Uzbek Artisan Connects Uzbekistan and China Through Wood Carving
Bekhzod Madraimov, a Tashkent artisan, specializes in wood carving, particularly using tree roots. After shifting his focus to woodworking, he showcased his unique creations at an exhibition in Urumqi, China, generating interest from buyers. He has established trade relations with China and is committed to passing down his craft to future generations while fostering cultural connections between Uzbekistan and China.
Uzbekistan is celebrated for its exceptional wood carving artistry, with many skilled craftsmen contributing to this ancient tradition. Among them is Bekhzod Madraimov, a resident of Tashkent, known for his unique wooden creations. Having started his journey in woodworking 15 years ago, Madraimov abandoned his previous profession five years ago to dedicate himself entirely to crafting wooden items.
What distinguishes Madraimov’s work is his innovative use of tree roots, a rarely utilized material in woodworking. “Each wooden piece is unique because tree roots are one of the strongest materials, and their structure is different from other parts of the tree,” he explained. His workshop and store offer a variety of antique and nature-inspired items, often mesmerizing visitors who admire the aesthetic appeal of his craft.
Recently, Madraimov showcased his creations at an exhibition in Urumqi, capital of China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, where custom chess tables and traditional souvenirs sparked significant interest among Chinese buyers. He remarked, “Impressing people in China is not easy, since they can manufacture almost everything. However, I managed to captivate them with my original creations.”
Following the exhibition, Madraimov forged a partnership with a Chinese counterpart and is poised to establish trade relations with the country. “Now we are preparing to ship the first batch of my works to China soon,” he noted, while also sourcing high-quality tools from China. He envisions a joint showroom that will allow both Uzbek and Chinese artisans to showcase and sell their crafts.
Moreover, Madraimov is committed to teaching his craft to future generations, with his son already involved and his five-year-old grandson beginning to learn woodworking. “I want to turn this into a family craft … In the future, I hope my grandson will continue this craft and pass it on to his children,” he expressed. He perceives wood carving as a universal language, capable of connecting the people of Uzbekistan and China.
Madraimov hopes that through his unique creations, more Chinese individuals will appreciate Uzbekistan’s culture and that artisans from both nations will collaborate, exchange knowledge, and produce even more exquisite works together.
In conclusion, Bekhzod Madraimov exemplifies the rich tradition of Uzbek wood carving, utilizing unique materials such as tree roots to create exceptional pieces. His recent success at an exhibition in China highlights the potential for cultural exchange and collaboration between Uzbekistan and China. Through passing on his craft to future generations, Madraimov aims to strengthen these ties further while promoting appreciation for Uzbek artistry. This endeavor underscores the importance of cultural bridges in fostering mutual understanding between nations.
Original Source: english.news.cn
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