Anvar Kurbanov lives in Bukhara, in Uzbekistan. He is proud of being part of this famous and ancient city, where his own story begins, where he lives with his family and where his workshop is located. He is an accomplished metal chaser and uses mainly materials such as brass and copper.
His interest in this craft started when he was 11 years old. On his walk back from school he passed the metal carving school in Gavkushon Madrasah. Every day he was fascinated to watch the Rakhmatillo Kuliyev, the great master of metal chasing, at work, when one day Rakhmatillo offered to teach him the secrets of his craft. During the first year he was taught to draw the patterns. In the second year he progressed on learning to carve on copper plates. He has been studying this craft for 24 years, and still, he says, there is plenty more to learn.
Anvar loved art from a young age. He was always fascinated by the patterns on the plates, which reflect the rich history, culture and spirit of his ancestors. The 10th / 11th and the 15th / 16th centuries were a time of prosperity in the history of Bukhara, a marvellous time for the traditional crafts. He therefore mainly carves patterns from these periods.
Brass and copper are durable materials. This means, this ancient craft will last and can be enjoyed by future generations.
