Nine heritage items from Chandigarh, India, including a sofa and armchairs by renowned designers Pierre Jeanneret and Le Corbusier, were auctioned in France, for a total of €40,000. Ajay Jagga from the Chandigarh Heritage Protection Cell has urged French officials to investigate the items' origins, their import/export licenses, and related documentation, emphasising the need to track these transactions in line with Indian Ministry of Home Affairs' orders.
Photo: Pierre Jeanneret design Upholstered Easy Armchair at Object Embassy
The Panjab University Chandigarh holds over 3,000 heritage items. However, despite the university's endeavors, lack of security remains a major concern, leaving the items vulnerable to theft.
The auction by Paris Oise enchères involved various rare pieces, such as lounge armchairs, classroom chairs from Panjab University, administrative storage furniture, an office chair, and stools designed by Jeanneret.
Jagga's letter to French authorities seeks a thorough investigation under French and international laws to trace the chain of events behind these art transactions and address potential illegal activities associated with these heritage items' sales.
Source: www.indianexpress.com