History of Balinese Silverwork
Based on oral
descriptions or stories from elders and information recorded in history, silver
craft in Celuk Village, Gianyar in 1915 was pioneered by a Pande named I Nyoman
Gati. I Nyoman Gati learned to dance from his father, I Nyoman Klesir (commonly
called Nang Klesir). I Nyoman Klesir previously studied in an eccentric way,
namely studying while working and studying with a Pande family, Pan Sumpang in
Mengwi, Badung Regency.
It is said that I Nyoman
Gati and his students initially worked on silver crafts only for the purposes
of their yadnya facilities in Bali. In addition, for jewelry and trinkets from
the king's wedding or ngayah to the castle. Quite a lot of crafts that have
been produced, both in the form of handicraft products and accessories. The
products produced are in the form of bokoran, sangku, caratan or pentastan,
dangan kris, king's clothes, and women's accessories for marriage.
As a craftsman, he
continues to pursue his work, so that over time his profession can improve the
welfare of his family. This work of menmande was followed by other people in
Celuk Village. This was because the products produced by I Nyoman Gati and his
students were favored by the Kings of Gianyar at that time, so he was trusted
to work in puri-puri (noble houses) such as Puri Ubud, Puri Sukawati, and Puri
Sangsi-Singapadu.
They are called the
pioneers or master masters for the Celuk residents. Given their tenacity and
dedication in creating the characteristics of Celuk silver handicrafts which
can still be maintained until now. The Celuk community began to do a lot of
silver crafts in 1935, so the silversmith profession (menmande) in Celuk
Village grew and developed more and more widely. Their work has grown.
Initially in the form of ceremonial tools for religious purposes, they
developed into jewelry (accessories) such as rings, earrings, necklaces
(penden), bracelets, brooches and so on.
The ideas or ideas of
Celuk silver craftsmen which are expressed in the form of crafts are inspired
by Balinese decorative motifs such as plants and animals that involve visual
elements such as points, lines, fields, space, color, and texture. This
decorative motif is a legacy that has been used for generations. Motif is a
pattern or pattern of the dominant idea in a work of art which can be in the
form of a role or form that is repeated in its use.
Reference: Kemendikbud