The ceramics of the 7th–8th centuries become an important indicator of changes in Sogdian society. The study of pottery and sculptural production helps analyze the interaction between domestic and artisanal production, as well as reveal the influence of traditions and fashions on the formation of ceramic forms. For example, shifts in vessel shapes may indicate how the tastes of the population changed and how they adapted to new economic conditions.
An important aspect is that in some regions, domestic pottery production persisted, increasingly integrating into market relations. This indicates that local traditions continued to exist while simultaneously being influenced by external factors. Ceramics became increasingly decorative: red slip, once a sign of wealth, began to lose its significance, giving way to more complex ornaments and forms that imitated metalware.
By the end of the 7th century, a transition to a new style can be observed in Sogd, where the emphasis shifted to decorativeness and complexity of forms. Bowls were replaced by cups, and the ornamentation became more elaborate. This reflects the broadening cultural horizons of the Sogdians and their desire for diversity in applied arts. Thus, the study of ceramics not only allows us to trace changes in Sogd's material culture but also to understand broader social and economic processes occurring in the region during the 7th–8th centuries.
You can learn more about the topic in the book-album "Sogdia: the heart of the Silk Road".
The main sponsor of the project is the oilfield services company Eriell-Group.