As we know, Uzbek ceramics and pottery art has been one of the most ancient types of applied art in Uzbekistan. Uzbek pottery schools in the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Ferghana Valley have been contributing to the enrichment of cultural diversity and human creativity until today. Thus, UNESCO Inscribed the Ceramic Arts in Uzbekistan on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2023.
This year, Uzbekistan participates in the International Pottery Fair held in Germany for the first time. The participation of our country in this cultural event was reported by famous German online publication in Bavaria MERKUR.DE.
The article notes that on May 9-12, the German federal state of Bavaria welcomes potters from all over the world. The number of participants at the 22nd International Pottery Fair has increased by one more country, and Uzbekistan is expected to take part in this international craft event for the first time.
“The big novelty of the event is the fact that the founder of one of the Samarkand pottery schools, Ilkhom Bobomurodov, will present his products at the pottery market for the first time.
The ceramics fair in the German city of Diessen am Ammersee, attracting artisans from an increasing number of countries, once again proves that art and culture are a symbolic sign of mutual understanding between peoples,” the publication reports, quoting the head of the fair, Wolfgang Lösche.
The article also states that this pottery market is not only a communication platform for famous craftsmen, but also an excellent opportunity for young talents to express themselves, get acquainted with innovative ideas and new approaches.
“Visitors to the fair will have the opportunity to learn the secrets of pottery techniques and communicate with craftsmen. “The International Pottery Fair will serve to build a bridge of friendship between cultures, starting with the ancient traditional methods of pottery, which are considered the cultural heritage of different countries,” concludes Merkur.de.
Traditionally, the knowledge related to creating ceramic art was transmitted informally within families in Uzbekistan, from father to son and from grandfather to grandson. Today, an increasing number of potters are now willing to transmit this knowledge to youth from the community and to their daughters and spouses, thereby increasing ceramics production. New potters are trained first by observation, then involvement in different stages of the process and finally by working on their own.
The practice is also transmitted through community art circles, universities, colleges and art schools, as well as at festivals, craft fairs and exhibitions. In addition to its historical and functional significance and artistic value.
Uzbek ceramic and pottery items used in daily life, as well as the souvenirs and gifts, are also in demand among tourists who travel to Uzbekistan. Travelers from all over the world purchase and take Uzbek pottery products to their homeland as they visit Uzbekistan.
