Chinese gov´t objects to auction of looted relics

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-14-2009 12:25

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China's State Administration of Cultural Heritage has voiced its objection to the auction of looted Chinese relics by Christie's auction house.

The bronze rabbit（R） and rat（L） head sculptures formed  part of the twelve animals that decorated the Calm Sea  Pavilion in the Old Summer Palace in Beijing.

Director of the museum department with the administration, Song Xinchao, says the sale of such items would offend the sensibilities of the Chinese people.

Christie's is set to auction two bronze head sculptures in Paris from February 23rd to the 25th.

The bronze rabbit and rat head sculptures formed part of the twelve animals that decorated the Calm Sea Pavilion in the Old Summer Palace in Beijing. They were stolen when the palace was burnt down by Anglo-French allied forces during the Second Opium War in 1860. A team of 81 Chinese lawyers has written to Christie's in an effort to stop the sale.

Editor:Liu Anqi