By: wakhyuningngarsih, translated from: KEMDIKBUD website.
Based on oral descriptions or stories from the elders and information recorded in history, silver craftsmanship in Celuk Village, Gianyar, was pioneered in 1915 by a craftsman named I Nyoman Gati. I Nyoman Gati learned the art of silversmithing from his father, I Nyoman Klesir, who was commonly known as Nang Klesir. Before that, I Nyoman Klesir studied by apprenticing—learning while working—under a member of the Pande family, Pan Sumpang, in Mengwi, Badung Regency.
It is told that I Nyoman Gati, along with his students, initially focused on silver craftsmanship solely for the purpose of creating offerings for religious ceremonies in Bali. Additionally, they crafted jewelry and ornaments for royal weddings or for service to the palace. They produced a variety of items, including both handicrafts and accessories. The products they created included bokoran (offering containers), sangku (ritual vessels), caratan or penastan (water containers), keris handles, royal garments, and women’s accessories for weddings.
As a craftsman, I Nyoman Gati remained dedicated to his work, and over time, his profession began to improve the welfare of his family. This craft of silversmithing was soon adopted by other residents of Celuk Village. The products created by I Nyoman Gati and his students were favored by the kings of Gianyar at the time, which led to him being entrusted with work in royal residences, such as Puri Ubud, Puri Sukawati, and Puri Sangsi-Singapadu.
They are considered pioneers or master craftsmen by the residents of Celuk, given their perseverance and dedication in establishing the distinctive characteristics of Celuk silver craftsmanship, which have been preserved to this day. The people of Celuk began engaging in silver craftsmanship more extensively around 1935, leading to the growth and expansion of the silversmithing profession in the village. Their work also evolved, initially focusing on ceremonial tools for religious purposes, and later expanding to jewelry and accessories such as rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches, and more.
The ideas or concepts of Celuk silver craftsmen, expressed through their craftsmanship, are inspired by traditional Balinese decorative motifs, such as flora and fauna, incorporating elements like dots, lines, shapes, space, color, and texture. These decorative motifs are a heritage that has been passed down through generations. A motif is a pattern or design that plays a dominant role in art, often involving repetitive forms or shapes in its use.
The distinctive design motifs of Celuk Village’s silver craftsmanship passed down through generations, include:
- Jajawanan Motif: This motif consists of components made from silver balls of various sizes, arranged in a specific pattern.
- Liman Paya Motif: Inspired by the tendrils of the bitter melon fruit, this motif resembles spirals that form a conical shape.
- Buah Gonda Motif: This motif is a stylized representation of the gonda vegetable fruit, translated into a silver material design.
- Bun Jejawanan Motif: Inspired by the young shoots of the fern tree, which are long and curved at the ends, this motif is incorporated into the decorative designs of Celuk silver craftsmanship.
These four fundamental motifs, which are distinctive to the craftsmen of Celuk Village, serve as the foundation for the creation and evolution of thousands of new designs, all rooted in these basic motifs. To this day, these core motifs remain deeply ingrained and are prominently featured in the works produced by the artisans. They are considered communal motifs and are part of the rich tradition (folklore) shared by the people of Celuk Village.
Tools Used in Silver Craftsmanship
In inventorying the tools used in silver craftsmanship, they can be categorized into several stages of work.
1. Melting Stage:
- Pengububan: Used for initial heating.
- Paron: A tool or container for melting.
- Palu: Hammer for shaping.
- Penjepit: Clamps for holding materials.
- Pengupin Jawan: Tool for removing impurities.
- Pengaudan: Tool for assisting in melting.
- Bungut Goak: A type of ladle or tool used in the melting process.
- Gunting: Scissors for cutting.
- Kikir: File for smoothing.
- Tampel: A tool for pressing or shaping.
- Penyanglingan: Tool for refining.
- Sikat Kawat: Wire brush for cleaning.
2. Materials Used:
- Ketip: Tool or material for specific tasks.
- Talen: Tool for cutting or shaping.
- Suku: Component or material used.
- Rupiah: Type of material or tool.
- Perak Glontokan: A form of silver, though currently difficult to obtain. Copper Tools:
- Peser: Copper tool or component.
- Sen: Another type of copper tool.
- Bengol: Copper tool used in craftsmanship. Bronze Tool:
- Koin Klip: Bronze coin used in the process.
In the 1960s, these tools and materials were commonly used by the people of Celuk and were readily available. Today, some materials, like silver glontokan, are harder to find.
In addition to the primary material of silver, the following materials are used to assist in the production of silver crafts:
- Buah Piling-Piling: A type of fruit used in the process, for temporary glue, to attach the silver part or ornament.
- Buah Asem/Lunak: Tamarind fruit, which might be used for its acidic properties in cleaning or treating silver.
- Buah Krerek: Another type of fruit used in the crafting process, potentially for its specific attributes.
- Daun Amplas: Sandpaper or abrasive leaves used for smoothing and polishing the silver.
- Garam: Salt, which could be used in various stages of the process, possibly for cleaning or as part of the treatment process.
- Blimbing Buluh: A type of fruit or plant used, also for acidity.
These materials play supportive roles in the crafting process, aiding in cleaning, polishing, and refining the silver pieces.
To this day, their craftsmanship continues to receive exceptional acclaim from the Balinese community. Many pieces have even become part of collections of foreign dignitaries, such as those from the Netherlands. One notable collector is Rudolf Bonet, a master painter residing in Ubud. Rudolf Bonet embraced the Celuk silver artisans and worked with them to advance the silver crafting industry in Celuk.
