Klungkung

Klungkung holds a special place in the island's history and culture, as the seat of the Dewa Agung, nominally the highest of the old Balinese kings, as artistic centers, the palaces of Klungkung's kings and noblemen supported and developed the styles of music, drama and the fine arts that flourish until today.

By the end of 17 century the original Kerta Gosa, Hall of Justice, was erected. An exquisite example of the Klungkung style of painting and architecture, the present Kerta at the town's main intersection is beautifully laid out within its moat.

Three Brahmana priests acting as judges presided over this royal court which continued in existence through the Dutch occupation times.Cases were brought here only if they could not be settled among families or individual villages, as the Kerta was the island's highest court of justice and by far the strictest.

The Bale Kambang, the Floating Pavilion, equally decorated, was used by the attending royal family. Pan Semaris and Mangku Mura directed the present paintings in 1945. Two kilometers south, between Klungkung and Gelgel, lies the village of Kamasan, the present-day center of the Klungkung - style painters. Definitely that style is often called the Kamasan or wayang style, as it draws its main themes from Old Javanese literary classics. Brought here only if they could not be settled Kamasan is also a famous center of gold and silver smiths. In the shops of Klungkung one buy modern and antique Klunkung-style paintings, carvings, silverwork and silks.