Engraving

Today masters of engraving work mainly with such materials as copper and brass. Masters produce items of high quality. Patterns they use are elegant and rich. These qualities of patterns were borrowed from traditional Bukhara engraving. A lot of modern engraving masters took lessons from one of the most talented master, S. Khamidov. S. Khamidov in 1960s gave a new life to metal engraving. At that time this craft was almost forgotten. His students are now professionals and they are working in a workshop that was named after him. Together with traditional forms and patterns, modern masters are trying to find new shapes and create distinct styles. They often find inspiration in the great historical monuments in Bukhara. So they produce dishes and trays with images of ancient Bukharian buildings that are known world wide and are acknowledged to be a part of World Heritage. Some of the items they produce are serving only decorative purposes, because these items are no longer used. For example, hand washers called “dastshu” are impractical in our days, but engraving masters produce them as souvenirs. It is an interesting souvenir, because even by itself this item has interesting shape and after masters work on it, it becomes just wonderful.

 

Works of Sh. Ibodov, who lives and works in Bukhara, are recognized outside Uzbekistan. His jugs with engravings are exhibited in the capitals of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.