Foreword

We, at Global ALB, decided to try to tell the story of Uzbek folk art, about centuries-old traditions and modern schools, to acquaint the reader with masters and their works, and most importantly, to offer a useful application of masterpieces in everyday life, so that every hour, every moment they can bring value and joy to their owners.

The book

You can download the book

and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of the Uzbek crafts
here

Download

Artificers

Feedback

Sun Yun Vice-President, PAX Technology Limited, China.

Ever since my first trip to Uzbekistan, I have been fascinated by the country's local handicrafts. This beautiful country has connected East and West ever since the ancient "Silk Road" times. With their open minds, nourished by the abundance of history and culture around them, the Uzbek people have developed their unique folk art.

This book is recommended for anyone who wants to get a better understanding of Uzbek folk art. Use it as a handbook to navigate through the overwhelming treasures!

Adil Al-Zarooni CEO, Al-Zarooni Emirates Investments LLC

This is a beautiful book. I have always been interested in and curious about the different forms of Islamic art in Central Asia. This is a well-presented book of arts and artists. Beautiful pictures and storylines. Proud of you.

Vladimir Evtushenko President, ZAO “SmartCard Service”, Russia

The East. The very word wakes up the echoes of the ancient traditions. Deep beyond the mind's glance go the historical origins of the civilizations of the East: the extant evidence of greatness of thought and diligence of the peoples who lived here often come down to us just as if from fairy tales.

Luxury and exquisite beauty, unthinkably laborious work of masters of various arts for centuries has created the reputation of the East as the concentration of that which has no match in the world and everything, possessing which allows you to touch even the shadow of the greatness of the almighty eastern rulers.

Uzbekistan is one of the most ancient states of the Central Asia, its ancestors Kushan Empire and the State of Khorezmshahs were the richest states of their time. Historically the trade routes passed through Uzbekistan, the most famous one was - the Great Silk Road - where arts and crafts were cultivated and developed, and the productions of which were highly valued in the whole civilized world as items of the Royal luxury.

More...

The Book "Inspired by Centuries" is a small-scale encyclopedia of the applied art preserved from the deep pre-Christian times, and living on the hands and in the hearts of modern masters. . It is with great respect are presented in the book and named by their names the ordinary people who create essentially unique masterpieces.

Very humanly the portraits combine with almost infinitely wise eyes of masters and high-quality photos of their works. It should be noted the work of the Photographers, who managed to capture the overall mood of the book: made by the heart for people.

The interiors presented at the end of the Book appear an interesting synthesis and an informal conclusion. Stylistic harmony and subtle finds in the details of their works reconcile ancient ornaments and modern utilitarian rationalism. They are not subject to criticism of subjective and biased tastes since they have not changed for millennia which means they have really been petrified in their perfection.

The publishers of the book deserve heartful gratitude for the tremendous work done, as well as, their heroes for their works done with love. As for the readers we wish them - not to confine themselves to what has been seen and in responses to the invitation visit the country of the real masters of ancient arts. possibly there will appear a piece of the warmth created by their hands in your house as well.

Vladimir Sergeevich Tverdohlebov Honorary Artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan Almaty, Kazakhstan

It was with pleasure that I read the book about the artisans of Uzbekistan - a very beautiful and high quality edition. Great pictures. The beautiful faces of the master craftsmen, and the hands that create these fine and sophisticated masterpieces, deserve admiration.

I have always greatly respected those behind the arts and crafts of Uzbekistan.
Devoted to their work, despite the emergence of new technologies and simplified modern design, they have managed to preserve the ancient traditions and techniques of creating exquisite handicrafts of silk and wool, copper and silver, wood and ceramics.
Works created by the artisans of Uzbekistan have for centuries travelled along the Great Silk Road, acquainting the people of Asia and many nations of Europe with their masterpieces, and influencing their tastes. It is wonderful that we still have the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent works created by the master craftsmen of Uzbekistan. It is remarkable that the publishers and Uzbekistan credit their roots and promote their artisans and their art.

