THE ARCHIVE BY COUNTRY
Published reports from our archive, newest first.
A country may refer to the theft, recovery, return or legal proceedings. A case can be linked to more than one country.
8 reports
Padmapani and Nrtyadevi sculptures returned to Nepal — artwork or case documentation from the linked image source. Image source ↗
Manhattan prosecutors returned a gilt bronze Padmapani and a polychromed wooden Nrtyadevi following trafficking investigations. Archival festival and monastery photographs helped establish that the figures had been stolen from Nepal.
Art Institute of Chicago announces return of Muchalinda Buddha to Nepal — artwork or case documentation from the linked image source. Image source ↗
The museum agreed to return Buddha Sheltered by the Serpent King Muchalinda after identifying its theft from Guita Bahi. The announcement concerns the restitution decision, not confirmation of physical arrival.
Four Nepalese antiquities returned, including two Bhairava masks — artwork or case documentation from the linked image source. Image source ↗
Manhattan prosecutors announced a four-object return involving stolen Bhairava masks and a Durga figure. The release distinguishes several trafficking investigations and describes museum cooperation in recovering the objects.
Met signs return agreement for two further Nepalese sculptures — artwork or case documentation from the linked image source. Image source ↗
The Met and Nepal signed an agreement for a wooden temple strut and Vishnu flanked by Lakshmi and Garuda. The announcement states that transport was being arranged; it does not establish physical arrival.
Fourteenth-century Durga stele returned to Nepal — artwork or case documentation from the linked image source. Image source ↗
The Durga stele, stolen from a Kathmandu Valley shrine in the 1960s, was returned at a New York ceremony. Investigators seized it after it resurfaced on the art market in 2022.
Met delivers a temple strut and Shiva sculpture to Nepal — artwork or case documentation from the linked image source. Image source ↗
The Met announced delivery to Nepal of a thirteenth-century Salabhinka temple strut and a tenth-century Shiva sculpture. Museum research prompted the return; Shiva’s ownership transfer had been signed in 2021.
Denver transfers ownership of Uma-Maheshvaramurti to Nepal — artwork or case documentation from the linked image source. Image source ↗
Denver Art Museum transferred ownership of the tenth-century stone sculpture to Nepalese representatives. The museum described discussions with Nepal and preparations for the work’s journey home, rather than a new theft.
FBI and Dallas Museum of Art representatives with the stele, 2 March 2021. Photo: Dallas Museum of Art. Image source ↗
The FBI and Dallas Museum of Art announced the return of the Stele of Lakshmi-Narayana to Nepal. The stone sculpture, on loan from a private collection, was transported to Washington and returned to Nepalese government custody on 5 March 2021 with the lender’s cooperation.
