Unique 12th–13th Century Artifact to Return to Uzbekistan from London

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A lead vessel shaped like a petal, created in the 12th–13th centuries, will be returned to Uzbekistan from a London gallery, the press service of the country’s Center for Islamic Civilization reported.

According to the center, the artifact belongs to the Ghaznavid era and is currently held at the Orpheus Gallery in London. “This unique find is finally returning to our country from London,” the press service noted.

It is reported that during that era, such vessels were widely used both in ceremonial rituals and as decorative elements in residential spaces.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has been actively working to repatriate lost cultural values and prevent their illegal export.

In July, the Center for Islamic Civilization announced the acquisition of several relics related to Islamic culture and the country’s history at Sotheby’s and Christie’s auctions, which had long been held in private collections and foreign museums.