Miniature & Calligraphy

Uzbek miniature is a recognized cultural treasure, included by UNESCO in the list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Its fine detailing, vibrant colors, and intricate compositions with historical and cultural themes make this art unique and recognizable worldwide.

Originally, miniatures were commissioned by the upper classes to decorate valuable handwritten books, manuscripts, and chronicles.
They served as a testament to the artist’s mastery: the finer and more vivid the drawing, the higher the value of the work.
Miniatures were also part of interior decor, adorning luxury items in the homes of wealthy merchants and in the palaces of eastern khans.
They often depicted historical chronicles, scenes of hunting and battles, gatherings, and festive banquets.
In Islamic culture, depicting Allah and giving images a sacred status is forbidden; however, images of people and animals are permitted for decorative purposes, especially in refined miniatures created to adorn interiors and books.

The process of creating a miniature is complex and labor-intensive: the image is applied with specially made brushes from natural materials, requiring a steady hand, sharp eyesight, patience, and a vivid imagination.

Master Umid Mavlonov, who continues his family’s tradition of this art, will introduce guests to the history and techniques of Uzbek miniature painting.
His grandfather and great-grandfather were calligraphers, and his father, Toshpulat Mavlyanov, became a recognized master of miniature art, passing on his love for the craft to his son.
Over time, Umid not only dedicated his life to miniature painting but also inspired his wife, Nigora Mavlyanova, and their children to embrace this art form.
He first became acquainted with the brush during his school years and continued his path as an artist at the Kamoliddin Behzod National Institute of Arts and Design in Tashkent.
Later, he received his education at the Bashkir State Pedagogical University named after M. Akmulla in Russia.
Today, Umid Mavlonov is a guardian of traditions and a refined connoisseur of miniature painting, generously sharing his knowledge and the secrets of his craft.