Any Chinese relic that was stolen, robbed, trafficked or plundered in any illegal way in history is not allowed to be auctioned. Meanwhile, the government can prevent the auction by procuring the precious relics from auction companies, according to the latest Management Method of Auctioning Relics released by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage on Sunday.
The Management Method states that the auctions of relics covered by this regulation include: artworks and crafts of all kinds created before 1949; documents, manuscript, books and materials created before 1949 that has historical, artist and scientific value; representative subjects that are related to social systems, social production and social life of all ethnicities before 1949; representative subjects that are related to major events and renowned figures after 1949; representative subjects that are related to production activities, life customs, culture and art, and religions of all ethnicities after 1949; art works of late painters and craftsmen after 1949; and subjects that are listed by laws and regulations.
The document stresses that the government has the right of procure precious relics. The State Administration of Cultural Heritage can appoint State-owned companies dealing with relics collection to make the procurement. The price of purchase is negotiated between the two parties and should not be included in public auction.
