Sotheby’s in Hong Kong has postponed the sale of historical gems linked to early Buddhism following a strong objection from India. The gems, believed to be connected to the country’s religious and cultural heritage, were set to be auctioned on Wednesday.
The gems, known as the Piprahwa gems, were discovered in 1898 by Englishman William Claxton Peppe in northern India. Dating back to around 200 BC, these artifacts were scheduled to be sold at auction in Hong Kong.
India’s Ministry of Culture took immediate action, issuing a legal notice on Monday. The notice described the gems as “inalienable religious and cultural heritage of India and the global Buddhist community.” India argued that the sale of the artifacts violated both Indian and international law, demanding that the auction be canceled and the jewels returned to India. The Ministry also requested an apology and full disclosure of provenance documents.
In response, Sotheby’s announced on Wednesday morning that it would delay the auction “in light of the matters raised by the Government of India and with the agreement of the consignors.” The statement explained that this would allow time for further discussions between the parties. The auction house also mentioned that any updates would be shared as appropriate.
Initially, Sotheby’s had stated the auction would proceed as planned, but later confirmed the postponement.
India’s Ministry of Culture expressed satisfaction over the delay, stating on social media that the auction was postponed due to its intervention.
The disputed gems were part of a collection of nearly 1,800 items, including amethysts, pearls, and gold worked into small beads. They were uncovered in Piprahwa, a village near the Buddha’s birthplace, and are believed to be connected to a clan associated with the Buddha.
Indian officials claim that an inscription on one of the caskets confirms the items, which include bone fragments, as “relics of the Buddha, deposited by the Sakya clan.”
Chris Peppe, a descendant of the original discoverer, wrote for Sotheby’s that his ancestor had given the gems, relics, and reliquaries to the Indian government, while the family retained a small portion of the find.
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