Through the Ages: The Path of Porcelain into Central Asia

Over the centuries, porcelain items imported into this area came to be known as "chinni" - a word that reminds us of the Chinese origin of these beautiful objects.

In the ethnographic collection of the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan, there is a relatively modest but extremely important collection of porcelain and faience, which includes items from different corners of the world. Among them are two antique porcelain candlesticks from Germany, dating back to the late 18th century, and exquisite samples of Chinese and Japanese porcelain, each bearing the imprint of its unique culture.

Particularly noteworthy is the collection segment that includes porcelain and faience from Russian manufacturers such as the "Gardner" factory and the "Partnership for the Production of Porcelain and Faience Goods by M.S. Kuznetsov." These enterprises, which were among the largest porcelain manufacturers in Russia in the 19th and early 20th centuries, specialized in creating products intended for Eastern markets. Their products, known as "Eastern goods," were distinguished by high quality and adaptation to local tastes.

Porcelain bowls, platters, kosa (cups), various plates, teapots, and even hookahs – all were made with consideration for the needs and traditions of the peoples of Central Asia. The decoration of these items was bright and festive, often including local ornamental motifs and even inscriptions in Arabic, making each piece particularly valuable.

With the opening of the Tashkent Porcelain Factory in 1953, the museum's collection was enriched with unique models produced at the factory. These products, including bowls, teapots, and platters, were not only of high quality but also paid special attention to commemorative production. The factory produced vases and services with patterns such as "Pakhta," "Atlas," "Golden Deer," and others.

You can learn more about the topic in the book-album "The Collection of the State Museum of the History of Uzbekistan" (Part 2, Volume XXVII) in the series "Сultural legacy of Uzbekistan in the world collections". 

The general sponsor of the project is the oilfield services company Eriell-Group.