Antique Persian guard sale ends in US

Iran has managed to impede illegal selling of an Iranian historical relic from Achaemenid era at US-based auction.

The centuries-old Achaemendid limestone relief of a Persian guard was supposed to be sold by Rupert Wace Ancient Art at TEFAF New York Fall 2017.

According to a Saturday media report quoting head of the legal affairs division of Iran Cultural Heritage, Handcraft and Tourism Organization, Ebrahim Shaqaqi, “After receiving the news for such exhibition, we immediately contacted Presidential Center for International Legal Affairs and entered into talks.”

 He added they sent some documents to prove their claim and the historical relic is now confiscated through the US justice department.

The report also notes, the relic is no longer available for sale on TEFAF New York fair’s website.

Shaqaqi said the historical item was smuggled out of Iran before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, adding attempts are being made to return the relic.  

The Achaemenid Empire, which is also referred to as the First Persian Empire, emerged over 2500 years ago.

AG/AG