«MEROS» Association of Antiques of Uzbekistan

Established in August, 2008

About the association

Meros Association of Antiques of Uzbekistan is a non-government non-profit organization based on a voluntary contribution of collectors and organizations which are interested in arts and preserving cultural heritage. The full name of the Association is “Multi Earned Rares Of the Society” or “MEROS” which in translation from Uzbek means “heritage”.

The history

This unique organization was established by the Fund Forum which develops vivid and eventful cultural activities. The ideas on preserving natural culture, early schools of arts, antiques and information on it, developing international cooperation in this sphere were discussed actively within the Fund`s events.

The “Dreams about East: Russian Van-Guard and Silks of Bukhara” exhibition St. Petersburg in 2006 became one of the first steps taken by the Fund. Later the exhibitions of legendary artist Chingiz Akhmarov were presented in Uzbekistan and Russia. Both projects included rarities from museum and private collections, well-known and early infamous works; they enabled people to touch the unfading “Excellency”.

The next exhibition “At the origins…” based on the initiative of Gulnara Karimova was held by the new organization under the Fund Forum`s patronage, Meros Association of Antiques of Uzbekistan. It has united very minded collectors of ancient relics, appreciators and professionals who have that what to discuss and to show. Any person may become a part of the antiquities amateurs` group, even a non resident of Uzbekistan. Participation in the Association is set on the system of deposits.

The Aims of the Association:

• Preserving and multiplying historical and cultural heritage which is national property of Uzbekistan;
• Developing international collaboration in the sphere of antiquarian art;
• Creating suitable conditions for encouraging artistic potential and creative energy of modern artists and crafts;
• Forming the data of antique objects.

The Tasks of the Association:

• Organizing and holding exhibitions and events devoted to the findings and works which present artistic value;
• Organizing experts` centers which correspond to the professional requirements of antiquaries and artists;
• Organizing the restoration workshops;
• Elaborating and coaching in the implementation of international ethical norms and rules in the artistic market and in the market of antiquarian service;
• Working with expeditions and different organizations united in holding archeological works.

The International Activities:

The Association being a social organization can represent Uzbekistan on the international level and contribute to the antiquarian arts field. Today the connections are established, the experience and information exchange is set between local and foreign organizations among which there is an International Association of Antiquaries as well as includes holding practical and theoretical conferences, seminars, symposiums, contests and exhibitions directed to the popularization of Uzbek art in the country and worldwide.

In the long run perspectives of the Association there are joint projects with foreign trade houses and participation in the world auctions developing own programs in experience exchanging among specialists, co acting the implementation, Elaborating and coaching in the implementation of international ethical norms and rules in the artistic market and in the market of antiquarian service. The Association regularly holds the unique exhibitions of art works presenting the artistic value in Uzbekistan and abroad. It is foreseen to organize experts` centers which fit with the professional requirements of antiquaries and artists, establish restoration workshops and other projects directed to developing this sphere.

The Experts` Commission

The experts` commission is working under the Association; it is presented by specialists in the certain types on antiquarian arts. Analytical and research activity as an important part of every sphere is made by the Association in the view of information monitoring connected with museum activity, auction houses, experts, archeological expeditions and forming data on antiquarian objects.

The Partners

Interested governmental organizations, commercial enterprises, public organizations with activities, devoted to preserving and multiplying historical and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan may become partners of the “Meros”.

Association`s Events

“At the origins…” Rarities exhibition
(August 2008, Tashkent)

The exposition presented the early unknown compositions of masters of Uzbek artistic school from the museum and private collections. Antique works of applied arts such as ancient traditional cloth, jewelry, utensils, books, were also displayed.

“For the first time, after ages…” Exposition of Antiques
(October 2008, Tashkent)

The unique exhibition of antiques held during the Style.uz presented splendid ancient clothes and jewelry, embroidery, coining.

“Masterpieces of National Arts: Past and Present” Show-Exhibition
(March-May 2009, Tashkent)

A joint project of Fund Forum and UNESCO and British Council presented three directions- unknown samples of traditional culture originating from remote past, ancient applied crafts in the interpretation of modern masters and the traditional color as a creative inspiration of avant-garde.

“National Rarities from the Fund F orum`s Collection” Exhibition
(September 2009, Tashkent)

The main purpose of the exhibition is to present the historical and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan. The exhibition displayed about 200 objects from different historical eras. It presented many kinds of traditional, decorative and applied arts of Uzbekistan; the majority of them were exhibited for the first time.

Exhibition of Antiques and Auction
(October 2009, Tashkent)

Ancient fabrics, clothes, suzane, jewelry, metal stamping, ceramics are unique rarity pieces the majority of which were presented on public for the first time. A charity auction was held within this exhibition. This event was a place where both devoted collectors and simply admirers had a chance to see unique antique pieces and to buy something.

Ancient items went under the hammer
(May 2010, Khiva)

The auction held as part of the annual Echo of Ages Festival of Traditional Culture featured diverse ancient items: pictures and lithographs by prominent artists V. Yeremyan, Usto Mumin, R. Rozhdestvenskiy, L. Reznikov, N. Karahan, V. Fadeyev, V. Kedrin, V. Ufimtsev, H. Rakhmanov, K. Grigoyants, V. Kavinin, V. Volkov, chased water containers, exquisite silk suzani, jewelry, adras gowns and shoyi. All the items were made by masters from Tashkent, Kashkadarya, Ferghana Valley and Bukhara in 19th - early 20th century.

