradition that  a father should give a kris to his adult son/sons. In the case for a son –in-law who was given by his father-in-law, he may keep the kris as long as he remained as his son-in-law. If he divorced his wife, he was obliged to return the kris to his ex father-in-law.

The traditional basic principle,  a kris is a private property for the owner because the kris which has been made specially for him with the help of an Empu contain his  wishes  of successful way of life materially and spiritually.

These personal wishes absorbed in the kris will last forever and it turn into a powerful energy which always guard and work for him to attain his goals.

That is why, in the old days there was no trading of krises, as every kris serves his own master, the owner. In the development, people sell and buy kris. When someone purchases a kris, except he likes the form of the kris and the pamor/ decorative design of the blade, the most important thing he has to know the spiritual energy namely the original wishes of the kris. He has to choose a kris which its spiritual wishes are in accordance with what he wants. So he and the kris will live together in harmony. He should like the kris, treats the kris accordingly and it is believed the kris will feel secured  and will in return,  serve his new master wholeheartedly.

 

 

 

 

The dialogue with the content of kris is dubbed as “ nayuh” in Javanese language. If you are not able to do “nayuh” then you have to ask  the service of an expert of kris.

The subtle terminology in the trading of kris, if you want to buy a kris you do not ask : “What is the price of this kris?” Instead you have to ask :” What is the” Mas Kawin” (A Javanese word for dowry) for this kris?” As if , you are proposing a marital relation.

Every time an Empu  makes a kris, following the tradition he has to prepare himself to do some spiritual deeds. He has to cleanse his body and soul ( jiwo rogo in Javanese) by fasting , staying awake until after midnight, doing deep meditation for several days and nights. He will solemnly request blessing from Gusti/ GOD to make a fine and suitable kris for a certain client. He also asks that the process of making is smooth, he and his assistants as well as the client are safe and he can make a kris in accordance with the client’s wishes. The Empu will ask also the blessing from his Guru or late Guru in his meditation.

After he is sure that he got divine blessing, he will ask the client to do also some spiritual deeds  by cleansing his body and soul and pray to Gusti/GOD to be permitted to have a new good and suitable kris.

If necessary he has also to fast for several days. The most important thing, during the process of kris making, the client must always have  clean and positive mind. The Empu will ask the exact name of the client, his occupation, the day, date, month and year of his birth, the form and the design of the blade and of course his wishes for the kris.

This data will be used by the empu to begin with forging in order to be able to produce a high quality kris. A traditional offering (Sesaji in Javanese) is made available in the workshop with a good intention to get divine blessing and protection during the whole process of kris making.  

What kind of kris should be made and what will be  its mission, it depends to the profession of the client. Everyone must have  good and positive wishes but every profession has specific mission for instance for the kings, high ranking officials, bureaucrats, soldiers, traders, farmers, executives, diplomats, teachers, security guards etc. So, it is easy to understand that a kris which is good for  a civil servant , probably it is not suitable for a business man.

Despite the original spiritual energy created during the process of kris making, some krises are filled with spiritual being ( genie) dubbed as qodam to protect or to help the kris owner.  


The Physical Characteristics of Kris

Straight and Curved Kris

 

 

 

 

There are straight blade ( Keris Lurus) and curved blade ( Keris Luk ).There are several kinds of Keris Luk i.e. Kris Luk 3 means a kris with three curves, Kris Luk 5 means a kris with five curves, Kris Luk 7, Kris Luk 9 etc.

Straight and curved kris has symbolic meaning.

Straight kris or Keris Lurus depicts self confidence and strong mentality.

 

 

 

 

Kris Luk 3 depicts successfully to achieve wishes.

Kris Luk 5 depicts : to be loved by many people.

Kris Luk 7 depicts dignity.

Kris Luk 9 depicts dignity, charismatic and leadership.

Kris Luk 11 depicts : ability to reach high position.

Kris Luk 13 depicts : To have a stable and peaceful life.

Dapur or Kris Specific Form and Names of Empus

The dapur or kris specific form is identified by particular combination of parts and the curves/ LUK of the kris. The various types of Dapur were created by Javanese kings.

In the ancient time, there were 19 types of dapur, among other were the dapur of Sempana, Tilam Upih, Jalak Dhindhing, Kebo Lajer etc., created during the reigns of :

King Sri Maharaja Dewa Buddha from the Kingdom of Medhangkamulan in Gunung Gede, West Java in the Saka year of 142. The Empu was Ramayadi.

