Illegally exported statue sent home from Australia
Print Edition
Australian authorities have returned an illegally exported Chinese statue after Customs officials seized the figure at the border.
During a ceremony at the Chinese embassy in Canberra yesterday, the statue of Guanyin, revered by Buddhists and Taoists, was handed over by the Australian government in accordance with a bilateral commitment to return and protect cultural property.
Guanyin is an East Asian deity of mercy and compassion.
The return of the icon follows previous returns of items of cultural significance including fossils and dinosaur eggs to China, antiquities to Peru and Egypt, and Iron Age ornaments to Cambodia.
The icon was exported from China in breach of Chinese cultural laws. After being purchased by an eBay dealer based in the United States, the statue was seized by the Australian Customs and Border Protection when it arrived in Australia.
Australia’s Minister for the Arts, Senator George Brandis, said the country’s commitment to protecting cultural heritage was demonstrated by its ability to identify, seize the item and facilitate its return.
“I welcome the opportunity to return this important cultural artefact to China,” he said.
“It builds upon strong economic ties between our two countries and our common desire to foster cultural understanding and artistic relationships.”
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