The hoopoe is one of the central birds in Suffism and represents family and protection. The pomegranates illustrated in this image are also a symbol of life and bounty.
Davlat Toshev was secretly taught the principles and techniques of Persian miniature painting by his father, at the time when the state discouraged practising it as a religious art. Today, Davlat restores ancient manuscripts and creates new paintings, sometimes using sheets of silk paper dating back over 200 years. He is inspired by the rich history of Bukhara, its cultural heritage and the profound spirituality of the people: from there he borrows ideas and themes for his works. Besides painting, Davlat dedicates a lot of time and effort to teaching children, believing that every child has talent and potential. He converted a run-down 19th-century building in Bukhara into a free school, where everyone can attend to learn ancient art.
Read the full interviewPhoto: ©Andrey Arakelyan
The hoopoe is one of the central birds in Suffism and represents family and protection. The pomegranates illustrated in this image are also a symbol of life and bounty.
Photo: ©Andrey Arakelyan
This box is decorated with a miniature illustration of a lady being pulled in a carriage.
Photo: ©Andrey Arakelyan
This box has been hand-painted on all sides with traditional miniature ornaments.
Photo: ©Andrey Arakelyan
This work is drawn on Bukhara silk paper, that is made in Davlat Toshev’s workshop by him or his students. Two of the main characters of the miniature image are a master and his apprentice playing chess.
Photo: ©Andrey Arakelyan
This chessboard includes figurines in traditional Uzbek costumes. The frame around the board is decorated with miniature illustration.