Auction titled “Textile, the Guardian of Tradition” (In collaboration with Duke`s Auctioneers, UK) in the Art Week Style.UZ-2010
(October 2010, Tashkent)

The auction was given the goal of drawing public attention to problems in preserving and collecting artifacts of historical and cultural significance, advocating national cultural values, developing auction related activity in Uzbekistan and making an impact on pricing policy for antiques. The main lots of the auction included national textile items such as suzani, gowns, headwear, etc. The funds raised during the auction will go toward archeological research and excavations carried out by MEROS Association in an effort to study historical and cultural legacy. This project involves leading archeologists, historians and scholars as well as young specialists and history major students in Uzbekistan.

International scientific conference “Preservation of Historical and Cultural Heritage: Theory, Practice and Collecting” in the Art Week Style.UZ-2010
(October 2010, Tashkent)

Conference focused on the comprehensive study of historical and cultural legacy and collecting historical artifacts. The conference was attended by archeologists, historians, philosophers, ethnographers and arts professionals from Uzbekistan, Spain, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, France, Japan, Egypt, USA and Germany. Almost all participants presented their speeches in the form of detailed presentations providing not only photographic material, but also historical facts. Each of the professionals constructively mapped out a particular problem and proposed ways of addressing it.

The archeological exhibition “Kanka: the Past and the Present” in the Art Week Style.UZ-2010
(October 2010, Tashkent)

To highlight Tashkent`s historical and cultural legacy, the Art Week offered an archeological exhibition titled “Kanka: the Past and the Present”, which presented finds unearthed during archeological excavations carried out at Kanka ancient city (11th-12th c.) by a group of Uzbek scholars in 2009-2010. The exhibits included images of the city`s citadel, fragments of ancient structures, the area before the excavations were launched, coins, ceramics as well as information stands.

Uzbek-Japanese Scientific Conference “Ancient Civilization and Religion in Uzbekistan - in search of the origins of Japanese culture” and “Ayrtam Fantasy”- Asian Music Festival
(October 2010, Tashkent)

The events were dedicated to the 20th anniversary of a famous Japanese archeologist Mr. Kyudzo Kato`s activities in Uzbekistan. Presentations by leading scientists and archaeologists were held in the first part of the conference. They were dedicated to the heritage of ancient Buddhist monuments in Uzbekistan that reached Japan via Silk Road. “Ayrtam Fantasy” music festival, with the participation of Japanese, Uzbek, Nepali musicians, followed the event on the same day. A master class on musical instruments of the participating countries of the festival was held before the concert. Solo national and joint performances were also presented.

“Artistic crafts in Uzbekistan: tradition and modernity” Exhibition
(March-April 2011, Baku)

The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum in Baku hosted an exhibition titled “Artistic crafts in Uzbekistan: tradition and modernity” from March 29 to April 3. The exhibition was organized by the Fund Forum, MEROS Association of Antiques of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan`s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and “Azerbaijani Carpet Weavers” Public Association. The exhibition presented over 200 works of traditional embroidery, weaving, woodcarving, ceramics, miniature art on paper, lacquered miniature, golden embroidery, batik, clothes and accessories featuring elements and motifs of traditional Uzbek embroidery.

Auction at «Asrlar sadosi» Festival
(May 2011, Bukhara)

The auction was held as part of the annual «Asrlar sadosi» (Echo of centuries) Festival of Traditional Culture. Twenty-four lots went under the hammer. The bulk of the items included creations from traditional Uzbek textiles: dresses, men's chapans (caftans), suzanis and waistbands. Many were items made of cotton, silk, velvet and other fabrics in the 19th and early 20th centuries in Surkhandarya, Kashkadarya, Ferghana, Samarkand, Tashkent and Andijan regions with the use of golden embroidery. The funds raised during the auction will go toward archeological research and excavations carried out by MEROS Association in an effort to study historical and cultural legacy.

“Fairy Tales of the Nations of the World” Children Exhibition
(June 2011, Tashkent)

Timed to coincide with the International Child Protection Day, the exhibition presents over 1,000 artworks: drawings and applied art items created by children aged 5 to 14. The exhibition was given the goal of attracting children`s attention to oral tradition, which is a crucial component of traditional culture. Fairy tales, myths and legends contain basic notions of spiritual values. The works by children center around heroes of fairy tales, mythical creatures and magic cities. Other highlights at the event include embroidery, batic, knitted works, beadwork, mosaic, ceramics, sculpture, and stuffed toys. Among other goals of the exhibition are to foster in children an interest in art, to discover talents and promising artists, to help develop tolerance and respect for other cultures.

Auction (In collaboration with Christie`s, UK) in the Art Week Style.UZ-2011
(October 2011, Tashkent)

On October 27, Tashkent Clock Tower hosted an auction of MEROS Association of Antiques organized in conjunction with Christie’s (UK), the world’s largest auction house. The auction was led by British auctioneer Edward Rising. The lots included traditional and applied art items.

MEROS Association of Antiques of Uzbekistan carries out scientific research and archeological excavations at Kanka (Tashkent region) and Afrasiab (Samarkand region).