Sotheby’s has postponed the auction of the Piprahwa Gems, ancient gemstones linked to the remains of the Buddha, following threats of legal action from the Indian government, which demanded their repatriation. The gems, excavated by British colonial landowner William Claxton Peppé in 1898 from his estate in northern India, were to be auctioned for an estimated 100 million Hong Kong dollars ($12.9 million) in Hong Kong. India’s Ministry of Culture objected strongly, stating that the sale was offensive to the global Buddhist community and violated legal and ethical norms regarding sacred relics.
The Piprahwa Gems, part of a larger collection of over 1,800 artifacts mostly housed at the Indian Museum in Kolkata, were enshrined at a stupa, believed to rest on the cremated remains of the Buddha. The Indian government asserted that these gems should not be separated from the remains they accompany, emphasizing adherence to Buddhist theological and archaeological standards.
Sotheby’s stated the postponement was made “with the agreement of the consignors,” who are Peppé’s descendants, allowing for ongoing discussions. Critics, including Buddhist scholars and leaders, condemned the planned sale. Peppé, a TV director based in Los Angeles, mentioned that while his family had considered donating the relics, they faced challenges, leading them to view the auction as the most equitable option for transferring the gems to Buddhists. The Indian government argued that if Peppé no longer wished to retain custody, the gems should be returned to India first, framing the auction’s facilitation as a continuation of colonial exploitation.
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