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Klungkung,
Ancient Kingdoms
Brass
Crafts of Klungkung
Best-Loved by Local and Foreign Visitors
Do you know about
brass? Brass plates can be obtained from
used shell of bullets employed by military
troops. For I Wayan Suberata, a brass craftsman
of bullet shell from Pande Mas Hamlet, Kamasan-Klungkung
it can be made into high valued works of
art.
 To
reach this village, it will take visitors
an hour drive with the distance of 48 km
or 3 km south of Semarapura city.
Suberata, a man who was born on 15 November
1952 has deeply involved in this work since
1979. He learned from his parents thatalso
worked on gold and silver crafts. One day,
his family received a guest who brought
bullet shell. As artist of metal craftsman,
he is determined to change such bullet shell
into works of art that are away from warfare
nuance. He then accomplished to carve the
bullet shell with the theme Mahabharata
and Ramayana epic. These two epics are great
wars in Hindu (according to Veda).
Seeing his considerable works, he began
to receive a lot of orders. It was thoroughly
felt in 1976 on the break out of war in
East Timor (now Timor Leste). Many bullet
shells were imported from East Timor. Those
who brought them were the members of personnel
of Regional Military Command IX of Udayana.
Averagely, they brought 400 pieces monthly.
Suberata keeps on carving such bullet shell.
Then, he was assisted by two of his neighbours.
The orders progressively increased, so Suberata
decided to rely on his life on silver and
brass crafts. Now, his work is supported
by seven employees. In 1986, Suberata got
in touch with a guest from Taiwan. Through
this guest, his brass handicraft increased
suddenly. Not only Taiwanese guests, Japanese
and Dutch guests also favour this handicraft
of bullet shell. In general, they feel surprised
as Suberata can change the bullet shell
into valuable works of art.
Now, he receives plenty of orders from member
of army, navy, air force and the police.
They ordinarily order carving of bullet
shell in the form of eagle (coat of arms
of the RI) and Kartika Eka Paksi that constitutes
the grandeur symbol of the corps. Its price
is ranging from IDR 200,000 to IDR 350,000.
To make carving of eagle and Kartika Eka
Paksi takes him less than a week.
How
to make it
Material of brass plate is burnt by ember
for 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the thickness
of the plate. If it's thicker, its burning
time may be more than 1.5 hours. It means
to soften the metal so it will be easier
to make pattern. Then, he coats it with
resin to make the metal plate glossy and
easier to carve. Eventually, finishing touch
is done by brushing it till shined. (BTN/033)
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