Uzbek ornament is known for its brightness and richness of colors, diversity, beauty and originality. Since ancient times, ornaments have been actively used in almost all spheres of Uzbek life.
Uzbek ornaments can be found in:
- clay and ceramic products of craftsmen
- wood carving
- decorative embroideries of craftswomen
- Uzbek fabrics and national costumes
- Uzbek carpets
- dishes
- jewelry
- ancient and modern buildings (mosques and minarets), etc.
The patterns served not only as decoration, but also conveyed a certain semantic connotation. The traditional Uzbek ornament mainly reflects nature, the animal and plant world.
There is often an image of a blooming garden, which, according to Uzbeks, is a symbol of fertility, happiness and well-being. Images of flowers have their own symbols: a red poppy is a beautiful girl, a tulip is a symbol of purity, a rose is a symbol of peace and beauty, wildflowers are a young man.
The pattern in the form of an almond fruit embroidered on the canvas was considered a symbol of longevity and health, the image of pepper was a symbol of protection from all evil and purification, and the image of a pomegranate meant wealth and abundance. People believed that they carried healing power and health.
Images of animals on ceramic products also carry a certain meaning. For example, it was believed that rooster’s feathers or colorful pheasant’s feathers, as well as the trace of a snake, protect from the evil eye, and curved ram horns meant strength and courage, the nightingale – the highest wisdom.
It is not uncommon to see architectural monuments decorated with inscriptions in Arabic.
Color plays an important role in the interpretation of Uzbek ornament. Color not only introduces rhythmic alternation into the composition of homogeneous motifs, but also creates an ornamental pattern, makes possible different perceptions of the same patterns. Due to its brightness and variety of colors, Uzbek products are very recognizable all over the world.
Uzbek patterns are characterized by those made mainly in blue, white, blue tones using yellow, red and brown colors.
Uzbek ornaments are an art and a part of culture that is carefully preserved to this day and passed down from generation to generation.
