Hand-Painted Ceramic Beaded Necklace from Uzbekistan (Small) - Spring Colors

Artisan Organization: Elena Gaponova

Country: Silk Road

"My name is Elena Gaponova and my journey in ceramics began at the age of 15-16. Three years later, I received an order to reproduce beads from the archaeologist Pugachenkova. She requested replicas of 17th-18th century Samarkand city beads. This marked the beginning of my journey in crafting clay jewelry.

Historically, ceramics has been a prominent craft in our region. I use local clay, sourcing colored clays from Isfara, a region near Samarkand, and from the Angren coal basin in the city of Angren. Angren clay offers light shades and various tones, while Isfara clay is the darkest. The clay from Angren comes in different colors, which is quite fascinating. I meticulously handcraft all the beads. Beads without glaze retain their natural colors. I work independently and handle all aspects of my craft. I spent 12 years as a teacher in a children's ceramics studio before retiring and pursuing freelance art.

All my designs originate from my creativity. I draw inspiration from my own ideas and not from the work of others. I have a penchant for archaeological jewelry and an interest in the ethnography of ancient cultures.

My creations have found homes all over the world, which brings me joy. I have a particular memory of a friend who traveled to Peru wearing my jewelry. The locals admired her clay beads, and she left them with some as a gift. It's a dream of mine to visit Peru.

I learned the value of hard work from my family. Both my father and mother survived the Second World War. My father, a geologist, worked across the USSR, and my mother was a doctor. I am a person of calm and patience.

We are all guests in this world and should honor the privilege of residing on this planet. I resonate with the phrase from Exupery's book, The Little Prince: 'Get up in the morning, put yourself in order, put your planet in order.'""