Two stolen Indian statues dating back to as early as the 8th century and valued at over $4,50,000 were seized in the US from premier auction house Christie’s, just days before an auction next week.
Two stolen Indian statues dating back to as early as the 8th century and valued at over $4,50,000 were seized in the US from premier auction house Christie’s, just days before an auction next week.
The artifacts made from sandstone were recovered from the auction house following an international investigation with assistance from the Indian government and Interpol.
Special agents with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, along with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office seized the statues, believed to be from 8th and 10th centuries AD, here on Friday.
The artifacts are a buff sandstone stele of Rishabhanata, believed to be from Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh in the 10th century AD, and a buff sandstone panel depicting Revanta and his entourage from India in the 8th century AD.
