Finds of Monumental Wall Painting on Sites of Uzbekistan (9th – early 13th century). Research and Restoration

Abstract

The article is devoted to the review and study of monumental wall paintings from the Islamic period, discovered at archaeological sites in Uzbekistan and adjacent territories. Special attention is given to the field conservation, restoration, and preparation for exhibition of unique narrative paintings uncovered in the pavilion of the palace of a Karakhanid ruler at Afrasiab. During the restoration process, the technology used to create the paintings was studied, and three methods for mounting the restored fragments onto a stationary base were developed. From more than 500 fragments, 14 thematic compositions were assembled, including: previously unseen depictions of figures within frames, a throne scene with the ruler and courtiers, registers with running animals and birds, registers with epigraphy, a mythological scene, medallions with birds, and others. The discovery of narrative paintings at Afrasiab and Akhsikent expands our understanding of the visual art of the Karakhanid era, about which information has been relatively scarce.