Henna Mandala – Bukhara Heritage Plate
Henna Mandala – Bukhara Heritage Plate
Handcrafted in Gijduvan, Uzbekistan
Crafted by Usta Toxir Haydarov
Gijduvan, Bukhara Region, Uzbekistan · 40+ years of mastery
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THE STORY
White ink on brown skin. The pattern reads like henna before a wedding.
This plate inverts expectations. Where most Bukhara ceramics build color upon color, Toxir strips back to essentials here: the raw chocolate-brown of fired clay, and white slip drawn across it in lines fine as thread. The central mandala radiates eight fleur-de-lis points, each surrounded by paisley forms stippled with white dots. Between them, geometric borders and arabesque curves spiral inward to a rosette that anchors the whole.
The restraint doesn't last. At the rim, a chevron band erupts in coral, turquoise, yellow, sage, and crimson—the colors of Silk Road textiles, of ikat and kilim, woven into ceramic. The zigzag pattern traveled these trade routes on saddlebags and tent panels long before it arrived on plates.
The brown ground shows the clay's natural iron content. One section near the rim holds a slightly darker swirl where the slip pooled during firing—proof of the kiln's unpredictability.
Limited to 50 pieces worldwide. Each numbered and authenticated.
About the Artisan
Usta Toxir Haydarov
Gijduvan, Bukhara Region, Uzbekistan
40+ years of mastery
At 64, Usta Toxir Haydarov has forgotten more about ceramics than most artisans will ever learn. For over 40 years, he's perfected a technique that transforms Bukhara's opulent aesthetic into tactile art: thousands of raised dots applied by hand, building into pomegranate trees, spiraling arabesques, and eight-pointed stars. Run your fingers across Toxir's work and you'll feel every hour of labor. Those aren't painted lines—they're individual raised dots, each placed with a tiny brush, building patterns through density and spacing. It's a pointillist technique that requires exceptional patience, steady hands, and absolute certainty. One misplaced dot disrupts the entire pattern. But Toxir isn't just technically skilled—he's a master of symbolism. Every pomegranate represents blessings multiplying. Every arabesque evokes paradise gardens. His pieces don't just decorate; they tell stories, bless homes, carry meanings that echo across centuries.
"In Bukhara, we don't just make plates. We write prayers in clay. The pomegranate is not fruit—it is a wish for abundance. The star is not geometry—it is a map of heaven. Every piece that leaves my workshop carries blessings I have placed there with my own hands."
Your purchase directly supports Usta Toxir 's workshop and helps preserve ceramic traditions that have flourished along the Silk Road for over 800 years.
DETAILS & DIMENSIONS
DIMENSIONS
Diameter: 26cm (10.2 inches)
Height: 4cm (1.6 inches)
Weight: Approximately 650g
MATERIALS & TECHNIQUE
Material: Hand-thrown local Uzbek clay
Glaze: Layered mineral pigments with gold luster
Firing: Double-fired using traditional khompsaz method
Technique: Wheel-thrown, hand-painted, no stencils
EDITION
Limited to 30 pieces worldwide
Each piece individually numbered
Certificate of Authenticity included
DISPLAY
Wall-mounting hardware included
Plate stand available separately
Food safe (hand wash recommended)
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Your piece is crafted for both display and gentle use. With proper care, it will last for generations.
DAILY CARE
Hand wash with mild soap and warm water. Dry immediately with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals.
IMPORTANT
– Not dishwasher safe
– Not microwave safe
– Avoid extreme temperature changes
FOR DISPLAY
Wall-mounting hardware included. Plate stand available separately. Rotate position occasionally for even light exposure.
SHIPPING & RETURNS
SHIPPING
Complimentary worldwide shipping on all orders.
– United States: 5-7 business days
– Canada & Europe: 7-10 business days
– Rest of World: 10-14 business days
Each piece ships in a museum-grade presentation box, fully insured. Signature required.
RETURNS
30-Day Unconditional Return — If this piece doesn't bring you joy, return it for a full refund. We'll arrange collection at no cost.
Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee — Certificate of Authenticity included with every piece.
Questions? hello@ustaandco.com
