Sotheby's Delays Buddha-Linked Gem Auction Amid Threats of Legal Action From India

HONG KONG (News in A Day) – Auction house Sotheby's announced on Wednesday that they have delayed the sale of a collection featuring hundreds of sacred jewels associated with Buddha’s bodily remains following threats from India's government to pursue legal action and request their return.

The auction of the collection referred to as the Piprahwa Gems from the Historical Buddha’s Mauryan Empire during the Ashokan period around 240-200 BCE has faced backlash from scholars and religious authorities within Buddhism.

The Indian government stated in a letter dated May 5 to the auction house that these artifacts represent "an integral part of the religious and cultural legacy of both India and the worldwide Buddhist community. The sale of these items contravenes Indian and international statutes, as well as various United Nations agreements."

The auction was scheduled for Wednesday morning at Sotheby's offices in the city known as an Asian financial center.

In response to the concerns presented by India’s government, Sotheby's stated via email that they have decided to postpone the auction “with the consent of the consignors.” The company explained this move would facilitate further talks among all involved parties and expressed their intention to provide relevant updates when necessary.

The announcement for the gem sale had been taken down from the auction house on Wednesday, and the webpage advertising the event was no longer accessible.

In February, Sotheby's stated that the uncovering of the relics in Piprahwa, located in northern India back in 1898, was considered one of "the most remarkable archaeological finds in history."

India stated that the suggested auction "hurts the feelings of more than 500 million Buddhists globally" and noted that the sale goes against fundamental Buddhist principles and disturbs "a sacred tradition."

(Reported by Clare Jim and Jessie Pang; written by Farah Master; edited by Kate Mayberry)