Copper embossing

The embossing is one of the oldest world’s applied crafts. The most ancient products are dated from the IV century B.C., the “bronze age”. On the territory of Central Asia, this art has reached its flowering in XV century, under the Amir Timur’s and his dynasty ruling. Craftsmen used the standard bronze in their ordinary work till XV century, but, valuable goods were made from bronze- alloy of seven metals: copper, tin, zinc, silver, golf, ferrum and Saturn.  In course of time, bronze was replaced by copper and latten. Latten is an alloy of zinc with other metals.

Craftsmen produced several hammered works, such as: water jugs, tea cups, trays, plates, caskets, smokers’ articles, inkpots, pencil cases and cassolettes.

Masters used floral and geometric pattern in decoration of their products. The most popular type of art works was ornamental style “islimi”- the ornament of twined flowers, leafs and buds.

Since XIX – beginning XX centuries, the hammered dishes began decorated with setting of semiprecious stones and transparent glass on the colored ground, to make works more colorful and expressive.

Craftsmen’s carving instruments are quite simple. The present instruments almost haven’t changed since the ancient time: cutters of different sizes, little hummer with handle slightly thickened at the end, divider (compasser) for metal.

Presently, this art is regenerated in Uzbekistan. Embossing used to décor life and religious items. There are two tips of Uzbek embossing: deep relief (kan-dakori) and flat (naksh).

Uzbek metal embossing schools are vary in regions. Productions of these schools differ from each other with depth of relief, ornament and shape.

Khiva masters make water jugs with flattened and ribbed flanks. The embossing is quite deep. Besides the floral ornaments, designs in the shape of medallion and fancy ornaments are illustrative of Khiva wares.

A common feature of Karshi and Shakhrisabz goods is a variety of shapes. Craftsmen designed a unique construction of the wash jugs in the shape of cotton ball. Its petals open when the item is moved. Shakhrisabz masters decorate the embossing with cover plates; medallions with inserts from turquoise and colored glass; colored back ground and surface.

From of old, wares of Bukhara masters were the most popular. Their embossing was notable for deep relief and grooved ground. Wares are frequently decorated with calligraphic signs.

The Samarkand embossing kept its original art traditions. Vessel’s handles are laced with fine figured patterns. Floral ornament represents an antique flower with four petals.

One of the oldest centers of art embossing is in Fergana Valley. Margilan craftsmen produce vessels for water and tea using a common amygdalate design – “kalampir”. Traditional copper lams and candelabrums are produced in Fergana only. Lank and slim vessels in the shape of duck can be found among Kokand’s jugs. The floral design of Kokan’d wares is not deep, but sharp and thick with small parts. Additionally, wares are encrusted with turquoise, jacinth and corals.

Traditional Tashkent embossing school is close to Kokand’s one. Its only differs with scaled-up floral patterns, geometrical ornaments reminds those in wood carving, including “pargori” style.