The renowned auction house Sotheby's, previously set to auction a collection of sacred gems and relics tied to the historical Buddha in Hong Kong, has announced a postponement following a serious legal threat from the Indian government. The sought-after gems, uncovered in India nearly 130 years ago, have been a point of contention, drawing sharp criticism from Buddhist leaders and scholars who argue that their sale insensitivity affects the global Buddhist community.
The Piprahwa Gems, as the collection is known, were reportedly discovered by British official William Claxton Peppé, who excavated them from a stupa in northern India. The relics include nearly 1,800 precious stones—such as rubies, sapphires, and topaz—alongside bone fragments believed to belong to the Buddha. The auction was scheduled for May 7 but was suddenly postponed after the Indian government sent a letter to Sotheby's, declaring the items as part of India's inalienable cultural and religious heritage.
In response to the situation, Sotheby's stated that the auction would be suspended to facilitate discussions with the Indian government. Officials have since removed promotional materials for the auction from their website, reflecting the sensitivity surrounding the sale. India's government emphasized that proceeding with the auction would violate both national and international laws, along with UN conventions meant to protect cultural property.
The relics, believed to date back to the Mauryan Empire around 240-200 BCE, have significant historical importance. As discussions continue between Sotheby's and Indian officials, the auction house has committed to updating interested parties on any developments regarding the sale of these extraordinary archaeological finds.
The Piprahwa Gems, as the collection is known, were reportedly discovered by British official William Claxton Peppé, who excavated them from a stupa in northern India. The relics include nearly 1,800 precious stones—such as rubies, sapphires, and topaz—alongside bone fragments believed to belong to the Buddha. The auction was scheduled for May 7 but was suddenly postponed after the Indian government sent a letter to Sotheby's, declaring the items as part of India's inalienable cultural and religious heritage.
In response to the situation, Sotheby's stated that the auction would be suspended to facilitate discussions with the Indian government. Officials have since removed promotional materials for the auction from their website, reflecting the sensitivity surrounding the sale. India's government emphasized that proceeding with the auction would violate both national and international laws, along with UN conventions meant to protect cultural property.
The relics, believed to date back to the Mauryan Empire around 240-200 BCE, have significant historical importance. As discussions continue between Sotheby's and Indian officials, the auction house has committed to updating interested parties on any developments regarding the sale of these extraordinary archaeological finds.
