Its collections represent about 150,000 exhibits including highly artistic works including household items, highly artistic works of decorative and applied arts and an exceptional set of photographs.
Thanks to access to the state art funds, the collection of high-quality objects in terms of esthetics and craftsmanship increased. Due to the offers on the international art market metalwork and ceramics from Khurasan and Mawaraunnahr were acquired. Their use in exhibitions obviously was the main selection criterion. The Oriental collection has become a collection of world-wide significance and even the world’s leading one in some areas (metal of Khurasan). The origin of many things, however, remained conjectural.
Among the remarkable examples of architectural décor is the carved decorated tile with monochrome green glaze, presumably originating from Samarkand, was acquired from one art-dealer. Other tiles from the museum collection belong to the Temurid era. Some wood objects (shutter and several doors) can be attributed to “Central Asia” (13th – 20th centuries) but there is no more detailed information on their origin.
You can learn more about the topic in the book-album "Collections of the Federal Republic of Germany" (volume XI) in the series "Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan in the World Collections".
The main sponsor of the project is the oilfield services company Eriell-Group.