King Sang Raja Balya from the Kingdom of Medhangsiwanda, Madiun, East Java, in the Saka year of 218. The Empu was Sakadi.

King Raja Berawa from the Kingdom of Medhangsiwanda, north of Mount Lawu, Grobogan, Central Java, in the Saka year of 230. The Empu was Sukasadi.

King Buddhawana from the Kingdom of Medhangsiwanda in the Saka year of 216 . The Empu was Bramakedhali.

King Prabu Buddha Kresna from the Kingdom of Medhangkamulan in the Saka year of 246. The Empu was Saptagati.

King Prabu Sri Kala and Prabu Watugunung from the Kingdom of Purwocarito, in the Saka year of 412. The Empus were Sunggata and Janggito.

King Basupati in Wirata,Purwocarito Kingdom in the Saka year of 422. The Empu was Dewayasa.

King Drestarastra of Astinapura, Purwocarito Kingdom in the Saka year of 725 . The Empu was Mayang. In the Saka year of 748, there was a big war in Java dubbed as Javanese Baratayuda. Due to catastrophic war which destroyed almost everything, all weapons including krises and spears vanished. Only after a century after the war, the kings of Java ordered the empus to make new krises with existing dapur plus  new creation of dapur.

King Gendrayana of Mamenang , East Java, he created the dapur of Pandawa, Karna Tinandhing and Bima Kurda. The Empu was Yamadi in the Saka year of 827.

King Citrasoma of Pengging, Central Java, he created the dapur of Rara Sadewa and Megantara. The Empu was Gandawisesa in the Saka year of 941.

King Banjarsekar of Pajajaran, West Java, he created the dapur of Parungsari, Tilamsekar and Tilamupih. The Empu was Andaya in the Saka year of 1186.

King Siyung Wanara of Pajajaran, West Java, he created the dapur of Jangkung and Pandawa Cinarita. The Empus were Marcukandha, Ki Macan and Ki Kuwung in the Saka year of 1284'

King Brawijaya V, the last Emperor of Majapahit, East Java, he created the dapur of Nagasasra, Sabukinten, Anoman etc. The Empu was Dhomas in the Saka year of 1380. 

During the reign of King Shah Alam Akbar( Raden Patah), the first king of Demak, Central Java, some of the famous Walisongo, the nine Islamic saints/ wali, they created new dapur. Sunan Bonang created the dapur Sengkelat.

The Empu was Suro in the Saka year of 1429. Sunan Kalijaga created the dapur Kidangsoka and Balebang. The Empu was Jakasura.

Since then, there was no new dapur created by other kings. The younger empus just copied the existing dapur from the older period. There are 120 types of dapur. Every dapur has symbolic meaning.

Here below are some famous dapur:

 

 

 

 

Sempana means dream. It means you have to accept a knowledge wisely.

Tilam Upih is a reminder. It is wise if you take care other people as if you take care your wife. Also take a good care of your kris ,the same way you take care your wife.

Karno Tinandhing ( Karno in battle. He is a step brother of Pandawa, son of Kunti, a warrior from Mahabarata epoch). It depicts : Anytime you must improve your skill and knowledge. You must always learn ,  you must be ready to compete with other people to learn something. That is the way, no one lose.

Sabuk Inten : A very beautiful diamond. In order to be noble and respected man, you must have good morality, manner and politeness.

 

 

 

 

Pandawa Cinarita : The five senses are calm, well guided, if you have patience, grateful to what you have achieved.

Jangkung means tall and slender. It depicts protection for the owner.


The famous Empus in the ancient time

From Pejajaran, West Java:

Empu Windusarpa; Empu Sanggabumi who moved to West Sumatra and created strong and attractive Minangkabau swords.

Empu Nimbok Sombro, a beautiful woman, her creation of krises are also beautiful and are highly sought by kris collectors.


From Majapahit :

Empu Supomadrangi, he was well known as Empu Supo or Empu Jakasupa 1. King Brawijaya loved very much his creation of krises.

He was awarded a very high court title and was given a court name : Pangeran/Prince Sendhang Sedayu and became Brawijaya’s brother in-law by marrying a king’s sister. He was also awarded the region of Sedayu in East Java. His skill in kris making became a legend, people believed that he could make a kris  on the sea with his bare hands, for this people dubbed him as Empu Rambang, one who can make kris above water.

