Sotheby's decision comes after Indian officials claimed the jewels are integral to the cultural heritage of Buddhism.
Sotheby's Postpones Auction of Sacred Buddha Gems Amid Legal Threat from India
Sotheby's Postpones Auction of Sacred Buddha Gems Amid Legal Threat from India
Legal tensions arise as India's government intervenes to halt auction of historically significant relics.
Sotheby's has announced a postponement of its planned auction of hundreds of sacred jewels associated with the remains of the Buddha, following a legal threat from the Indian government. The auction, scheduled for May 7 in Hong Kong, was set to feature the Piprahwa Gems—a collection considered one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in recent history. Critics, including Buddhist scholars and monastic leaders, expressed their disapproval of the sale, insisting it would offend the global Buddhist community.
In a letter sent to Sotheby’s just two days prior to the auction, Indian officials asserted that the jewels are part of India’s inalienable religious and cultural heritage. They argued that selling the items would breach Indian laws, international statutes, and various United Nations conventions. Following this, a high-level Indian delegation engaged in talks with Sotheby’s representatives to discuss the matter further.
In response to the concerns raised, Sotheby’s issued a statement confirming the auction has been postponed with the consent of the consignors involved. The auction house indicated that updates regarding the situation would be provided when necessary. As of Wednesday, the webpage advertising the gems' sale was removed from Sotheby’s website, confirming that the auction would not proceed as planned.
The Piprahwa Gems were unearthed nearly 130 years ago by British estate manager William Claxton Peppé during excavations near Lumbini, regarded as the birthplace of Buddha. The collection includes around 1,800 gemstones, such as rubies and sapphires, nestled within a brick chamber. Peppé's archaeological find, described by Sotheby’s as one of the greatest discoveries of all time, brings to light artifacts inscribed and revered nearly two millennia ago.
In a letter sent to Sotheby’s just two days prior to the auction, Indian officials asserted that the jewels are part of India’s inalienable religious and cultural heritage. They argued that selling the items would breach Indian laws, international statutes, and various United Nations conventions. Following this, a high-level Indian delegation engaged in talks with Sotheby’s representatives to discuss the matter further.
In response to the concerns raised, Sotheby’s issued a statement confirming the auction has been postponed with the consent of the consignors involved. The auction house indicated that updates regarding the situation would be provided when necessary. As of Wednesday, the webpage advertising the gems' sale was removed from Sotheby’s website, confirming that the auction would not proceed as planned.
The Piprahwa Gems were unearthed nearly 130 years ago by British estate manager William Claxton Peppé during excavations near Lumbini, regarded as the birthplace of Buddha. The collection includes around 1,800 gemstones, such as rubies and sapphires, nestled within a brick chamber. Peppé's archaeological find, described by Sotheby’s as one of the greatest discoveries of all time, brings to light artifacts inscribed and revered nearly two millennia ago.
