Repatriations
Champa Kingdom, Avalokiteshvara Padmapani, Vajrapani and Avalokiteshvara Padmapani, 9th–11th century, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, Acquired 2011, deaccessioned 2021, repatriated 2023, On loan from the Kingdom of Cambodia, 2023–2026
It is an essential and ongoing part of responsible collection management to continuously review and interrogate the collection. The National Gallery is committed to transparency and disclosure of provenance information.
Since 2014, the Gallery has voluntarily repatriated 250 works of art from its collection. Repatriation is the return of works of art to their countries of origin when it has been established that they have been stolen, illegally exported or more properly belong there than in the Gallery’s care.
Below is a selection of works of art that have been repatriated to Cambodia, India, Pakistan, China and Papua New Guinea, organised by country and the order the works were repatriated in.
Learn more about the Gallery’s evidence-based principles and Provenance and Due Diligence decision-making framework.
Cambodia
Champa Kingdom, Vajrapani, 9th–11th century, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, Acquired 2011, deaccessioned 2021, repatriated 2023, On loan from the Kingdom of Cambodia, 2023–2026
probably created in Vietnam, 9th–11th century
[location and ownership unknown, 9th–11th century to 1994]
illegally excavated by “Falcon” in the area of Lor Village, Tboung Khmum Province, Cambodia, c. November 1994
transported by Toek Tik aka “Lion” to Sisiphon, Banteay Meanchey Province, Cambodia, c. November 1994
illegally exported by “Sleeping Giant”, known to supply cultural objects to Douglas Latchford and others
[location unclear, 1994 to 2001]
offered for sale by art dealer Alexander Goetz (also spelled Götz) in Sixth International Asian Art Fair, New York, United States of America, March 2001
offered for sale by art dealer Alexander Goetz (also spelled Götz) in Asian Art in London Fall Season, London, United Kingdom, 2002
[location unclear, 2002 to 2001]
with collector and art dealer Douglas Latchford, London, United Kingdom, 2004 or before
who sold it as part of a set of three for USD1,500,000 to the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2011
which deaccessioned it, December 2021
and ceremonially repatriated it, 28 July 2023
[physical repatriation scheduled for July 2026]
Champa Kingdom, Avalokiteshvara Padmapani, 9th–11th century, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, Acquired 2011, deaccessioned 2021, repatriated 2023, On loan from the Kingdom of Cambodia, 2023–2026
probably created in Vietnam, 9th–11th century
[location and ownership unknown, 9th–11th century to 1994]
illegally excavated by “Falcon” in the area of Lor Village, Tboung Khmum Province, Cambodia, c. November 1994
transported by Toek Tik aka “Lion” to Sisiphon, Banteay Meanchey Province, Cambodia, c. November 1994
illegally exported by “Sleeping Giant”, known to supply cultural objects to Douglas Latchford and others
[location unclear, 1994 to 2004]
with collector and art dealer Douglas Latchford, London, United Kingdom, 2004 or before
who sold it as part of a set of three for USD1,500,000 to the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2011
which deaccessioned it, December 2021
and ceremonially repatriated it to the Kingdom of Cambodia, 28 July 2023
[physical repatriation scheduled for July 2026]
Champa Kingdom, Avalokiteshvara Padmapani, 9th–11th century, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, Champa Kingdom, Acquired 2011, deaccessioned 2021, repatriated 2023, On loan from the Kingdom of Cambodia
probably created in Vietnam, 9th–11th century
[location and ownership unknown, 9th–11th century to 1994]
illegally excavated by “Falcon” in the area of Lor Village, Tboung Khmum Province, Cambodia, c. November 1994
transported by Toek Tik aka “Lion” to Sisiphon, Banteay Meanchey Province, Cambodia, c. November 1994
illegally exported by “Sleeping Giant”, known to supply cultural objects to Douglas Latchford and others
[location unclear, 1994 to 2004]
with collector and art dealer Douglas Latchford, London, United Kingdom, 2004 or before
who sold it as part of a set of three for USD1,500,000 to the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2011
which deaccessioned it, December 2021
and ceremonially repatriated it, 28 July 2023
[physical repatriation scheduled for July 2026]
China
Ming dynasty (1368–1644) or Qing dynasty (1644–1911), China, Vessel [zun] in the form of an animal 14th–19th century, purchased 1968, deaccessioned 2011
created in China, Ming dynasty (1368-1644) or Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
