Ceramic plates.

 

 

Modern times

 

In the beginning of the 16th century, ceramics still pursued the traditions of the previous century, but in the beginning of the 17th century, cobalt-blue, very expensive because it was imported, was replaced by colouring of inferior quality, and silicate was replaced by clay. These changes reflect the general aspect of ceramic crockery in the 17th and 18th centuries: it is less refined and its inside surface is thicker.

 

Glazed ceramics of the 19th and early 20th centuries attained less perfection than they had throughout the 9th and 16th centuries, but the simplicity of their shapes and the glossy joyful ornamentation confers great originality on these objects. The decoration remained traditional, based on plant and geometrical designs; in the middle of the 19th century, painted subjects representing simple objects were added on the large round dishes: teapots, guns, and knifes. And, still today, traditional ceramic works have a considerable importance in everyday life of the people in Central Asia.

 

 

Metals

 

The artistic work concerning metals is influenced by the arts of bordering regions. Nevertheless, the works produced in Central Asia have unquestionably great originality. The unity of style of the art of engraving is noticeable at almost every stage of its development, even though the particularities of each local school are preserved.