Transcript The Royal Floating Pavilions in Bali: Exploration of Meanings

The Royal Floating Pavilions in Bali:
Exploration of Meanings
By:
Naniek Kohdrata
Cokorda G.A. Semarajaya
Udayana University – Bali, Indonesia
Brief Introduction - Orientation
Location of the Klungkung Palace & Karangasem Palace
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Brief Introduction - Location
Klungkung Palace ------------- Karangasem Palace
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Discussion – The Royal Water Garden
The Royal Garden of
Klungkung Palace & Karangasem Palace
WATER (POND)
PAVILION
GARDEN
Bale Kambang = floating pavilion
Taman Gili = island garden
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Discussion – The Royal Water Garden
Simple ground pattern of
RECTANGULAR SHAPE
SUGGEST some interpretations:
• Miniature of Bali island
surrounded by sea.
• Connection with Cambodia, Laos,
& Thailand in terms of :
– religious matter in the past
– Royal/religious structures layout
concept.
• Local values  shaping forms &
giving meanings to the final result.
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Discussion – The Garden Elements
Major significant differences:
• Statues :
– At Klungkung palace:
a series of statues encircling the pavilion,
statues are part of the pavilion.
– At Karangasem palace:
only two prominent statues,
statues are part of pond feature
• Pavilion architecture :
– At Klungkung  elaborate
– At Karangasem  modest
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The Statues at Klungkung
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The Statues at Karangasem
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The Floating Pavilion at Klungkung
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The Floating Pavilion at Karangasem
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Discussion – The Floating Pavilions
Pavilion at Klungkung Palace :
• 3 levels : 1st  platform with low fence & statues
2nd  base of the 3rd level
3rd  core of the pavilion, painted ceiling
with stories influenced by Hinduism
• Symbolism in structural forms
– Tortoise shape of the pavilion’s foundation 
god Vishnu supporting the universe (Hindu mythology)
astral creature symbolizing eternal dynamic (Hindu-Bali
cosmology)
– Pavilion may have association with Meru (sacred mountain
in Hindu belief)
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The Floating Pavilion at Klungkung
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Discussion – The Floating Pavilions
Pavilion at Karangasem Palace :
• Only 1 level  raised platform with low fence
• Hardly find symbolism/philosophical meaning in
structural forms
– Simplicity
– Ornamental and decorative garden features.
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The Floating Pavilion at Karangasem
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Discussion – The Floating Pavilions
Functional Purposes
Floating Pavilion Garden
at Klungkung
•
•
Royal-formal ceremonies
(court of justice, council meeting)
Royal family religious ceremonies
SECULAR & SPIRITUAL
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Floating Pavilion Garden
at Karangasem
•
Royal-formal & informal matters
(meeting, dining, art & dan
performances)
PROFANE (SECULAR)
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Conclusion
1. The royal floating pavilion at Klungkung has outward
orientation because it serves as the royals symbol,
both profane and sacred. Conversely, the one in
Karangasem palace has inward orientation because it
is more intended for family use as pleasure garden.
2. Hinduism obviously has influence in both floating
pavilions. The one in Klungkung palace clearly shows
the influence of Hinduism mythology and Hindu-Bali
cosmology belief, whereas the one in Karangasem
palace has more contemporary sense.
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Thank You
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