Lacquered Walnut Wood Jewelry Box with Maiden Scene - Memories from the Maiden

Artisan Organization: Mukhamedali

Country: Silk Road

"I was born in the city of Bukhara, and I grew up in a craftsman's family. This played a big role in my life. My father was the first artisan in our generation. From a young age, he began to teach me.

"I continue his work and teach my sons, and I hope in the future they will continue our family craft. As a child, I watched my father, with what awe and soul he created various beautiful pieces of hand-painted lacquer art. My father instilled in me a love for the family craft. From the beginning, I closely followed the process and then gradually adopted his skill, and I continue to this day.

"I have a family and three children. The eldest son is twenty-one years old and he is already a skilled craftsman who helps me and monitors the correct performance of the work of other students. The middle son is sixteen years old and he is also very fond of the process of working in wood. And the youngest daughter, who is seven years old, inspires us to create various bright colorful boxes with her requests.

"Our designs are liked by local people, who buy them for home decoration because they see our national motifs in them.

"There are ten people working and studying in my workshop now, all aged fifteen and over. Everyone has a special task. For example, two or three students grind chess pieces. Other workers paint miniatures with watercolor on silk paper, and older workers cover figurines and other products with varnish.

"We purchase all our materials locally and use traditional design in our work, as we are inspired by our culture, traditions and rich history. We try to repeat the whole unique palette of colors and motifs that our ancestors used in creating paintings of minarets, mosques, madrassas and in scenes from ancient books.

"Our work is distinguished by bright colors, beautiful national patterns, ornaments. The ancient Bukhara ornamentation that we use in our works is called Ederma. This style was used in the residence of the Emir of Bukhara and we often visit historical sites in Bukhara to get inspired by creative ideas. I dream that my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren will continue our craft so that we have a dynasty of artisans of the Khamroev family.

"I am a craftsman and I am glad of my vocation. I try to work hard and develop a hereditary business. My friends support me and inspire me.""