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Traditional and contemporary art of Kazakhstan

A Virtual Journey into the World of Kazakhstan’s Artistic Heritage

This Web Gallery presents the diversity of artistic practices in Kazakhstan, reflecting the continuity of cultural traditions and the dynamic development of contemporary creative processes. The virtual exhibition features works based on national images, symbols, and themes, as well as artworks by contemporary artists who reinterpret the country’s cultural heritage through contemporary artistic forms, expressive means, and modern technologies.

The selected works demonstrate the relationship between traditional and contemporary art, revealing the distinctive features of the national worldview, cultural identity, and cultural meanings. The presented materials allow viewers to trace how elements of historical and cultural heritage are reflected in contemporary artistic practice, while maintaining their significance and relevance in an increasingly globalized world.

The Web Gallery is aimed at promoting Kazakhstan’s artistic heritage, expanding public access to works of art, and fostering a lasting interest in national culture and art among a wide audience.

Handled vessel. Kuyruktobe settlement

From the book: Artistic Culture of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, 9th–15th Centuries. Volume II. Glass. — Samarkand-Tashkent: MICAI, 2011.

Handled vessel. Kuyruktobe settlement

A vessel with a handle, discovered at the Kuiruktobe settlement, dates from approximately the 10th–12th centuries. Its form is distinguished by functional ingenuity: a squat body, gradually widening towards the top, is combined with a low ring-shaped base, ensuring stability and ease of use.Particular attention should be paid to the elegant C-shaped vertical handle, which blends seamlessly into the vessel’s silhouette. At the top, it is complemented by a small protrusion serving as a thumb rest, which testifies to the craftsman’s attention to the ergonomics of the piece and the user’s comfort.The decorative design is understated yet striking. Beneath the rim on the body, horizontal relief bands can be seen, executed in the form of applied glass threads or grooves. These elements were applied whilst the vessel was being spun and not only enhanced its decorative quality but also gave the surface additional texture, enriching the play of light on the glass.