New York: Two ancient Indian statues have been seized by Investigators which date back more than 1,000 years from Christie’s auction in New York city.
According to the reports, the items were smuggled out of India and were taken to US. The antiquities were to be part of an auction next week called, “The Lahiri Collection: Indian and Himalayan Art, Ancient and Modern.”
One hails from 10th century depicts a cross-legged teacher flanked by standing attendants. It is valued at about $150,000. The second is an 8th-century representation of an equestrian deity, Revanta, worth $300,000.
Federal officials say they tracked both statues to a smuggler facing charges in India. Christie’s said in a statement it was working with authorities and would never knowingly offer a stolen work of art.
