Cities and villages of the Ferghana valley have long been famous for their skillful wood processing, and one of the recognized centers of this craft is considered to be Kokand. The origins of the Kokand style of carving originate from the works of masters of the XVIII-XIX centuries, who created the famous openwork columns of the Complex Juma mosque and carved lace of the wooden decor of the Palace of Khudayar Khan.
One of the remarkable representatives of the galaxy of master carvers in Kokand of the last century is Usto Kadyrjan Haidarov – a worthy representative of the family dynasty. His path to the top of the skill was long and difficult; he learned a lot of knowledge and skills from his father, whom God rewarded with versatile talents. Masterly in several professions-locksmith, foundry, Woodcarver and ganch, he proudly bore the nickname "Haidar farang" - a professional of the highest class and generously shared his experience with his students and son.
The triumphal March of the master Kadyrjan Haidarov began with a victory at the first all-Russian Moscow handicraft and industrial exhibition in 1923, where his sets of stylized carved Oriental furniture enjoyed great success. Then the Carver worked as a carpenter in the artel, went through the entire war, but returned from the front, again took up his favorite carving.
In the late fifties, Usto Haidarov was accepted into the Union of artists of Uzbekistan and awarded the State prize for a number of works, including a relief profile portrait of Alexander Pushkin, acquired by the state Museum of art of Uzbekistan. Over many years of fruitful work, Usto has created many unique masterpieces, such as the front doors of the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan, and the Palace of Friendship of Peoples in Tashkent. But the master's favorite creation has always been household items. The ornaments that Kadyrjan used to decorate his khantakhta tables, stools, caskets, doors, bedside tables and decorative panels were always very original. The master never repeated the composition that had already been cut twice and achieved unprecedented heights in displaying the pargori style.
Haidarov had many students, but not all followed in his footsteps. Today, the work of the glorious dynasty is continued by three of his grandsons: Mirzausman, Mirzayunus and Hasanjon, who became remarkable specialists of the Kokand school of wood carving.
A Museum dedicated to the life and work of the great master has been opened on the territory of Khudayar Khan's Palace in Kokand.
But life does not stand still, everything changes, and artistic crafts change like a mirror, reflecting certain changes in society. Today, this type of folk art is filled with new content and new masters are already working on the fertile plowed soil.
In the late fifties, Usto Haidarov was accepted into the Union of artists of Uzbekistan and awarded the State prize for a number of works, including a relief profile portrait of Alexander Pushkin, acquired by the state Museum of art of Uzbekistan. Over many years of fruitful work, Usto has created many unique masterpieces, such as the front doors of the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan, and the Palace of Friendship of Peoples in Tashkent. But the master's favorite creation has always been household items. The ornaments that Kadyrjan used to decorate his khantakhta tables, stools, caskets, doors, bedside tables and decorative panels were always very original. The master never repeated the composition that had already been cut twice and achieved unprecedented heights in displaying the pargori style.
Haidarov had many students, but not all followed in his footsteps. Today, the work of the glorious dynasty is continued by three of his grandsons: Mirzausman, Mirzayunus and Hasanjon, who became remarkable specialists of the Kokand school of wood carving.
A Museum dedicated to the life and work of the great master has been opened on the territory of Khudayar Khan's Palace in Kokand.
But life does not stand still, everything changes, and artistic crafts change like a mirror, reflecting certain changes in society. Today, this type of folk art is filled with new content and new masters are already working on the fertile plowed soil.
The obvious creative gift and labor merits of Usto did not go unnoticed by the decree of the President; he was awarded the honorary title of "people's master of Uzbekistan". But the official title only confirmed the already well-known truth: Abdugani Abdullayev is really a folk master. From year to year, the number of fans of his talent is growing, the press and art critics write about him, and finally, the main criterion – Usto has an incredible number of students and followers, which means that the Kokand school of carvers will continue to be famous for its worthy sons.
