A lead vessel shaped like a flower petal will be returned from an art exhibition in London to Uzbekistan.

The Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan announced that a lead vessel shaped like a flower petal, dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, will be returned to the country from the “Orpheus” exhibition in London.

The center’s official statement noted that this artifact, dating back to the Ghaznavid era, had been kept in London for many years and will finally be displayed in Uzbekistan. Such vessels were used during that era in ceremonial rituals as well as home decoration.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has sought to recover lost artifacts and protect them from attempts to smuggle them abroad. The center mentioned that last July it managed to purchase several heritage pieces related to Islamic culture at famous global auctions such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s, which had been kept in private collections and museums.

A center spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, many of these artifacts have not been preserved in our museums, so repatriating pieces from abroad plays an important role in enriching the national heritage and presenting the country’s history to the public.” He added: “Displaying the lead vessel in the center’s main exhibition will be an important step towards this goal, as it is a silent testimony of the past and a bridge linking history and the future, helping future generations understand their roots and take pride in their rich cultural heritage.”