RISHTAN
Rishtan is the azure treasure of the Ferghana Valley, known along with Gijduvan as the center of the Uzbekistan ceramics. Ancient traditions are not only carefully preserved here, but also continue to develop, taking on new forms through the caring hands of master Alisher Nazirov. Without visiting his workshop, where modern ceramics masterpieces of the Rishtan school are born, made according to ancient samples, it is impossible to imagine any tour of the Ferghana Valley. In the workshop, you can not only watch the painstaking work and dexterous movements of Nazirov but also take a direct part in the production of ringing ceramic masterpieces.
To create enamel is used a special herb, which is collected in the spring in mountainous areas, and then burned in a furnace. The ash is extracted, and after several more stages of heat treatment, it is finely ground. The composition is mixed with metal oxides and the result is an unusual dye used in the decoration of vases, lagans (huge plates), and bowls. The mixture, in turn, also undergoes heat treatment, undergoing extreme incandescence, and then cooling. This is how dyes of shining blue, sky blue, and dark chestnut shades are obtained. Enamel inherits thermal characteristics - in such dishes, hot liquid retains heat, and cold keeps cool.
In the spacious workshop of the Nazirov, there is an extensive collection of ancient ceramics, from which you can study the symbolism and history of the artisans who lived in the Valley. Of course, these ancient artifacts are not for sale, as they are a special pride of the House, but everything else can be bought, even what is made by hand. Thanks to an exciting master class, you will be able to better understand the soul of clay and its philosophy.