16^th November 2008

 

This occasional update section gives us an opportunity to share upcoming news on the developments within the company and our emerging sets.

 

With the set up of Golden Chersonese Miniatures in mid-2008, we have had a chance to establish the characteristics of the first two series with their aesthetic intricacies. It is the stated intention here to offer truly unique miniatures with unparalleled depth and beauty.

 

Series A Bali is graced by the first few sets featuring Balinese dancers.

 

Series B Javanese Kraton is dominated by the hugely complex and intricate Raffles Gamelan and other related sets. The numerous musical instruments require multiple castings and assemblies. The whole process takes careful planning and an extraordinary amount of work. These are now available as Sets B3.

 

Soon, we should be able to issue the corresponding Balinese Gamelan Orchestra sets as Sets A3 within Series A Bali. These sets are awaiting completion of some masters and castings depicting more common and typical instruments.

 

        

Production models of common gayor and two different modes of hanging the gongs

 

For example, outside of the Kraton (palace) court, Gong ageng supports (gayor) are generally of simpler construction than the ornate court Raffles Gamelan Gong ageng gayor. We feature at least 2 different types of gayor models and the various Gong ageng and gong kempul can be hung on the gayor in at least four styles! The most important Gong ageng is made in different dimensions. We use different gong castings to represent this variation in size.

 

        

Different type of common gayor and two modes of hanging the gongs

These simpler gayor will be featured in Sets A3 within Series A Bali. and Set B3c JAVANESE GAMELAN GENDER WAYANG ORCHESTRA. The various permutations will be clearly stated in the sets on offer.

 

Set B3c JAVANESE GAMELAN GENDER WAYANG ORCHESTRA. will also feature a typical Javanese saron.

 

The Balinese typically use frog or turtle-shaped ceng-cengs. We offer the latter with all SET A3 Balinese Gamelan Orchestras.

 

      

      Javanese Saron                            Balinese Turtle ceng-ceng                           Celempung

 

Note that the ornate court Gamelan Gong ageng gayor and duck ceng-ceng castings will be restricted to sets Set B3a JAVANESE KRATON GAMELAN GONG ORCHESTRA and Set B3b JAVANESE KRATON GENDER WAYANG ORCHESTRA.

 

In addition, we are issuing a beautiful celempung on a request basis which may be included with Balinese or Javanese gamelan orchestras. This zither-like instrument is not used in all gamelan orchestras. It does form the centerpiece of a siteran gamelan orchestra and if there is demand, we are willing to consider issuing a specific siteran gamelan set!

 

Separately, we are well on the way to finalizing the Wayang Kulit sets which can be issued under Series A Bali or Series B Javanese Kraton. We are painting the brass-etched puppets. Castings of the banana bole stands for the puppets are being assembled. Holes are pre-drilled to insert the wayang kulit puppets. The massive puppeteer box and lid completes the display!

 

        

    Banana bole stands for the puppets                     Puppeteer box with clapper and lid

 

Please note that all these sets can only be issued in very limited numbers due to their complexity. We take pride in stating that all sets are truly hand-made and strictly controlled as to the final product.