'Antiques are great but may be difficult to get out of the country'
'Antiques are great but may be difficult to get out of the country'




'Various brass items are for sale in the Feruz Khan madrassah'
'Various brass items are for sale in the Feruz Khan madrassah'







There are also smithies at work in other workshops outside the Ichan Kala'
There are also smithies at work in other workshops outside the Ichan Kala'

Today the ring of the hammer on anvil can still be heard in the Ichan Kala as the traditional craft of copper and brass chasing and embossing has been revived. Alongside the old antique water pourers and water pipes flash freshly polished, hand crafted new ones with none of their predecessors hassles when it comes to taking them out of the country. These include water pouters, snuff boxes, water pipes, perfume vials and elegant butterfly knives.

It is possible to see ustas (masters) at work inside the Feruz Khan Madrassah and also in one of the small stalls near the Kaltor Minor. Here ustas teach their apprentices, although the youngest usta, Nodir, is fourteen and is younger than his apprentices.

There are also a number of smithies outside the old city which feel a little more authentic and where it is also possible to pick up some nice craftsmanship as well as soaking up the atmosphere.
To see some of the finer examples of Khiva's rich tradition in brass and copper work, visit the Islam Hoja museum and the Feruz Khan Madrassah.

'A dazzling display of modern work'
'A dazzling display of modern work'





'Nodir, the youngest usta in Khiva, trained in Bukhara'
'Nodir, the youngest usta in Khiva, trained in Bukhara'





Metal Works in the Past
 
Back to Crafts