Rustam Usmanov

Uzbekistan

Blue Ceramic Pottery

The blue ceramics of the village of Rishtan, made from unique local clay, have been famous for centuries. Forms are made on a foot-kicked pottery wheel, then hand-painted and glazed with metal oxide. When the collapse of the Soviet Union closed the local factory in 1998, Rustam, who designed patterns there, continued production in his home workshop. While ceramics historically reflect intricate geometric forms and designs common in the region, Rustam and his workers combine traditional forms and designs with original shapes and motifs. His work is exhibited at the Hermitage Museum among others.