Sotheby's postpones auction of gems related to Buddha's relics

Sotheby's has postponed the auction of the 'Piprahwa Gemstone' due to strong opposition from the Indian government.

Sotheby's sale of the Maurya Empire's Piprahwa Gemstone Collection has drawn strong criticism from Buddhist scholars and monastic leaders. The collection, which dates back to the Ashokan period around 240-200 BC, is believed to contain relics of the Buddha. The event is not just an auction but also a profound debate about cultural and religious values. Does the commercialization of heritage affect the reverence for the Buddha's relics?

Staff remove Piprahwa Gems sign from wall after Sotheby's postpones auction involving Buddha relics

PHOTO: REUTERS

Indian government responds to Sotheby's over controversial auction

The Indian government said in a letter to the auction house on May 5 that the treasures are "inviolable religious and cultural heritage of India and the global Buddhist community. Their sale violates Indian and international laws, as well as United Nations conventions."

The auction is scheduled to take place on the morning of May 7 at Sotheby's headquarters in Hong Kong - the Asian Financial Center.

Sotheby's said in an emailed statement that in light of the issues raised by the Indian government "and with the consent of the consignors, the auction will be postponed. This allows the parties to discuss and we look forward to sharing any updates as appropriate."

The announcement of the auction of the gem collection was removed from the auction house's website on May 7.

In February 2025, Sotheby's declared the 1898 discovery of the relic at Piprahwa in northern India to be "one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries of all time." In 1898, British archaeologist William Claxton Peppe excavated relics of the Buddha at the Birdpur Estate in Piprahwa village, Siddharthnagar district, Uttar Pradesh - near the area identified as Kapilavastu, the birthplace of the Buddha.

India said the proposed auction by Sotheby's "offends the sentiments of over 500 million Buddhists worldwide ", adding that the auction violates Buddhist ethics, breaks "sacred traditions" and demands the return of these precious items.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/sothebys-hoan-phien-dau-gia-da-quy-lien-quan-den-xa-loi-duc-phat-185250508083815891.htm