Empu Supogati, the brother of Empu Supo; Empu Jakasuro, the son of Empu Supo; Empu Wangsa who lived in Tembayat and Empu Gedhe who lived in Banyumas, Central Java.

All empus who worked for Majapahit Kingdom were dubbed as Empu Dhomas, consisting of 800 empus from various part of the country.


From Tuban, East Java :

Many empus from Pejajaran moved to live in Tuban, East Java, among other the 5 sons of Empu Kuwung, namely : Empu Rara Sembaga,Bekeljati, Suratman, Paneti and Salaeta. The local famous empu of Tuban was Joko Kajal.


From Blambangan, East Java :

Empu Surowiseso,Empu Kalunglungan, Empu Mlayagati, Empu Cakrabirawa etc.


From Madura :

Empu Keleng  or Empu Kasa( when he lived in Pejajaran his name was Empu Wanabaya); Empu Macan, a son of Empu Prince Sedayu, he was a grand son of Brawijaya.
When he lived in Pajang , his name was Empu Umyang, then he moved to Madiun and became Empu Tundhung Madiun. Empu Palu, son of Empu Kasa and Empu Gedhe, the son of Empu Palu.


From Demak, Central Java :

Empu Purwosari; Empu Purwotanu; Empu Subur; Empu Suro; Empu Jakasupo II.


From Pajang, Central Java :

Empu Cublak; Empu Umyang or Empu Jakasupo II, Empu Tundhung Madiun. When he lived in Mataram, he was assigned to lead 800 empus. For his service he was awarded a court title by the name Pangeran/Prince Sendhang. The other empus were : Empu Wanagati; Empu Surawangsa; Empu Jakaputut; Empu Pengasih.


From Palembang :

Empu Supo Lembang, a descendant of Empu Sedhah.


From Mataram, Jogjakarta :

During the reign of Sultan Agung, The Kingdom of Mataram had 800 empus from various part of Java. These empus were instructed to make krises and spears and other weapons to attack Batavia, Jakarta, which was used as the head quarter of the Dutch forces .

Every 100 empus were led by a Mantri.  The 8 mantris were led by an Empu Pakelun who was Empu Ki Nom or Empu Pangeran/ Prince Sendhang.

Empu Pangeran Sendhang was a legendary empu, his nick name was Empu Galeng after he made some krises with his bare hands on the separation of a rice field ( Galeng in Javanese language).

The 8 mantris were : Empu Tepas from Semarang; Empu Mayi from Karang; Empu Legi from Majapahit; Empu Gedhe from Pajang; Empu Luwing from Madura; Empu Guling; Empu Ancer from Kalianjir and Empu Salaeta from Tuban.

Besides there were  some other famous empus such as ; Empu Lanang; Empu Suro; Empu Setratoya; Empu Setrakithing, Empu Lujuguna; Empu Setranaya etc.


From Kartosuro, Central Java :

Empu Setranaya III; Empu Sendhangwarih; Empu Taruwangsa; Empu Japan; Empu Braja; Empu Sendhang Koripan etc.


From Surakarta :

Empu Brajaguna II; Empu Brajaguna III; Empu Singawijaya. During the reign of  Paku Buwono X, the empus were Empu Japan and Empu Jayasukadgo.


From Jogjakarta :

In Jogja, there were many empus, kris makers who lived in several regions of Jogja such as in Kajar, Bener, Imogiri and Ngenta-enta.During the reign of King Hamengku Buwono V, one of the empus was Wangsawijaya who was granted a high court position by the name of Tumenggung Jayanegara.

The head of empus ( Jejeneng in Javanese terminology) during the reign of King Hamengku Buwono V was Tumenggung Riyokusumo.

Empu Supowinangun was the empu during King Hamengku Buwono VIII, he made some krises for Patih/Prime Minister Danurejo. The other empus were : Empu Lurah Prawirodahana , Empu Bekel Tarunadahana and Empu Jayengpenglaras.

The head of empus ( Jejeneng in Javanese)during the reign of King Hamengku Buwono VIII was Empu Wedono Prawirodipuro.


From Pakualaman, Jogjakarta :

The empus from Pakualaman were among other : Empu Ngabehi Karyacurigo 1; Empu Karyocurigo II; Empu Ngabehi Karyodikromo; Empu Mas Saptotaruno and Empu Joyokaryo.