[ownership unknown prior to 1968]
with David Jones Art Gallery, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1968 or before
which sold it William Dargie for the Commonwealth Arts Advisory Board, 11 December 1968
which later transferred it to the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
which deaccessioned it, 21 November 2011
and repatriated it to the Peoples’ Republic of China, 25 October 2023
India
Tamil Nadu, India, Shiva as Lord of the Dance [Nataraja] 11-12th century, purchased 2008, deaccessioned 2014
created in Tamil Nadu, India, 11th–12th century
stolen from the Shri Puranthan temple, Ariyalur district, Tamil Nadu, India, c. 2006
with Subhash Kapoor of art dealership Art of the Past, New York, United States of America, 2007 or before
which sold it for USD5,000,000 to the National Gallery of Australia, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2008
which deaccessioned it, August 2014
Repatriated to India by the Australian Government, September 2014
Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India, Seated Buddha 2nd century, purchased 2007, deaccessioned 2015
created in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India, 2nd century
[location and ownership unknown prior to 2005]
with Nancy Wiener Gallery, New York, United States of America, 2005 or before
which sold it for USD1,080,000 to the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2007
which deaccessioned it, February 2015
and with Nancy Wiener repatriated it to India, December 2016
Amaravati region, Andhra Pradesh, India, Worshippers of the Buddha 2nd or 3rd century CE, purchased 2005, deaccessioned 2016
created for the Stupa of Chandavaram, Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh, India, 2nd or 3rd century
stolen from Chandavaram site museum, between mid‑1990s and 2005
with Subhash Kapoor of art dealership Art of the Past, New York, United States of America, 2005 or before
which sold it for USD595,000 to the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2005
which deaccessioned it, August 2016
and repatriated it to India, December 2016
Tamil Nadu, India, Goddess Pratyangira 12th century, purchased 2005, deaccessioned 2016
created in Tamil Nadu, India, 12th century
at the Sri Vriddhachalesvara temple, Vriddhachalam, Tamil Nadu, India, until between 1974 and 2005
with Subhash Kapoor of art dealership Art of the Past, New York, United States of America, 2005 or before
which sold it for USD247,500 to the National Gallery of Australia, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2005
which deaccessioned it, August 2016
and repatriated it to India, December 2016
Tamil Nadu, India, Door guardian [dvarapala] 15th century, purchased with the assistance of the Kuring Vest Bequest 2005, deaccessioned 2019
created in Tamil Nadu, India, 15th century
reportedly stolen from Athalanallur Sivan temple, Athalanallur Village, Tamil Nadu, India, 10 January 1995
with Subhash Kapoor of art dealership Art of the Past, New York, United States of America, 2005 or before
which sold it as part of a pair for USD495,000 to the National Gallery of Australia, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2005
which deaccessioned it, October 2019
and repatriated it to India, January 2020
Tamil Nadu, India, Door guardian [dvarapala] 15th century, purchased with the assistance of the Kuring Vest Bequest 2005, deaccessioned 2019
created in Tamil Nadu, India, 15th century
reportedly stolen from Athalanallur Sivan temple, Athalanallur Village, Tamil Nadu, India, 10 January 1995
with Subhash Kapoor of art dealership Art of the Past, New York, United States of America, 2005 or before
which sold it as part of a pair for USD495,000 to the National Gallery of Australia, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2005
which deaccessioned it, October 2019
and repatriated it to India, January 2020
Possibly Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh, India, The serpent king [Nagaraja] 6th–8th century, purchased 2006, deaccessioned 2019
created in Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh, India, 6th–8th century
[location and ownership unknown prior to 2006]
with Subhash Kapoor of art dealership Art of the Past, New York, United States of America, 2006 or before
which sold it for USD337,500 to the National Gallery of Australia, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2006
which deaccessioned it, October 2019
and repatriated it to India, January 2020
Tamil Nadu, India, The child-saint Sambandar, 12th century, purchased 1989, deaccessioned 2021
created in Tamil Nadu, India, 12th century
at the Sri Sayavanesvara temple, Sayavanam, Sirkali Taluk, Nagapattinam District, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India, until between 1958 and 1966
