Uzbekistan Secures Return of Rare Medieval Artifact from London Gallery

A lead vessel shaped like a petal, dating back to the 12th-13th centuries, will soon be returned to Uzbekistan from the Orpheus Gallery in London.

The artifact is attributed to the Ghaznavid era, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

“This unique discovery is finally coming back to our country from London,” the Islamic Civilization Center stated.

Historians note that such vessels were commonly used during that period both in ceremonial rituals and as decorative objects in residential settings.

Uzbekistan has intensified efforts in recent years to repatriate cultural heritage and prevent its illegal export. In July, the Islamic Civilization Center reported the successful acquisition of several relics connected to the nation’s Islamic history at Sotheby’s and Christie’s auctions, where they had previously remained in private collections and foreign museums.