Overview

• Sotheby’s Hong Kong postponed the May 7 auction of the Piprahwa gems, citing concerns raised by the Indian government and agreement from the consignors.
• India’s Ministry of Culture issued a legal notice, asserting the relics are inalienable religious and cultural heritage protected under Indian and international laws.
• The Piprahwa gems, unearthed in 1898, were linked to the Buddha’s Sakya clan and include jewels historically buried with his remains.
• India argued the sale violated the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, UNESCO 1970, and UNIDROIT 1995 conventions, demanding the relics’ repatriation.
• The auction’s postponement allows for further discussions between Sotheby’s, the consignors, and Indian authorities about the relics’ future.