Organized by MEROS Association of Antiques of Uzbekistan in partnership with Christie’s (UK), the auction was led by British auctioneer Edward Rising.

“The items presented at this auction are very interesting,” said Julien-Vincent Brunie, Christie's International Private Sales Director. “The pieces show exquisite craftsmanship and I would say they helped put the spotlight on one of the aspects of the Uzbek art of jewelry. It’s amazing that you have head and forehead decorations, something you won’t find in Europe.”

The goal of the auction is to draw public attention to issues in preserving and collecting historical and cultural artifacts, advocate national cultural values, and develop auction-related activities in Uzbekistan.

The proceeds from the auction go toward research and archeological excavations overseen by the MEROS Association in an effort to contribute to research into Uzbekistan’s historical and cultural legacy. The research involves archeologists, historians, scholars as well as young specialists and history students from Uzbek universities.

The funds raised by last year’s auction were channeled into creating ‘Samarkand Suite’ exhibition of works by prominent Uzbek painter of Armenian origin Oganes Tatevosyan. The exhibition has been held as part of the ongoing Style.Uz Art Week and presented never-seen-before works by the painter.