Sotheby’s has decided to delay its auction in Hong Kong of hundreds of sacred jewels associated with the remains of the Buddha, following a warning from the Indian government about potential legal action.
The recent sale of a collection, hailed as one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries of contemporary times, has sparked backlash from Buddhist scholars and monastic authorities. India expressed that it had offended the global Buddhist community.
Sotheby’s announced that the suspension would facilitate discussions between the involved parties.
Nearly 130 years ago, a British official named William Claxton Peppé discovered relics in northern India, along with bone fragments believed to be associated with the Buddha himself.
The highly anticipated auction of the collection, referred to as the Piprahwa Gems from the Historical Buddha Mauryan Empire during the Ashokan Era, approximately dated between 240 and 200 BCE, is scheduled for 7 May.
Two days prior, the Indian government communicated with the auction house, asserting that the relics represent “inalienable religious and cultural heritage of India and the global Buddhist community.” The sale is in direct violation of both Indian and international laws, alongside United Nations conventions.
On Tuesday, a senior delegation from the Indian government engaged in discussions with representatives from Sotheby’s.
Sotheby’s announced in an emailed statement that the auction had been postponed due to concerns raised by the Indian government, with the consent of the consignors.
Officials indicated that updates regarding the discussions would be provided “as appropriate”.
By Wednesday, the announcement regarding the gems sale had been removed from the auction house, and the webpage that previously promoted the auction was no longer accessible.
William Claxton Peppé, an English estate manager, played a significant role in the excavation of a stupa at Piprahwa, located just south of Lumbini, which is widely regarded as the birthplace of Buddha. He discovered artefacts that were inscribed and dedicated nearly 2,000 years ago.
Recent discoveries revealed an impressive collection of nearly 1,800 gemstones, featuring rubies, topaz, sapphires, and intricately patterned gold sheets, all housed within a brick chamber. The location is currently situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Sotheby’s stated in February that the 1898 discovery is considered “among the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries of all time.”
