Have you ever wondered which keris styles are the most sought after by collectors in Singapore? Since 2015, I’ve been tracking trends, conversations, auction results, private sale patterns, and general collector preferences here on our island. Over time, a clear pattern began to emerge.
So today, I’ll walk you through the top five keris styles collected in Singapore, from the more common entry-level pieces to the highly prized and competitive ones.
But before we get into the list, it’s important to understand something.
People sometimes assume that all keris are the same. A dagger is a dagger, right?
Not exactly.
Even though the keris originated from a shared cultural world, its visual form and identity vary widely across the Malay Archipelago (Nusantara). Each region has its own customs, aesthetics, and symbolic language. Over generations, these influenced the shape of the blade, the style of the hilt, the proportions, the materials, and even the way the keris is worn or presented.
So while the keris shares a common ancestry, its expression is diverse.
It is this diversity that makes collecting both exciting and meaningful.
What to Expect in This Guide
In today’s video, I’ll give you a quick overview of how to identify keris styles and match them to their region of origin. This is meant to be a friendly introduction that helps you:
- Notice the visual signatures of different keris traditions
- Understand why certain styles are more sought after here in Singapore
- Recognise why some keris are affordable, while others climb into very high price ranges
Think of this as an entry point, not the final map. Each style we mention today has its own history, technical lineage, and cultural context, which I’ll cover in future episodes.
Why Some Keris Are More Expensive Than Others
Once you begin to recognise regional styles, you’ll also notice that demand varies. Some kerises are admired for their elegance, rarity, patination, or historical associations. Others are more accessible, serving as good starting points for beginners who are still learning how to evaluate condition, authenticity, and craftsmanship.
So as you watch, pay attention not just to the appearance, but also to the cultural story and collector interest attached to each style. Understanding this is key to making informed decisions, especially in a market where prices can range from modest to absolutely jaw-dropping.
By the end of the video, you’ll have a clearer sense of:
- The variety of keris aesthetics across Nusantara
- Which styles are commonly collected in Singapore
- And why the collecting scene can be so passionate and competitive
This is the beginning of a journey into a deep and rich tradition.
And you are most welcome to step into it.