Antique Cirebon Sempana keris, kris - Cirebon – adad XIII-era (13th Century) – Wilah with Sempana dapur, 9 luk and Wengkon pamor – Rare Cirebon kudhup kenanga warangka - Wayang Rayamala hilt.
(Article number: 1872)
This antique keris dates from the Cirebon – adad XIII-era (13th Century).
The ancient wilah is forged to Sempana dapur. Dapur Sempana is one of the keris forms of a keris with 9 Luk (waves). Although the appearance of this dapur is fairly simple, it is very popular because in history Sempana kerisses were reserved for royal servants, senior government officials and nobles. Sempana literally means ‘true dreams’ or dreams that come true. Sempana in deeper meaning is a message, wishful thinking, hopes, ideals and desires when based on a true understanding they become reality. The Kembang Kacang under the Ganja symbolizes the trunk of an elephant. In ancient Indonesian folklore the God Ganesha, the elephant God, who stood symbol for knowledge, always inhaling knowledge with her trunk. Kerisses with Sempana dapur will help the owner of the keris to realize his dreams, ideals and desires by constantly gaining knowledge and using this knowledge to realize his dreams, goals and desires.
Furthermore, the wilah is forged with an ancient variation of pamor Wengkon. Pamor wengkon is sometimes also called ‘Tepen’ or pamor Lis-lisan, which is a ‘rekan’ type of pamor, meaning that it was created intentionally by the empu. Though this particular pamor motif may seem rather ordinary, yet it is considered an extremely difficult pattern to forge; only an experienced and highly skilled empu will be capable of making a keris that has the pamor Wengkon on it. It is, however, not a ‘chosen’ type of pamor, and thus can be owned by any person. A keris with Wengkon pamor has mystical powers that protect the owner and his family against disasters, slander and nuisance from wild animals, evil spirits and negative persons. As mentioned before, pamor Wengkon is classified in the earthly elemements ‘rekan’ (fire). The element fire is the most powerful element of the 5 elements. Fire provides heat, energy and has a transformative effect. A devastating fire can emerge from a first small flame. It keeps changing and "eats up" all the fuel it encounters along the way. However, it also has a purifying and creative effect. New living spaces are created after forest fires. The subtler meaning of the element of fire is found in the proverb "on fire". Which means something like being very enthusiastic. Our "inner fire" consists of our enthusiasm, passion, assertiveness, willpower and energy. When the element of fire is in balance, you feel energy and motivation to undertake, to do things. To create.
The top of the keris is adorned with a rare Wayang Rayamala hilt which is carved in the shape of a bird’s head.
The keris is housed in an antique and rare Cirebon kudhup kenanga warangka of dark Sonokeling wood.
Characteristics:
Dapur: Sempana – 9 luk
Pamor: Wengkon
Tangguh: Cirebon – adad XIII (13th Century)
Warangka: Cirebon kudhup kenanga
Kayu: Sonokeling