Tangguh

Tangguh is the estimated time of kris making, it is evaluated from the form of a kris, its pamor/ decorative design on the blade, the iron, the steel. The name of Tangguh is linked with ancient kingdoms, such as :

Tangguh Kadewatan ,during the Kingdom of Medhangkamulan of II to IV Century AD.

Tangguh Purwocarito in Central Java from the IV to VI Century AD.

Tangguh Kahuripan,  East Java of XI Century AD

Tangguh Singasari, East Java of XII Century AD

Tangguh Pajajaran, West Java of XIII Century AD

Tangguh Majapahit, East Java of XIV Century AD

Tangguh Blambangan, East Java of XIV Century AD

Tangguh Sidayu, East java of XIV Century AD

Tangguh Tuban, East Java of XIV Century AD

Tangguh Madura, East Java of XIV Century AD

Tangguh Demak, Central Java of XV Century AD

Tangguh Pajang, Central Java of XVI Century AD

Tangguh Mataram, Jogjakarta, Central Java during the reigns of King/ Panembahan Senapati and King/Sultan Agung of XVI Century and XVII Century AD

Tangguh Kartosuro, Central Java, since the reign of King Amangkurat II, from 1680 to 1743

Tangguh Surokarto, Central Java since the reign of King Paku Buwono II, in 1743

Tangguh Jogjakarta, since the reign of King Hamengku Buwono I, in 1755


Pamor

For kris lovers, pamor , the decorative design on the surface of blade is the flower of a kris, the soul of a kris. Pamor makes a kris shines more attractive and more valuable. The pamor appears due to forging of iron with nickel, it is not carved. The Empus of kris , they have mastered the  sophisticated art of forging inherited from our elders since hundred years ago. They blended also with meteorites to embellish the pamor.

There are various types of pamor. If you wish to have a kris, you have to be careful. Choose krises with pamor which may bring you pleasant life, avoid to collect kris with bad symbol of pamor.

Here below are some favorite pamor :

 

 

 

 

Pamor Kulbuntet ( Dead-end sneal): It helps the owner to become  not vulnerable and protected from any kind of attacks.

Pamor Batulapak(Saddle stone) :  It gives safety and luck. The owner is loved by others.

Pamor Udan Mas( Golden rain). It brings luck and wealth.

Pamor Kancingkulino( Familiar button). It brings high position and luck.

Pamor Purnamandadari(Full moon). It brings prosperity and clear mind. It is suitable for executive, diplomat etc.

Pamor Satriyo Pinayungan(Protected warrior/noble man). It brings high position, prosperity and love by others.

Pamor Bawaretno(Shining brilliant) or Pamor Alif for dignity and leadership.

 

 

 

 

Pamor Pancuran Mas (Golden fountain)for continuous luck.

Pamor Tunggak Semi.(Have similar fortune like the parents). The owner and his descendants will live prosperously.

Pamor Likas(Reel). The symbol of success for trader, farmer, breeder. The owner will always be safe and has a lot of friends.

Pamor Ngurutan(Arranged in order). To ward off evil attack, poison, power of darkness. The owner is safe and will have good job and position.

Pamor Dewangkoro(Burning god). It is good for soldiers, it protects against fired bullets, attack of sharp weapons, bad enemies.

Pamor Mustar. It protects against any kind of attack, it protects a house against fire. It can cool down man’s anger.

Pamor Rotomo. It can help to find back missing items. It is good for fisherman, a lot of fishes will be caught and for farmer will have abundant harvest.

 

 

 

 

Pamor Jeng Isi Donya(Content of the world). It depicts wealth and good management. A trader will make good profit and will be loved by others.

Pamor Lintang Kemukus(Bright star). It is a good tool of communication. The owner will receive any important information instinctively or spiritually.

Pamor should be avoided

 

 

 

 

There are some pamor which are bad for the owner, thus it is advisable to be avoided, such as :

Pamor Manerakung. It is  bad, the owner will have accidents.
Pamor Buto Ijo(Green giant). It is bad , it will act against the owner, make to owner miserable.
Pamor Lulut(Tame). It makes the owner sick.
Other bad pamor are : Gedah, Pasiyungan, Sengkolo, Ngangsar, Buntel Mayit, Kudhung Mayit, Nerjang Landhep, Pegat Waja, Pedhot, Belah Pucuk etc.