probably acquired by William H Wolff, India, 12 October 1970 or before
with William H Wolff, New York, United States of America, 1980 or before
who sold it for USD115,000 to the National Gallery Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 1989
which deaccessioned it, June 2021
and repatriated it to India, March 2022
Gujarat, India, Goddess Durga slaying the buffalo demon [Durga Mahisasuramardini] 12th-13th century
purchased 2002, deaccessioned 2021
created in Gujarat, India, 12th–13th century
[location and ownership unknown prior to 2002]
with Subhash Kapoor of art dealership Art of the Past, New York, 2002 or before
which sold it for USD35,000 to the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2002
which deaccessioned it, June 2021
and repatriated it to India, March 2022
Mount Abu region, Rajasthan, India, Arch for a Jain shrine 11th-12th century and Seated Jina 1163 (two separate works), purchased 2003, deaccessioned 2021
Arch for a Jain shrine
created in Mount Abu region, Rajasthan, India, 11th–12th century
[location and ownership unknown prior to 2003]
with Subhash Kapoor of art dealership Art of the Past, New York, United States of America, 2003 or before
which sold it as part of a set for USD125,000 to the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2003
which deaccessioned it, June 2021
and repatriated it to India, March 2022
Seated Jina
created in Mount Abu region, Rajasthan, India, 1163
[location and ownership unknown prior to 2002]
with private collector, London, United Kingdom, 2002 or before
who offered it for sale in Islamic and Indian Works of Art (sale number 9481, lot 122), Christie's, London, United Kingdom, 18 October 2002
where it was sold for GBP4,465
with Subhash Kapoor of art dealership Art of the Past, New York, United States of America, 2003 or before
which sold it as part of a set for USD125,000 to the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2003
which deaccessioned it, June 2021
and repatriated it to India, March 2022
Tamil Nadu, India, The dancing child‑saint Sambandar 12th century, purchased 2005, deaccessioned 2021
created in Tamil Nadu, India, 12th century
reportedly stolen from the Naganathaswamy Sivan temple, Manambadi, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India, 2005 or before
with Subhash Kapoor of art dealership Art of the Past, New York, United States of America, 2005 or before
which sold it for USD765,000 to the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2005
which deaccessioned it, June 2021
and repatriated it to India, March 2022
Rajasthan or Uttar Pradesh, India, The divine couple Lakshmi and Vishnu [Lakshmi Narayana] 10th-11th century, purchased 2006, deaccessioned 2021
created in Rajasthan or Uttar Pradesh, India, 10th–11th century
[location and ownership unknown prior to 2001]
with Subhash Kapoor of art dealership Art of the Past, New York, United States of America, 2001 or before
which sold it to the Rubin‑Ladd Foundation, New York, United States of America, 2002
returned to Art of the Past, New York, United States of America, between 2003 and 2006
which sold it for USD375,000 to National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2006
which deaccessioned it, June 2021
and repatriated it to India, March 2022
Goa, India, Christ crucified 18th century, purchased 2007, deaccessioned 2021
created in Goa, India, 18th century
[location and ownership unknown prior to 2003]
with an art dealer, Italy, 2002 or 2003 or before
who sold it to Edric van Vredenburgh, London, United Kingdom, 2002 or 2003
who offered it for sale in 'The eclectic world of Edric van Vredenburgh' (lot 23), Sotheby's, London, United Kingdom, 6 June 2006
where it was bought for GBP21,600 by Subhash Kapoor of art dealership Art of the Past, New York, United States of America, 2006
which sold it for USD337,500 to the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2007
which deaccessioned it, June 2021
and repatriated it to India, February 2023
Hyderabad, Telangana, India, Processional standard ['alam] 1851, purchased 2008, deaccessioned 2021
created in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, 1851
[location and ownership unknown 1851–2008]
with Subhash Kapoor of art dealership Art of the Past, New York, United States of America, 2008 or before
which sold it for USD155,000 to the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2008
which deaccessioned it, June 2021
and repatriated it to India, March 2022
Rajasthan, India, Letter of invitation to Jain monks; picture scroll [vijnaptipatra] c 1835 [detail], purchased 2009, deaccessioned 2021
created in Rajasthan, India, c. 1835
[location and ownership unknown prior to 2009]
