Central Asia attracts our attention as the symbol of mysterious oriental beauty, represented in splendid architecture, handicrafts and artworks that fill you with wonder at their charm, beauty, and spirit. The best of cultures past and present gives this collection its special resonance. Get acquainted with this collection of quality-crafted items made following time-honored traditions by artisans from this part of the world. We invite you to enjoy the picturesque nature of this region, feel hot wind of deserts and admire coolness of the mountain summits and alpine glades depicted in paintings of the local talented artists. Delight in the beauty of the miniature paintings that have been in existence for centuries tracing their heritage back to the illustrated manuscripts of the Far East and Europe. Admire tiny details of the miniature paintings rich in color and character that actually are even more amazing in real life versus what you can see online or in print. Salute skilled coppersmiths creating sophisticated ornaments on copper using only a hammer and a chisel. Marvel at exquisite details of carvings on wooden book holders making it easy to display your favorite books. Introduce the excitement of the astonishing designs from this region into your home decor where everyone can admire them.

Seeing is believing. Look in the past, and you will see the present of this region.

Ancient cities of the Central Asia, such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, Tashkent, present to us a wonderful symphony of architectural forms and colors. They were brought to life by the Great Silk Road, 4,000-mile caravan tract that linked China with West, carrying goods and ideas to the great civilizations of Rome and China. The Great Silk Road was one of the most significant achievements in the history of the world civilization serving as important means of business relations and cultural exchanges. The route took its name from silk, the commodity most in demand in Europe during the Roman period. Silk went westward, while wool, gold, and silver went east. Caravans began traveling along the Silk Road in 138 A.C., when China opened its border for trade. The longest part of the Silk Road lay across the territory of Central Asia. Caravans laden with silk from China, spices and precious stones from India, silver goods from Iran, Byzantine clothes, Afrasiabian ceramics, and many other goods, moved through boundless deserts and passed over the ridges of mountains, crossing Asia and Europe from China to the Mediterranean coast.

Between 484 – 1150 Huns and Turks came to Central Asia from the west and brought with them a new religion of Islam. Genghis Khan invaded this region in 13th century, destroying most of the cities of Central Asia. Timur, also known as Tamerlane, in 14th century conquered Persia, captured Baghdad, and led expeditions to Anatolia and India creating the vast empire ranged from Indus River to Strait Bosphorus (modern Turkey). Samarkand became the capital of the empire. Timur resurrected this region using the labor of local and captured artists and craftsmen. Once again, ancient cities located on the Silk Road became centers of trade, crafts, and science. They were renowned for their architectural structures with refined shapes, intricate ornamentation, mosaics, blue-tiled domes and facades. Amazing prosperity of the cities in this region was causing envy in Cairo and Baghdad. Ulugbek, Timur’s grandson, known as the peace loving ruler, did not participate in aggressive campaigns: instead, being a great scientist, astronomer and mathematician, he was visiting other countries to learn their traditions and culture.

This region keeps its exotic character untouched by time until present days. In general, the traditional lifestyle is being well preserved. The easygoing feeling of everyday life is charmingly quiet. People keep family traditions and pass them on from generation to generation. The houses are made of large raw bricks and clay. This way of constructing has been characteristic for this region since early medieval period. People decorate their homes with hand-painted ceramic dishes, colorful embroidered “suzane” (draperies and coverlets), and homespun rugs. In the backyard of every house there is a clay oven, called "tandir", where the traditional flat bread is baked. The skill of craftsmen, making various tools, beautiful kitchen utensils and furnishings for local residents, is evident in everything they create, bringing distinctive and timeless style and comfort to people’s homes.

TERMS OF USE FOR MIDEASTERN ART COLLECTION

All items in Mideastern Art Collection are sold by order.
When you place your order, your credit card will be charged for the total cost of your order.
After your information has been successfully processed, you receive the conformational e-mail with your order details, order number and the credit card transaction information.
If you can not find the conformational letter in your e-mail box, please, contact us calling our Customer Service at 1-800-875-3639.
It may take from 8 to 12 weeks from the date of your order to delivery.
As soon as we have your order ready, we are going to contact you to schedule the delivery.
You have 72 hours from the time of confirmation of your order to cancel or make changes in your order. In this case, you are required to notify us by phone 1-800-875-3639.
After 72 hours waiting time your order will be transferred abroad and the artist will start working. Cancellation and changes in your order will not be possible at this time. If you wish to cancel your order after 72 hours waiting time, you will not be eligible for refund.
Any changes in your order after 72 hours waiting time will be considered as placing a new order.