Ewer with pomegranate shaped spout, 12th century.

Museum of the History of the

Peoples of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

 

 

The art of engraving of Kharezm

 

The art of engraving of Khwarezm, during the early Middle Ages, was also influenced by several tendencies, but less perceptible than in other regions of Central Asia. The oldest objects date from the second half of the 13th century, the most recent ones from the beginning of the 15th century. All vases made in this region have about the same shape: a half-spherical body soldered onto a ring-shaped pedestal.

 

The representations of the medallions are hammered inside; the side in relief being turned towards the outside. The designs reflect a certain number of themes which played an important role in the cult of local mythology, even though certain representations reveal a Hindu influence.

 

 

The art of engraving of Sogdian

 

The Sogdian art of engraving embodies the specific features of the style of those days and its diverse tendencies in a brilliant way; even though it was influenced by several schools, it became independent around the 6th and 7th centuries. This demonstrated itself through a freer attitude towards existing models, by means of an enrichment of decorative themes and a more vivid and dynamic artistic mode of expression. Great diversity distinguishes the shapes of the silver containers and the procedures used for their ornamentation. Thus, slender jugs with thin necks and large pear-shaped bodies, semi-spherical bowls, round dishes, small cups, several figures with ring-handles, all embellished with chiselled and engraved designs appeared.

 

Supernatural representations of senmourves (half-bird, half-dogs), winged camels, and goats with ritual ribbons have a specific place within the decoration of the Sogdian art of engraving. The monumental and powerful plastic quality of their shapes, the steady and dynamic lines are characteristic of their style. The representation of real animals: deer, lions, ducks, in free and varied poses, is also specific to the Sogdian art of engraving.