Uzbekistan is famous for one of the richest heritages in pottery.
Pottery is among the most significant and ancient branches of national handicrafts. The magnificent ceramics created by Uzbek artisans are charmed by their beauty and finesse, not only bringing aesthetic pleasure but also serving practical purposes in everyday life.
A remarkable feature of Uzbekistan’s pottery tradition is the diversity of its regional schools, each with unique techniques and styles that remain unparalleled.
Art historians note that during the 20th century, major pottery schools and centers were established across present-day Uzbekistan. These include the Samarkand-Bukhara school, represented by centers in Tashkent, Samarkand, Urgut, Bukhara, Gijduvan, Shahrisabz, Kitob, Kattakurgan, and Denov. The Fergana school is represented by centers in Rishtan and Gurumsaroy, while the Khorezm school includes Khanka, Modir village, Kattabagh, and Chimboy. Each of these centers has preserved its unique local characteristics, ensuring that no school imitates another.
For instance, Rishtan pottery is renowned for its elegant patterns and the dominance of emerald, and soft green tones. In contrast, Gurumsaroy pottery features larger patterns and tones such as yellowish, brown, and fiery red.
Currently, more than 20 master potters and nearly 7,000 apprentices are actively working in Rishtan. Each artisan supports 30 to 50 families by providing employment opportunities. Residents engage in home-based tasks such as decorating finished ceramic products, ranging from practical household items to artistic pottery. These traditions enable large segments of the population to secure stable incomes and employment without significant capital investment.
Pottery in Uzbekistan is more than just a profession—it is a way of life and a lifelong passion for many craftsmen. Their works have earned international recognition, adorning museums and homes worldwide. Famous masters are Alisher Nazirov from Rishtan, Akbar Rahimov from Tashkent, Alisher Narzullaev from Gijduvan, and Nu’mon Oblokulov (an eighth-generation artisan from the Urgut school).
Today, Uzbekistan is making extensive efforts to preserve and promote this ancient craft with initiatives aimed at integrating pottery traditions into homes, neighborhoods, offices, and organizations as symbols of national pride. Furthermore, Uzbekistan is working to introduce its pottery to global markets and foster collaborations with potters from other countries.
In summary, Uzbekistan’s commitment to safeguarding and developing its traditional crafts has allowed artisans to continue their work even in challenging conditions. This dedication is yielding positive results across all handicraft sectors, including pottery.