09/07/2026
Kingfisher Keris Tajong Bangsa Agong Bulu Ayam
A very good and rare example of a form of keris whose origin is from Patani, an area covering the southern tip of Thailand including Kelantan, northern Malaysia. It’s very unique handle, made of hard ebony woods called kenaung, is finely carved in the form of the Tajong having gold plated copper insertions at places.
The handle had been described by writers from the west as a kingfisher. Although it does resemble a bird, closer look at the handle shows it to be more of a “demonic” figurine. Its wide eyes and long beak have a kingfisher’s resemblance, but the teeth, fangs and beard which are carved in full details, shows otherwise.
The top sheath is made from very well selected kemuning woods with natural grains and the bottom stem is made of angsena wood with a gold plated copper panel at the middle having an aqua marine stone inset.
The long, straight and very sturdy blade is typical of the region’s styles having a prominent triangular spine or “tulang” in Malay and very well executed base features or perabots with an overall shape or dapor called pandai saras in Malay.
Pamor patterns are in the arrangements of the miring technique of the bulu ayam or chicken feathers variation which is said to enhance the owner’s status.
Length of blade: 16".
Overall length: 22".
WA = +6596701409