Uzbek Handcrafts

Uzbek craftsmen throughout the generations continue to create wonderful pieces of art and revive old techniques used by their ancestors. Their works are in great demand among admirers of oriental arts. Numerous galleries and private collections of the world are decorated by their masterpieces. As in old times, today Samarkand is one of the largest centers of handicrafts in Uzbekistan. Descendants of ancient artisan schools of chasers, carvers, needlewomen and potters live and work in this city. The most difficult restoration works are never carried out without their participation. Nowadays, such masters are in great demand and their works are very popular. Thus, carved wooden handmade gates decorate almost all private yards of prosperous Samarkandians.

Ganch carving of Uzbek masters is one of the most widespread methods used in ornamental vegetative and geometric arabesque constructions. The difficult art of creating voluminous stalactite-like cornices is a special branch of ganch carving. Another type of decorative ganch works is a delicate carving of lattices called pandjara.

The traditions of carpet weaving of Uzbekistan are very ancient. They appeared as a result of people's labor and creative development. Carpets, which are made by women working at home and mainly living in rural areas of Uzbekistan, are perfect both in terms of their technique and design.

In the Middle Ages, the art of gold embroidery was only men's occupation. Today usually young girls occupy themselves with this type of handicraft. There are two schools in Uzbekistan: the one in Bukhara and the other one in Samarkand. They differ from each other by their paintings. Masters in Bukhara use uninterrupted ornaments while in Samarkand this ornament consists of flowers.

Governmental policies has been developed in order to provide help to craftsmen and create a sustainable environment as well as to encourage appreciation of Uzbek people towards their heritage and traditional cultural values. The revival of traditions of the Uzbek handicraft has become integral for preservation of the national culture.