China condemns auction of sculptures

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-26-2009 15:17

China's State Administration of Cultural Heritage condemns the auction of two relics by Christie's in Paris.

The bronze sculpture of a rat's head, which is an ancient  Chinese relic, is auctioned in the Grand Palace of Paris  in Paris, France, Feb. 25, 2009. Two controversial ancient  Chinese relics including the bronze sculptures of a rat's  head and a rabbit's head, were auctioned off on Wednesday  night for 14 million euros each by anonymous telephone  bidders in Christies's sale of the collection of Yves Saint  Laurant and Pierre Berge in Paris. The sculptures were looted  by invading Anglo-French expedition army in the 19th century,  when the invaders burned down the royal garden of Yuanmingyuan  in Beijing.(Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

In a statement, the administration says China did not acknowledge what it called the illegal possession of the two sculptures, and would continue to seek the return of the sculptures by all means.

It says Christie's proceeded with the auction, violating international conventions and the common understanding that such artifacts should be returned to their country of origin. The statement says the auction will seriously effect Christie's development in China.

Editor:Liu Anqi