with a private collector, London, United Kingdom, 2009 or before
who offered it for sale in 'Indian and Southeast Asian art' (lot 1343), Christie’s, New York, United States of America, 20 March 2009
where it was bought for USD4,000 by Subhash Kapoor of art dealership Art of the Past, New York, United States of America
which sold it for USD4,500 to the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2009
which deaccessioned it, June 2021
and repatriated it to India, March 2022
Udaipur, Rajasthan, India, not titled ['Manorath' portrait of donor and priests before Shri Nathji, Udaipur, Rajasthan] unknown date, purchased 2009, deaccessioned 2021
created in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
[location and ownership unknown prior to 2009]
with Subhash Kapoor of art dealership Art of the Past, New York, United States of America, 2009 or before
which sold it for USD4,000 to the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2009
which deaccessioned it, June 2021
and repatriated it to India, March 2022
//national-gallery-of-australia/media/dd/images/193638_apm_-_Large_Viewing_JPEG_4200px.jpg)
Guru Das Studio, India, not titled [Gujarati family group portrait], purchased 2009, deaccessioned 2021
created by Guru Das Studio, India, first half 20th century
[location and ownership unknown prior to 2009]
with Subhash Kapoor of art dealership Art of the Past, New York, United States of America, 2009 or before
which sold it for USD6,000 to the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2009
which deaccessioned it, June 2021
and repatriated it to India, March 2022
Shanti C. Shah, Hiralal A Gandhi memorial portrait 1941, India, purchased 2009, deaccessioned 2021
created by Shanti C Shah, India, 1941
[location and ownership unknown prior to 2009]
with Subhash Kapoor of art dealership Art of the Past, New York, United States of America, 2009 or before
which sold it for USD5,000 to the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2009
which deaccessioned it, June 2021
and repatriated it to India, March 2022
Venus Studio, India, not titled [Portrait of a man] 1954, purchased 2009, deaccessioned 2021
created by Venus Studio, India, 1954
[location and ownership unknown prior to 2009]
with Subhash Kapoor of art dealership Art of the Past, New York, United States of America, 2009 or before
which sold it for USD2,500 to the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2009
which deaccessioned it, June 2021
and repatriated it to India, March 2022
Udaipur, Rajasthan, India, not titled [Portrait of a woman] unknown date, purchased 2009, deaccessioned 2021
created in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
[location and ownership unknown prior to 2009]
with Subhash Kapoor of art dealership Art of the Past, New York, United States of America, 2009 or before
which sold it for USD2,500 to the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2009
which deaccessioned it, June 2021
and repatriated it to India, March 2022
Lala D. Dayal, Maharaja Sir Kishen Pershad Yamin 1903, India, purchased 2010, deaccessioned 2021
created by Lala Dayal, India, 1903
[location and ownership unknown prior to 2010]
with Subhash Kapoor of art dealership Art of the Past, New York, United States of America, 2010 or before
which sold it for USD3,000 to the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2010
which deaccessioned it, June 2021
and repatriated it to India, March 2022
Pakistan
Gandharan region, Pakistan, Head of a bodhisattva 3rd-4th century, purchased 2006, deaccessioned 2021
created in Gandharan region, Pakistan, 3rd–4th century
[location and ownership unknown prior to 2006]
with Subhash Kapoor of art dealership Art of the Past, New York, United States of America, 2006 or before
which sold it for USD247,500 to the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 2006
which deaccessioned it, June 2021
and repatriated it to Pakistan, August 2022
Papua New Guinea
Chambri people, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea, Garamut [slit drum] mid-20th century, Gift of unknown donor 1978, deaccessioned 2018
In 2020 the transferral of 225 artefacts of Papua New Guinean heritage marked the completion of a long-term project between the National Gallery and the National Museum & Art Gallery of Papua New Guinea. The return was the biggest repatriation by an Australian institution in 25 years. The objects were mainly utilitarian cultural items as well as mid-20th century masks and sculptures. The group came from various provinces including New Ireland, East and West New Britain, Gulf, Milne Bay and East Sepik with all being identified in accordance with the National Gallery's Art Deaccession Policy.