Mohammed Riaz Co-founder, Xtracap Fintech India Pvt. Ltd

'Art and Artist'

The compilation of Uzbek art and craft done by Global NA under leadership of Mr Shukhrat Fayzullaev is a remarkable effort. The Book is not just promoting Art but also recognizes the Artist behind the Art. Art and Artist are intertwined and cannot survive without each other. The attempt of Global NA under Project Manager, Ms Lola Wegrostek has to be applauded. The Book 'Inspired by Centuries" is a world class work, the book has been designed with a discerning touch which reflects the artist impressions of their work, which the book has described with equal finesse and sophistication.

More...

As an Indian, it’s easy for me to trace back some of the art work presented in this book in India from Uzbekistan, example; Wood Carving in Kashmir, Carpet Weaving etc.India was rule by the Mogul empire from 1500 AD. The first ruler Emperor Babur who conquered India was a direct decedent of Emperor Timur the Great from what now Uzbekistan. Unlike, the previous invaders from Central Asia, who used to plunder and leave, Mogul dynasty established its ruled India for more than 2 centuries. During the Mogul era, integration of Islam with the local communities was done through art and literature. Moguls period was a golden period during which time Indian Subcontinent contributed to a quarter of World's GDP. Art imported from Central Asia has survived for centuries in the subcontinent and adores some of the most magnificent monuments made by the Mogul dynasty. This remarkable transfer of knowledge and skills is the hallmark of civilization as it has evolved over the centuries.These skills besides other initiatives contributed to the economic power of Indian Subcontinent.The transfer of some of the best artistic practices between the regions can be witness through this book.

The new world order - Digital World is a challenge to a traditional artist in order to keep his work relevant to the time. In today’s world only the discerning customers keep the hope of an artist alive. It’s remarkable to note the institutional support structure available to the Artist in Uzbekistan through different associations and academies, where the skills and experience of these artist ensures their representation, which reflects the ethos of the Government programs to keep these artist relevant to modern times.

It’s evident that the patrons of such ancient art are normally well off, these patrons are generally from the developed economies who have the purchasing power to support the price charged by the artist for such painstaking handiwork. The work of each artist has its individual and unique footprint. However, it’s been observed that these artist tend to work on design concepts which have been in their family for centuries, which is more related to the local heritage. Patrons from developed world who consume such art on selective basis, as the same is not related to their design ideas. This team who has produced such wonderful work can be challenged in to educate the Artist of Uzbek to adopt stories,designs and depict heritage which these patrons can relate to, this could be would be transformational move.\ they will find higher acceptability in the market place. New designs and concepts relevant to the developed world would make these talented artist find new profitable markets. Such steps may ensure not just survival of the art and craft but also allow the same to travel to regions, as it did in the ancient past.

Mjusa Sever Director of Regional Dialogue, Slovenia-Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is full of fascinating art; local handicrafts are evidence of the immense and unrecognized talents of the people of Uzbekistan. Having lived among them for almost 15 years, I cannot help but wonder, and I`m still impressed by their patience and their unique passion for beauty, as reflected in their works.

This fantastic book attests to the kind of treasures that both women and men of this country continue to nurture, based on the old traditions of their unique Islamic civilization. I hope the artists will continue to share their knowledge, skills and devotion with the younger generation. Congratulations and thanks go to the authors who decided to share these documented testimonies with the world through such a beautiful book!

Sally Jones Bodmin Fine Art, UK

While reading this pictorial guide I have just been on a journey along the Silk Road to Samarkand. I left behind my pale, magnolia coloured walls and entered a world of intensity, saturating the senses.

The Uzbek artisans and master craftsmen and women using and teaching the traditional methods... and techniques in their ancient, hand-crafted skills struck me with the intensity of design and colour that is extraordinary. Fascinating, informative, thought provoking.