Art
A family found centuries-old Japanese art stolen during WWII in their attic
The FBI Boston Division recovered 22 artifacts stolen from Japan, including the artwork above. During World War II, various treasures from the Ryukyu Kingdom were stolen.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation
Tucked away in the attic of a Massachusetts home was not one, not two — but 22 pieces of stolen Japanese antiques, including a hand-drawn map, ceramics and portraits of Okinawan kings, some dating back as far as the 1700’s.
The items were found last year inside the residence of a World War II veteran, whose children were sorting through his belongings after he passed away, according to the FBI.
The family later alerted the authorities. On Friday, the FBI announced that the artifacts made their way to Japan. The family wished to remain anonymous, the FBI said.
The returned artifacts include six portraits, a hand-drawn map of Okinawa, and several ceramic pieces. Most of the pieces date back to the 18th and 19th century.
A bowl recovered by the FBI Boston Division.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation
“This is what makes a culture. And without it, you’re taking away their history,” Geoffrey Kelly, a FBI special agent based in Boston who worked on the case, said in a statement.
“So, it’s really important for us as stewards of artifacts and cultural patrimony to make every effort that we can to see that these go back to the civilizations and the cultures in the countries where they belong,” he added.
Japan plans to hold a formal repatriation ceremony for the artifacts on Friday.
“It is very meaningful that the FBI, along with others in the U.S. Government, have cooperated to realize this return,” the governor of Okinawa Prefecture, Denny Tamaki, said Friday, according to an FBI press release.
A hand-drawn map of Okinawa dating back to the 19th century, which was recovered by the FBI Boston Division.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation
The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C., also helped ensure the items were properly packaged to be sent to Japan.
According to the FBI, the objects took the family by surprise, especially because their father had never served in the Pacific Theater.
So, they did some research and discovered that some of the items in their father’s possession had been entered into the FBI’s National Stolen Art File about 20 years ago.
Another artifact recovered by the FBI Boston Division.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation
The National Stolen Art File is a searchable database to help the public and law enforcement determine if an item was ever stolen.
In 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II, a trove of documents and treasures from the Ryukyu Kingdom were taken. The Ryukyu Kingdom reigned in Okinawa from 1429 to 1879.
A crown belonging to the Sho Royal Family of the Ryukyu Kingdom that is still missing, according to the National Stolen Art File.
The National Stolen Art File
The National Stolen Art File
In 2001, Japanese officials registered the missing items with the U.S. National Stolen Art File.
The FBI said inside the Massachusetts home was an unsigned, typewritten letter, stating that the items were collected in Okinawa during the last days of World War II.
Over 20,000 items have been recovered through the FBI Art Crime Program since it launched in 2004.
According to the National Stolen Art File, there are still several Okinawan antiques missing, including portraits and a royal crown.
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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