US EditionSotheby’s postpones auction of jewels associated with Buddha after backlash from India’s government
- Sotheby’s has delayed the May 7, 2025, Hong Kong sale of historic gemstones associated with the relics of Buddha following objections from the Indian government.
- The postponement followed a legal notice from India's Ministry of Culture demanding immediate halt and repatriation, citing religious and cultural heritage concerns.
- The gems, known as the Piprahwa relics, were excavated in 1898 from northern India’s Piprahwa Stupa and include bone fragments and precious stones dating to circa 240-200 BCE.
- The Ministry emphasized the relics' inalienable status and violation of Indian law and UN conventions, stating the auction perpetuated colonial injustice and demanded public apology and cooperation.
- The postponement facilitates ongoing negotiations between Sotheby's and Indian officials, reflecting continued commitment to safeguarding and returning the invaluable relics to their proper cultural and historical context.
48 Articles
48 Articles
Buddha's jewels dubbed sacred, swerve auction
Auction house Sotheby's said on Wednesday that it had postponed the auction of a collection of hundreds of jewels linked to Buddha's corporeal relics after India's government threatened legal action and demanded the jewels be returned, reported Reuters. The sale of the collection, known as the Piprahwa Gems of the Historical Buddha Mauryan Empire, Ashokan Era, circa 240-200 BCE, has drawn criticism from Buddhist academics and monastic leaders. I…
Hong Kong suspends auction of Buddha relics after India requests repatriation
The headquarters in Hong Kong of the important Sotheby’s auction house suspended the sale of 300 Buddhist sacred relics that it had scheduled for Wednesday, after receiving a legal notice submitted by India for the immediate repatriation of the pieces, as confirmed by Efe. “In light of the issues raised by the Government of India and with the agreement of the consignors, the bid of the Historic Buddha’s Piperahwa Gems has been postponed,” Sotheb…
Associated Press News
Sotheby's postpones auction of jewels associated with Buddha after backlash from India's government
Sotheby’s has postponed an auction of jewels associated with Buddha’s remains, originally scheduled for Wednesday, after the Indian government opposed the sale and demanded it be halted.
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