Teapot (choidish)

Bukhara, Uzbekistan, second half of 19th century

Hammered and cast brass and copper, engraved decoration with open-work.

H: 36.5 cm, Diameter: 13 cm

Markings: Produced by Abu Sana (?) ... 1286(?), engraved artist’s inscription and date

UMP 4856

Purchased from Josef Kohout in 1901.

This teapot (choidish) represents a characteristic Central Asian product dating from the second half of the 19th century. The teapot in the collections of the Pilsen museum has been engraved all over with geometrically arranged foliage. Flowering lotuses are the main motif of the engraved ornamentation, while the lid and handle feature cast

lotus bud finials. The Khanate of Bukhara (1599–1785, later emirate 1785–1920) was a leading centre of metal workmanship. In addition to Bukhara, the cities and towns of Kokand, Khiva and Samarkand also produced exquisite metal objects. Central Asia was certainly influenced by products from Iran, but local artisans gradually developed their own style with regards to forms and ornament. A typical example are the

elegantly shaped and richly decorated copper and copper-alloy teapots produced in Central Asian workshops in the 19th and 20th centuries. The vessels were decorated with engravings; some were plated.