Actual size: 5.12" (13 cm) in diameter,  2" (5.1 cm) in height.

The box is made of paper-mache and hand-painted in the best traditions of Uzbek ornamental painting.  Ornamental painting is a direct result of emergence of Islam in Central Asia which forbids depiction of human beings in mosques and religious schools. As the religion plays a prevailing role in the Islamic society, the art of ornamental painting developed immensely. This development effected everything from architecture (e.g. mosques, madrasahs) to embroidery and carpet weaving.

Although the majority of  people living in present day Uzbekistan are Muslims, Uzbekistan as a country is a secular state which lives by Constitutional law versus law of Koran.

Please notice that the quality of the paper-mache used in the box is very high. It is durable and it is processed to have a smooth surface (versus “wrinkly” surface). Flower stems and inner band were painted in liquid bronze.

Please click on the image to see details of the painting.