From Orpheus to Tashkent: the journey of a historical artifact

🔴 This is not just an ordinary vessel, but a marvelous exhibit that represents Uzbekistan’s culture to the entire world!

🔴 A unique find is finally returning from London to our homeland

In the Middle Ages, Khorasan and Transoxiana were among the major centers of science, culture, applied arts, and craftsmanship. The items created here not only served daily needs but also reflected the people’s refined artistic taste and spiritual worldview.

One such unique artifact is a lead vessel shaped like a flower petal. Dating back approximately to the 12th–13th centuries, during the Ghaznavid period, this piece is currently preserved at the “Orpheus” gallery in London. Such vessels were widely used in ceremonial occasions and home decoration, symbolizing the high mastery of artisans of that era.

Unfortunately, very few of this type of object have been preserved in the museums of Uzbekistan. For this reason, bringing them back from international collections plays a crucial role in enriching our national heritage and showcasing the history of our people to the wider public.

One of the main missions of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan is to collect unique artifacts related to our homeland and present them to the international community. The inclusion of the lead vessel in the shape of a flower petal in the Center’s exhibition marks an important step in this direction.

Artifacts like these serve as silent witnesses linking the past and the future. Preserving them and bringing them back to our land creates a spiritual bridge for generations to come.