Uzbek arts and crafts

Nakkoshi

• Nakkoshi - Masters of ornamental painting usually practiced ghanch and wood architectural painting simultaneously. The most noted masters of wall painting were the Bukhara nakkoshi of the last century. The art of masters from Samarkand, Tashkent, Khiva, and other cities of Uzbekistan is renowned. Carved wood played a considerable role in the architectural decor in Uzbekistan, and was also much used in the production of household goods: props, chests for blankets, drawers, caskets, pencil-boxes, elegant little ottomans, national musical instruments, and decorative many-sided little tables or bedside tables

Vessels and other household articles out of pumpkin

• The production of different vessels and other household articles out of pumpkin, often with original ornamental decoration, exists in many nations of the world. In Uzbekistan, pumpkin is a popular material for various articles, but the most popular are snuffboxes made from pumpkins specially cultivated for this purpose. Uzbek snuffboxes vary in shape, size, and decoration. Their production involves a sophisticated process of painting, patterned toning and polishing, finishing with noble metal and coloured jewels.

Copper-embossed

• Copper-embossed articles have been popular among the local population since olden times. Alongside their utilitarian function, they are much valued as decorative items. Embossed copperware is often exhibited on shelves as part of the decorative furniture of the house.

Fabric design in Uzbekistan

• Fabric design in Uzbekistan is an outstanding example of folk art. In it past and present are wonderfully combined - the traditions of ancient folk art woven together with the knowledge and understanding of modern times. The art of decorative fabric acts as a kind of history book, reflecting its centuries- old development, and embodying the creative work of many thousands of talented masters and artists.

Jewels

• Masters or zaghars mostly created pieces from silver, less often from gold, combining noble metals with various jewels: precious, sparkling, such as ruby, emerald, sapphire; semiprecious, matt, opaque, but of bright and rich colours, such as pearls, turquoise, cornelian, jasper, corals, as well as multicoloured sparkling glass pieces, and mastic beads that came into common use from the second half of 19th century.