Editor’s Note
This article reports on the upcoming auction of jewelry linked to Buddha’s relics, an event that has drawn significant criticism from religious and academic communities. The historical and spiritual significance of these artifacts makes their commercial sale a subject of intense debate.
A collection of precious jewelry associated with the relics of Buddha Shakyamuni is set to be publicly auctioned at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong on May 8, sparking strong controversy and condemnation from religious and academic circles. The jewelry was unearthed in 1898 from a stupa in Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh, India, and is considered one of the most significant Buddhist sacred objects in modern archaeological history.
According to a BBC News report, the treasure trove comprises nearly 1,800 items, including pearls, rubies, topaz, sapphires, and exquisite gold ornaments. They were discovered alongside an inscribed urn believed to contain the cremated remains of the Buddha. This archaeological find stunned the academic world at the time and was widely reported.
For over a century, these jewels were held in the private collection of the British Peppé family and were rarely publicly displayed. The family has now decided to consign them to Sotheby’s for auction, stating that “auction is the fairest and most transparent method of succession.” However, this move has raised questions from Buddhist groups, art historians, and the public regarding its legality and morality.
In a joint statement, Professor Ashley Thompson, a Buddhist art expert at SOAS, University of London, and curator Conan Cheong pointed out:
They further questioned:
Amal Abeyawardene, a representative of the British MahaBodhi Society in London, emphasized:
Historical records indicate that the original discoverer, Willie Peppé, handed over the relics to the British Indian government. Some were gifted to the Buddhist King of Siam (Rama V, present-day Thailand), while others were deposited at the Indian Museum in Kolkata. The jewelry now up for auction represents a small portion of “duplicates” that he was permitted to retain privately.
In response, Sotheby’s stated that it has completed full due diligence regarding legality, provenance, and authenticity. The auction house said the sale would be conducted in compliance with regulations and with respect.
The incident has also revived discussions on the repatriation of artifacts from the colonial era. Art historians note that this auction perpetuates the colonial logic of “commodifying sacred artifacts” and call for careful handling of such cultural and religious heritage.
The auction is expected to attract global collectors and Buddhist institutions. However, the controversy continues to grow, making the question of whether Buddhist sacred objects should be traded on the market a heated international moral debate.