Artist Profiles

Third-generation master embroiderer Sanjar Ravshanovich Nazarov grew up watching artists—in this case, his father and grandfather—at work. Today, with his own team of artisans and apprentices, Nazarov runs a large workshop in historic Bukhara, Uzbekistan. His birthplace offers myriad sources of creative inspiration, and also encourages him to maintain the gorgeously unique, centuries-old embroidery practices which make Uzbek textile artists so renowned.

Nazarov and his team offer a dazzling array of products, from magnificently embroidered and colorful tall cloth boots, to richly woven, ingeniously designed cushion covers. The vivid hues of these items might look synthetic, yet they have natural derivations, often sourced from the boiled-down essences of regional fruit peels—like pomegranate or apricot—and also from rose petals, saffron, and nutshells. After boiling thread in a natural dye bath, then drying it, artisans sew textiles based on preconceived designs. All materials are created using needles or else with a hook, and employ various embroidery techniques.

Today, Nazarov is celebrated as a maker of functional items that portray a delicate, highly artistic sensibility. His range of offerings truly embodies the phrase “something for everyone”: he and his team produce purses, unisex wallets, coats, prayer mats, carpets, and tablecloths. It’s no wonder Nazarov has been the recipient of a litany of accolades, including the UNESCO Award of Excellence. Furthermore, he has participated in exhibitions both regionally as well as in Russia, Japan, and the United States, among other locales.