CHINA LOSES CURIOS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 69, 20 August 1947, Page 3

CHINA LOSES CURIOS

PRICELESS ANTIQUES “LIFTED” SMUGGLERS AT WORK China is losing priceless antiques and curios to the United States and other countries, states a message in “Christian Science Monitor.” Art connoisseurs estimate that large quantities already have been taken out of the country—the most valuable ancient bronze pieces to America, jade of the Han dynasty (which reigned at the beginning of the Christian era) to Canada, and many priceless paintings to Europe and the United States.

Investigations have brought to light that part of the collection of imperial curios of the Chin dynasty, the last of China’s imperial dynasties, have been smugggled out 6f the country. Sinct the end of the war, some of the most treasured antiques in the country are reported to have been taken away from Changchun, where Henry Pu-yi, Emperor of the Japan-ese-formed Manchukuo, had his residence. Drastic Curbs Urged In consequence of this outflow of art treasures through unscrupulous dealers, an appeal has been made by Chinese cultural societies and art connoisseurs for more stringent customs measures. Chinese antique dealers all voice the hope that the Government will take drastic action to put an end to this depletion of China’s cultural treasures. The national museum'' in Peiping has reported recovery of a considerable number of curios formerly considered lost.

According to the Chinese maritime customs export of curios and antiques is forbidden. But connoisseurs allege that precautions taken to prevent curios being smuggled out are inadequate. Curio dealers engaged in the illegal trade are said to be centering their activities in Peiping and Shanghai. Chinese antiques having historical value are being Collected by antique dealers in Peiping and Shanghai and smuggled into the United States for higher prices in foreign markets, according to a reliable source quoted by the official Government news agency.