Uzbek ikat fabrics showcased in Seoul

July 16, 2010

On July 16 Seoul hosted a unique presentation of Uzbek ikat fabrics organized by the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations of Uzbekistan, Embassy of Uzbekistan in the Republic of Korea, the Fund Forum, IJOD Association of Craftsmen, Artists and Art Historians and the Ministry of Knowledge Economy and the Association of Designers on the Korean side.

The exhibition titled “Uzbekistan Fashion Blue and Green. Endless Silk Road - Korea” showcased rare samples of Uzbek national fabrics, a traditional costume show and a music programme with the participation of leading performers from Uzbekistan. The event was attended by almost 600 people: officials, diplomats and public circles, representatives of textile and sewing enterprises, culture and art professionals from Korea and all those interested in Uzbek culture.

Oriental fabrics and costumes have long been considered not only as a way of self-expression but also a reflection of a particular nation`s culture, traditions and spiritual world. Exquisite patterns and ornaments of national fabrics have always drawn a keen interest across the world. As of today ikat fabrics are equated to other works of art of international significance.

The Uzbek ikat exhibition included samples of han atlas, adras, shoi – fabrics with extraordinary colours and patterns, thereby enabling the visitors to discover the entire palette and diversity of traditional Uzbek fabrics. The showroom presented rare exhibits as well as modern fabrics made with the use of restored ancient technologies. Each sample was accompanied by a technical description and additional information on how it is made, natural dyes used and the history of its making. The exhibition also demonstrated ancient national costumes symbolizing historical traditions, lifestyles and centuries-old traditions.

The music part of the event featured prominent musicians from Uzbekistan - a folk instrument band under the guidance of Abdukhoshim Ismailov as well as Zulaikho Boykhonova, a People`s Artist of Uzbekistan. Judging by the guests` ovations, the musicians were able to convey to the audience the breath of the Uzbek land and the Uzbek nation`s originality and soul.

Yeong-Chul Zhang, Korean Federation of Textile Industry:

- At this point Korean-Uzbek joint ventures are working on the manufacture of fabrics, knitwear and ready-made goods. We collaborate with Uzbek partners from Uzbekistan`s Ferghana Valley. I am well aware of Uzbek fabrics and as a specialist I can say that I have discovered new facets of traditional textile art of Uzbekistan. It is remarkable that the development and support of textile receives a lot of attention in Uzbekistan. We are aiming to boost our cooperation in textile production by increasing the number of joint ventures both in Korea and Uzbekistan.

Kyu Sik Shim, General Manager of Shinhan Bank:

- Each nation attaches a lot of importance to their roots as this defines national culture. What we have seen today is a bright example which has given the Koreans a great opportunity to get to know Uzbek culture better. This sort of events allow for mutual spiritual enrichment and stronger international cultural ties. And I think that today I have found something shared by our two cultures and this probably because we are Asians and are historically bound by the Silk Road.

In collaboration with Korean partners the Fund Forum has organized a series of cultural events in Tashkent. Among these are a major exhibition “Korean Herbarium”, a Festival of Korean Culture in Tashkent and performances by prominent Korean musicians among others. Seoul, in turn, hosted a Festival of the Cultures of the Silk Road Countries, which also demonstrated national fabrics and models from Uzbekistan. A Festival of Cultural Exchange between Korea and Central Asia has seen Uzbek musicians perform in Korea. Currently, the National Museum of Korea is hosting an exhibition titled “Crossroads of Civilizations of the East and the West: The Ancient Culture of Uzbekistan” organized within the framework of the Cooperation Memorandum signed by the Museum and the Fund Forum.