Wonders of Uzbekistan. Ceramics by Alisher Nazirov from Rishtan
From 20th of August to 7th of September
Riga City Council
Ratslaukums 1, Riga LV–1539
Event is free to attend.
Art of Rishton ceramics – artistic craft of Uzbekistan / Centuries-old traditions
A unique technology if ceramics production has been developed in Rishton since ancient times. The local ceramists, or kuzagar, consider themselves descendants of pottery founders and the keepers of the ancient traditions. Rishton ceramics is distinguished by high technological and artistic qualities.
According to master Alisher Nazirov, “The one [clay] from Rishton is the leader in plasticity. One needs no additives for viscosity or solidity which are usually used by the ceramists. We use only water and clay! No chemical additives at any stage!”
The secret of stability of Rishton pottery school lies in the uninterrupted connection between several generations of masters, when father’s work is shared by his sons; the disciples continue their Masters’ craft.
Thin and tinkling articles covered with elaborate ornaments – Rishton ceramics is distinguished by a special flavour of all lapis lazuli and turquoise shades. The patterns reproduce the diversity of the surrounding world: flowers, tree branches and fruit. Today, as it was hundreds of years ago, ceramics is painted manually. The masters reveal their individuality in the unique manner of painting, while maintaining the strict canons of traditional folk art.
Alisher Nazirov. 40 years of mastery
Alisher Nazirov, a master-instructor from Rishton, is an outstanding modern Uzbek ceramist whose works are exhibited at RUMI FEST in Riga this year. This is the anniversary year for Alisher Nazirov – the master is going to turn 60 years of age. In this context, exhibitions are also planned in Taskent, Moscow and Tokyo.
As is customary in the East, Alisher Nazirov began studying the craft from a young age. His teachers were the best Rishton masters: Usto Eliboy Daliev, Usto Abdukadyr and his son Kimsanboy Abdukadyrov.
Alisher Nazirov is a member of the artistic union at the Art Academy of Uzbekistan.
He has made a significant contribution into the preservation of the cultural heritage of his country, having restored the ancient traditional forms and patterns of Rishton ceramics discovered by archaeologists, which he later transferred to ceramic articles.
Alisher Nazirov’s works are included in the collections of the State Arts Museum of Uzbekistan, Artistic Exhibitions Directorate at the Art Academy of Uzbekistan, the State Museum of Oriental Art in Moscow, the Ethnography Museum in St. Petersburg, as well as Novosibirsk Arts Museum.