Cold, windy day at Kokand

In the call of duty Nisha has not only traveled to faraway lands but she’s also braved heat, dust, snow, frozen extremities, alien food – all in the search for exquisite crafts.

On our way back from Fergana to Tashkent, Nisha decided to visit a medressa in Kokand known to host workshops of the old masters. We stepped out of our car only to get lashed by icy winds. The bleak grey skies did not dampen her enthusiasm. Bundled up from head to toe, she checked every workshop and quizzed the masters.

When we first traveled through the Tian Shan mountains, it was a bright clear day with glorious views of the ranges. On our way back from Fergana, the pass was all fogged out and the mountains were brilliant white! We came back to a snowy white Tashkent – this was no powderpuff stuff but serious snow. Even the locals said that the weather was unusual for this time of the year. We dropped our bags off at the hotel and marched off again to meet people who would help us bring our wares back to India. This work is so not meant for the faint-hearted.

When you see a work of art at Nisha’s studio or website, do ask her for the story of where it came from and how she brought it to India. There is many a tale to tell!