U.S. Customs returns 10th century relic to China

From Jack Date
CNN Justice Department Producer

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. Customs Service has returned to Chinese government officials in New York a rare marble wall panel that had been looted from an ancient tomb in northern China.

The sculpture will be shipped back to China to become part of its National Museum's collection.

The panel is said to be from the 10th century Five Dynasties tomb of Wanh Chuzhi in the Hebei Province. The marble relic, which stands about 4 feet high, depicts a warrior holding a sword with a phoenix on his shoulders. Thieves allegedly used dynamite to access and remove the 480-pound marble relief in 1994.

"Stolen art and cultural property are not welcome in the United States and the Customs Service is actively engaged in disrupting this illicit trade," acting Customs Commissioner Chuck Winwood said in a written statement.

In March 2000, the artwork surfaced when it was advertised for purchase by auction at Christie's in New York. The panel was seized by U.S. Customs agents before it was sold as the result of a civil forfeiture proceeding brought by U.S. Attorney Mary Jo White.

"Today's repatriation of the 10th century tomb relief marks the return of an important piece of cultural property to the nation from which it was stolen," White said in a prepared statement.

Qu Shengrui, director of social management of cultural relics, and Zhang Honvxi, counsel general for the New York consulate of the People's Republic of China, received the panel for the Chinese government.