Toreutics in Uzbekistan: Revival of Tradition

Artifacts created by skilled craftsmen such as Mukim-Mirza, Mutum Hodji, and Usto Hamid Nakosh became an integral part of the local residents' daily life. These products not only met everyday needs but were also highly appreciated at various exhibitions for their elegance of form and craftsmanship.

During the period from 1920 to 1940, when craft cooperatives were actively functioning in Uzbekistan, the copper embossing craft experienced a new surge in activity. However, the 1960s marked the closure of these cooperatives, leading to a sharp decline in the production of copper-embossed items. This represented a significant blow to the preservation of the region's craft traditions.

With the onset of the 1990s, in an era of revival of national culture, the government adopted a series of decisions aimed at supporting and developing folk crafts, including copper embossing. Thanks to these efforts, copper embossing once again began to occupy an important place in Uzbekistan's cultural life, restoring lost traditions and attracting interest both among locals and tourists.

The works of copper embossing art from Tashkent, displayed in the local museum's collection, testify to the rich history and craftsmanship of local artisans. Among the exhibits, one can find both utilitarian items and decorative elements: from vessels for water and tea to beautiful hunting drums and jewelry boxes. Each item in the collection carries the imprint of time and the history of the craftsmen who created these unique works.

The 1950s and 1960s marked a new stage in the development of embossing – copper products were decorated with narrative scenes based on sketches by professional artists. The total number of copper-embossed items in the ethnographic collection of the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan exceeds 500 samples.

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.