Uzbek crafts that affect imagination
I think the journey is successful if there are at least three components: impressive natural or architectural beauty, a variety of local cuisine and unique things and souvenirs that can only be bought in the place where visited.
As for the last item, Uzbekistan has exceeded all expectations. Yes, I heard about the famous Samarkand bazaars and Bukhara, but who could imagine that real masterpieces are sold in some shops!
The first discovery of us is overtaken in Tashkent. Near the Tila-Sheik complex we stumbled upon the store with embroidery.
Before the trip, I read about Uzbek Susan – the traditional embroidery of silk threads. It turned out that we were offered from the start to meet one of the best masters. Her name is Madina Kasimbayev, and she creates ambitious things.
Later we looked around and found out that they embroider in almost all regions, and a pillowcase, a tablecloth, a bag or rattle with suzane of good quality can be bought in any city of Uzbekisitan. For example, here are:
But in the works of Madina there is some kind of magic. They want to admire what I do. It’s not just in embroidery, but also as the rod of the things themselves. If other masters allow themselves to embroider on the faded tissue with synthetic or woolen threads, then Madina embroides only with silk. Kilogram of unpainted thread buys for $ 100. Things sit down on the figure perfectly, the colors of the thread are selected with taste, the shoes are comfortable, normal lifting and block, beautiful fittings on bags and shoes.
Prices are as follows: embellished shirts and bathrobes – about $ 500, boots – $ 250, clutches and bags $ 35-150. Unfortunately, my budget for this trip did not provide for unnecessary waste. I bought myself embroidered backpacks and a tunic for 17 and $ 20 in another place. My purchases are also very cute, but boldly recognize that to the quality of the works of this master they are far. And I sincerely rejoice at our fellow traveler, who had the opportunity to purchase several her masterpieces. By the way, when our girl was traded, Madina’s father, though he lost a few dozen dollars, but said that today earned about $ 500. So on big discounts hope is not worth it – there are buyers for such beauty every day. Thanks to a significant purchase, we were invited to visit dinner. So nice "Bonus" – Distinctive feature of Uzbek sellers. It was very interesting to see what love and good things were created by purchased things, it would be familiar with the rest of the family, play with children and taste raft Uzbek dishes.
Most of the masters have created himself, but over time he connected his brothers to work. It also has a student. And at the weekend, Madina is free to embroider children with disabilities. But in general, the family is trying to defend against competitors – the lessons of embroidery do not give anyone, other masters are not allowed to photograph things. Nevertheless, I hope the Casimbaev family will not be angry with me, if I post a photo of some things close-up to give an idea of how beautiful they are.
Another discovery – Master of Chacking Anwar Kombanov from Bukhara. He coins here such wonderful copper, bronze and brass dishes. It spends on one dish about five months – coins in the fall and in winter, when fewer tourists and trade.
Checking Anwar studied at the local madrasa, and deals with this since childhood. Now he reached this level of skill, which can train the craft of others.
– This student is very capable. If it goes on and on, then, after four, it will be as well as well, as I have, – says Master. Work student:
As Anvar explains, there are several methods of chasing: lightweight when the background, on which patterns are shut off, is painted dark paint, and more complex when the background is powered by a millimeter, and then dims. Also, the chasing can be a two-layer and more complex three-layer. Compare: on the first photo of a chasing with a painted background, and then – more complicated.
Patterns for dishes Anwar invents himself. They are called Islam. By the way, there is a fashion on Islam. And according to the nature of the patterns, it is possible to determine in what years these or other products were minted. Some dishes are predetermined quotes from the Quran on Arabic.
After the drawing "ripened" on paper, it is transferred to the dish with a copy. To make it convenient to clean, the bitumen is poured under the dish. Then it does not break into the metal, and the product does not move during operation.
On street layout Anwar sells "cheap" Dishes, plates for tourists – $ 100-600. And interested in the store and shows the real works of art. Price relevant – $ 1.5-2.7 thousand per dish.
Pleasantly struck that Uzbeks can trade and do it with pleasure. And if they see interest in their goods, they are glad to show them and talk about them. Even if you don’t buy anything, they are very happy when interest is being taken to things.
Another discovery – Jewelry shops Bukhara. It is clear that jewelry is a matter of taste, but personally I love handling rings and earrings, let them imidey, but the only one of a kind. And for me, shopping streets Bukhara is paradise. I especially liked the products that are made in the image and likeness of the ancient Uzbek jewelry.
Compare, these are decorations exhibited in the Khiva Museum:
I especially liked the products from turquoise, which in Uzbekistan in large numbers. Here is my Skarb:
From extruded turquoise even sovilye eyes.
Prices for the handicraft jeweler, as for me, overestimated. Maybe they seem like me after India. But no one has canceled the bargaining and discounts, and the thing for $ 60 is a conspicuous sellers with pleasure give for $ 45.
Here is such a wonderful girl sold me earring and ring.
Well, finally, I want to mention the wood masters. Obviously, thread is the traditional craft that has developed for centuries. Such doors of the 15th century of the Persian Masters are located in the complex of Shahi-Zinda. Contemporaries have, who have to learn and inspire.
In Khiva, we visited the madrasa, where children and adolescents teach a joyar case. Boys train on caskets and kitchen boards, and their teachers create furniture and elegant doors.
One such door costs 4-6 $ with delivery to your country. You can invite the masters, it will cost cheaper, but there is a risk of not finding the desired wood.
Beautiful wooden doors can be found everywhere – in the photo The first door in our hotel with accommodation in 15 $ C man. Absolutely all doors in carved rooms! Let work not megaakkurata, but people try to decorate residential spaces.