To Wear Kris Properly

Kris is an accessory for man’s traditional attire and it is worn on the back, that is why it is also named as Wangkingan in Javanese language which means “Its place is in the back”. Needless to say that it must be worn properly.

 

 

 

 

Kris in Javanese “kromo inggil”, fine language is Dhuwung which means “pretty fair” or all right.

Kris also means a secret you have to keep. You have to know the secret of life by learning the real knowledge or spirituality. There is a Javanese proverb which says : Curigo Manjing Warongko”. It means: The unity of Kris and the scabbard.

 

 

 

From spiritual point of view it means: The Unity between the Creator and the Created, Manunggaling Kawulo Gusti in Javanese language. In everyday life, a kris/blade must be put properly in the scabbard.



The Price of Kris

It is understandable that a price of a classical kris made by an Empu, Maestro of Kris Maker is not cheap. It is in accordance with his expertise, appreciation to his spiritual effort plus the material and operational cost for 40 days to make 1 (one) kris of high quality. The price of a classical kris made by a Maestro/Empu of kris is between Rps.10 million to Rps.50 million, it depends to the quality of the kris.

The price will be much higher if the blade of the kris is embellished with intricate décor of gold alloys embossed on the kris. Sometimes 100 grams of gold is used to embellish a kris. The fee of an expert kris embellisher is also expensive.

The price of a kris will be more expensive if the scabbard also has attractive appearance using high quality expensive materials.

The above is the price of a classical kris made by an Empu using traditional way of forging  including the offering plus his spiritual effort.

Nowadays, there are only a few traditional empus. A traditional empu can produce only 6 to 7 krises a year. Usually they are already fully booked for the whole year. If you want to make a kris by order to an empu, you must be patient to wait for one or two years.

Due to the market demand, there are some kris makers( who have no qualification of Empu), they can forge faster . A kris maker , he needs approximately  a week to produce a kris. In several places in Java , there are kris workshops with mass production. Their products are sold in the market. The kris is not bad,  it has a middle quality.

Popularly that kind of kris is dubbed as “ a kris for souvenir” and the price is much cheaper compared with a classical kris made by an Empu.


The present Empus

 

 

 

 

At present probably only Empu Sungkowo Harumbrojo, the son of the late empu Djeno Harumbrojo of the village of Gatak, Moyudan, Sleman Regency, Jogjakarta,  has a qualification of Empu, he got his expertise  from his father after 30 years of training and he makes kris in accordance with traditional way, including offering and spiritual effort. Harumbrojo is a descendant from Empu Supodriyo, a famous empu from the Kingdom of Majapahit from the XIV Century AD. Harumbrojo’s krises are sought after by kris lovers and collectors from Indonesia as well as from abroad such as Asia, France, The Netherlands, The US etc.

 

 

 

 

Another seasoned kris maker with 25 years experience of kris smithing is Empu Djiwo Diharjo from the village of Banyusumurup, Imogiri, Jogjakarta. His list of customers are dignitaries and kris collectors from Indonesia and abroad.

Empu Karyadiwangsa from Kajar, Gunungkidul Regency, Jogjakarta is also a traditional empu according to Mr. Lumintu, a senior kris observer of Jogjakarta.

 

 

 

 

The skill, the hard work and the good materials will fail to produce a good kris, if not preceded by spiritual effort such as fasting, meditation, solemn pray for divine blessing.

Nowadays, there are many forgers who make krises and spears in Solo, Jogjakarta, Surabaya, Tulungagung, Taman Mini Jakarta, Madura, Brunai etc. They are kris makers but they are not qualified as Empu, because they do not involving offering and spiritual deeds in their  creation.

The kris makers from Surakarta among other are : KRT. Supowijoyo ( Suparman) from Kadipiro; H.Fauzan from Purwosari; Group of STSI Kentingan from Jebres; Suyanto from Bibis Kulon and Hajosuwarno who works in the workshop of Surolayan belonged to Go Tik Swan/ KRT. Harjonegoro in Kratonan etc.

The people of Indonesia is proud that since 2005, UNESCO has recognized kris as Indonesian Cultural Heritage.

To be continued.



JagadKejawen,
Suryo S.Negoro
JagadKejawen appreciates Mr. Lumintu, a senior kris observer from Jogjakarta as the source of  pamor pictures.