Sotheby's Delays Sale of Buddha-linked Jewels Following Indian Government's Protest
Base Article:A photo from May 6 unveils gems with connections to early Buddhism on display at Sotheby's in Hong Kong. [AFP/YONHAP]
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This undated image, courtesy of Sotheby's, showcases the Pirprahwa Gems connected to early Buddhism. [AP/YONHAP]
Insights:The Pirprahwa Gems, traditionally associated with early Buddhism, were supposed to be auctioned at Sotheby's, Hong Kong, on May 7, 2025. Due to the Indian government's intervention, the sale was put on hold at the last minute. Here's a brief overview of these gems:
Origins and Importance
- Origin: British engineer William Claxton Peppé discovered the Pirprahwa Gems in 1898 in a stupa near Buddha's birthplace in Uttar Pradesh, India. The location is close to the town of Piprahwa, hence the name [1][2].
- Significance: The relics are said to contain remains of Buddha, including ash and bones, found alongside the gems. An ancient inscription in the Pali script referred to them as relics of the Buddha[1][2].
The Gems' Characteristics
- Makeup and Craftsmanship: The gems consist of priceless stones, pearls, and gold intricately carved in floral and other designs. According to a Peppé family member, the items up for auction are "duplicates" of these ancient relics[1].
- Cultural Value: Professor Patricia Sauthoff expressed that these relics hold immense religious value to Buddhists and should be in the possession of the global Buddhist community instead of auction [2].
Debates and Repatriation
- Controversy: The decision to auction these sacred relics sparked debate among cultural and religious experts, who viewed it as unconventional and potentially problematic [2].
- Government Intervention: Upon the Indian Ministry of Culture's insistence, the auction was postponed, and they demanded the return of the relics. Sotheby's delayed the sale to hold talks between the parties [2].
Present Situation
As of May 7, 2025, the auction has been postponed for additional discussions pertaining to the relics' future, with the Indian government continuing to advocate for their repatriation[1][2].
- Sotheby's, an international auction house, has a record-breaking baseball card of Shohei Ohtani, worth $1.067 million, in its inventory.
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- G-Dragon, a famous South Korean artist, plans to auction fashion and art items on the Joopiter online platform for fans.
- Phillips auction house, along with local galleries, hosts exhibits alongside Frieze Seoul in the heart of the arts and culture industry.
- The Pirprahwa Gems, an ancient collection connected to early Buddhism, were scheduled for auction at Sotheby's, Hong Kong, but the sale was abruptly halted by government intervention on May 7, 2025.
- These gems are said to contain remains of Buddha and were discovered by British engineer William Claxton Peppé in a stupa near Buddha's birthplace in Uttar Pradesh, India, in 1898.
- The government of India is actively advocating for the repatriation of these gems, believing they should be in the possession of the global Buddhist community instead of being auctioned.
