ONE of Bali's main export areas, fine fashioned rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings as well as personal fashion and custom design are crafted by families of gold and silversmiths. Gemstones as well as rare metals have long been part of Bali's unique gift for fine materials and design. The silversmiths create filigree pieces and larger items to order and sell to the public from their workshops.
Silversmiths are typical Balinese work using granulation and a process of attaching gold to the surface of silver. Today the industry is very sophisticated and includes everything from classical pieces to modern designs that you would not even guess were made in Bali. Inventive Balinese jewelers smelt, cast, forge and spin delicate flowers, offering bowls and images of demons studded with semi-precious stones.
Though the traditional center for gold and silver jewelry making is Denpasar, the art has now also taken hold elsewhere on the island. The center for metal working are Celuk, Kamasan in Klungkung, and Bratan in Buleleng. These smiths produce large, delicately ornamented silver and gold betel nut bowls, chased gold krises handles, offering platters, and vessels for holy water.
No comments:
Post a Comment