Historical & Cultural

Significance

The art of miniature painting was prevalent inBukhara from the XIth until the beginning of the XXth century. Miniature paintings served as illustrations in books on history, botany, astronomy, medicine and poetry. Noblemen had a room in their palaces called a "kitobkhana," or book-room, where ancient books were produced. In these room, paper-makers, calligraphers, miniature painters, leathers cutters, and book binders all worked together to create these highly valued manuscripts. The miniature paintings of Bukhara typically depict mythology, folklore, and the court life of past rulers and philosophy of Sufism. Prominent themes are battles, feasts and royal receptions. These paintings provide a window through which we can view the life of ancient times.