Buddha statue worth Rs 12.5 crore stolen in heist from US art gallery
text_fields
A rare and ancient Japanese bronze Buddha statue, valued at $1.5 million (approximately Rs 12.5 crore), was brazenly stolen from a renowned art gallery in Los Angeles last week.
The New York Post reported that the 250-pound (114 kg) bronze sculpture was taken from the Barakat Gallery in Beverly Grove around 3:45 a.m. on September 18, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
In a surprising turn of events, the entire heist was captured on CCTV footage. The footage reveals the suspect forcibly entering through a driveway gate and using a dolly to transport the statue onto a waiting truck. The entire operation took just 25 minutes, leaving authorities baffled at how a lone thief managed to abscond with the heavy artefact.
The stolen masterpiece is a seated Buddha embellished with a radiant halo, standing approximately four feet tall. This exquisite work of art originates from Japan's Edo Period, spanning from 1603 to 1867. It is believed to have been commissioned as the centrepiece of a temple.
The gallery's description of the statue provides insight into its historical significance, stating, "This monumental bronze sculpture likely once dominated the interior of a temple. Judging from the inscription, it is likely that this work was once placed in the Yudo-no-San Temple. We can imagine tired pilgrims struggling to climb the mountain, only to arrive at the top and have their energy revitalised by this monumental sculpture. In the Vajra mudra, the index finger of the left hand is clasped by the five fingers of the right; this is also known as the "six elements mudra," or the "fist of wisdom" mudra, for it symbolises the unity of the five worldly elements (earth, water, fire, air, and metal) with spiritual consciousness."
Fayez Barakat, the proprietor of the gallery, expressed his deep attachment to the stolen piece, sharing, "I prize it so much. I had it in the backyard of my home and when I moved into this gallery, I put it in the backyard of the gallery for everybody to admire and enjoy." Barakat suspects that the theft was meticulously planned, as the sculpture occupied a prominent position in the gallery's outdoor space.
Paul Henderson, the gallery's director, emphasised the distinctive nature of the stolen artefact, remarking, "I don't think there's another like it on the market anywhere. It's four feet tall, it's hollow cast bronze and it's a stunning piece. It's really aesthetically arresting and it's shocking to see something like this go missing." He also noted the difficulty the thief might face in attempting to sell such a unique and recognizable piece.
Law enforcement is actively investigating the case, combing the area for additional security camera footage. The Barakat Gallery, which boasts locations in London, Seoul, and Hong Kong, established its Los Angeles presence in 2017.