In the history of civilizations periods of decline were often followed by remarkable upswing of spiritual culture. And that was also the case with Uzbekistan at the 21st century, when the country gained its independence. Thanks to the initiatives of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov and comprehensive governmental support the country was able not only to revive national artistic crafts, but also to take them as well as applied arts on the whole to a new level of development within a historically short span of 25 years. The goal of this album, which has no parallel elsewhere in the world, is to present the artistic accomplishments of Uzbekistan`s craftspeople, known as usto in local parlance. It unveils in colorful form the distinctive features of the artistic techniques of masters from ancient Uzbekistan`s leading regions. Their art commands high mastery and commitment to centuries - old traditions. Their impressive skills and remarkable imagination that translate into amazing forms and ornamental patterns are the result of aspirations for perfection and creation of worthy conditions for their creative endeavors. However, it would be impossible to achieve these heights without the rich experience of generations of craftsmen that contemporary artisans rely on. They not only take good care of the priceless legacy of their ancestors by providing artistic interpretation and lending modern spirit to their artistic esthetic, but also tirelessly share secrets of their crafts with the new generation that has grown up in a free country that is struggling to build a great future.