Sotheby’s auction house has put a halt to its planned sale in Hong Kong of a collection of sacred jewels linked to the remains of the Buddha, following a legal threat from the Indian government. This collection, regarded as one of the most extraordinary archaeological finds in recent history, has faced backlash from various Buddhist scholars and monastic figures who argue that its sale would be disrespectful to the Buddhist community worldwide. Indian officials have asserted that the relics form an "inalienable religious and cultural heritage" of both India and the global Buddhist populace, indicating that their sale infringes on Indian and international laws as well as United Nations conventions.
The set of jewels, known as the Piprahwa Gems—dating back to the Mauryan Empire, Ashokan Era around 240-200 BCE—was expected to be auctioned on May 7. Discovery of the relics was made nearly 130 years ago by British estate manager William Claxton Peppé, who excavated a stupa in Piprahwa, located near Lumbini, believed to be Buddha's birthplace.
In a letter sent to Sotheby’s just a couple of days before the scheduled auction, India conveyed its intent to engage in discussions around the relics, prompting a high-level delegation to meet with Sotheby’s representatives shortly after. Following this engagement, the auction house announced via email that the auction would be postponed to facilitate further discussions, and they noted that developments related to the situation would be communicated "as appropriate."
By Wednesday, Sotheby’s had removed any reference to the sale from its premises, including the website page that had been promoting the auction. The collection, reportedly featuring nearly 1,800 gems such as rubies, sapphires, topaz, and richly patterned gold sheets stored in a brick chamber, has stirred a significant ethical debate surrounding the ownership and sale of cultural treasures.
