Handmade Wood Tin & Aluminum Jewelry Box with Brass Accents - Chic Hexagon

Artisan Organization: Ubaydulla Kasimov

Country: Silk Road

"My name is Ubaydulla Kasimov and I hail from Uzbekistan. I come from a long line of craftsmen, but it was my father who truly set the course of my life. He was a master chest maker, a true artisan whose hands could turn wood into works of art.

"My family wasn't wealthy by any means; my mother, God bless her, was a devoted housewife, and together they raised a brood of nine children, each of us a testament to their love and perseverance. Despite our humble beginnings, my father's craft ignited a spark within me. I watched him, wide-eyed, as he breathed life into pieces of timber, transforming them into exquisite chests that would grace the homes of the fortunate.

"As I grew older, my fascination with the world of art deepened. After completing my school years, I pursued my passion at a higher educational institution, specializing in art graphics. It was during these formative years that I realized my calling, not just as an artist but as a teacher as well. I took up a position as a painting and drawing instructor at a local high school, imparting the knowledge and love for art to the next generation.

"After some time, I joined a creative enterprise, a place where my skills could flourish. Here, I had the privilege of collaborating with artisans from diverse backgrounds. This exposure broadened my horizons, and I began to envision the fusion of artistry and chest making. I yearned to elevate the craft to an art form. And so, my journey into the world of fine chest making began.

"I started with smaller chests, experimenting with various materials like tin, metal, and leather. The technique of skin embossing fascinated me, and I mastered it to add intricate details to my creations. Each chest I crafted was a piece of my soul, a manifestation of my passion.

"My artistic endeavors did not stop at chest making. I delved into miniature drawing, a realm where every stroke of the brush held immense significance. Currently, I am pouring my heart and soul into a book, a collection of the timeless rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. Each page is adorned with a miniature masterpiece, and I use natural embossed skin to enhance the book's beauty.

"Life is always better when shared with a kindred spirit, and my wife, a creative soul herself, often joins me in my artistic pursuits. Together, we create wonders that transcend the boundaries of imagination.

"In my personal life, I am blessed with three children, all of whom have started families of their own. I am a proud grandfather to ten energetic and curious grandchildren, each a potential artist in the making.

"As I look back on my journey, from my humble workshop to international exhibitions and a family enriched by creativity, I am grateful for the legacy my father passed down to me. I carry his passion for chest making, and I strive to preserve the beauty of artistry for generations to come.""