Rustam Usmanov and Damir Usmanov

Uzbekistan

Year(s) attended: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

Blue Rishtan 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 Damir combine traditional forms and designs with original shapes and motifs. Rustam’s work is exhibited at the Hermitage Museum among others.

Rustam Usmanov received the UNESCO Award of Excellence in 2006.