Pottery From Rishtan, Uzbekistan

One of the craft specialties in Uzbekistan is pottery with intricate designs and the place to go for the best pieces is the town of Rishtan in the Fergana Valley. Several shops carry on a centuries old tradition of pottery design.

One of the best places to go is the Alisher Nazirov studio. Narzirov is a master ceramist and teacher of the traditional craft. His designs are recognized as its own school, style.

The Nazirov shop and studio. Catnip.

Excellent plates, all unique in style yet part of a traditional whole. Pick color.

Portrait of a man (not Nazirov) and his kiln. Hot stuff.

Traditional methods, a manual wheel. Monoculture, pieces waiting to be painted.

Rishtan has a handful of shops, schools devoted to pottery craft. No reason to be shy or humble about promoting the local work, plop a giant vase in a main roundabout. Boom!

Seeing The Local Past At The Museum Of Nonthaburi

Just a little north of Bangkok is the small town of Nonthaburi, where there is a nice, little local history, culture museum in a dilapidated municipal building. The museum is a nice contrast to all the big city, golden palace-like sites of the giant metropolis next door.

Old building, old museum. The structure is historic and architecturally significant. It's in the center of town, was once used as city hall and the building is made from local teak wood. The patina might be overwhelming the place. You can still see the regal bones, design.

Pick 'em if you got 'em. Nonthaburi was famous for productive orchards and a big diorama in the museum illustrates the related agricultural work.

Pottery was a big product of the town. Traditional designs are on display.

You think that pottery makes itself? Another impressive diorama, showing a little peek into the pottery process. A bunch of hauling and firing.

Aww, adorable end product, a clay squirrel. With fruit.