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Conn. police probe theft of Tang Dynasty sculpture

Catherine Saunders-Watson
Catherine Saunders-Watson
This photo provided by the Westport, Conn., Police Department shows one of two Chinese sculptures, each valued at $800,000, stolen from a private collection in Connecticut.
This photo provided by the Westport, Conn., Police Department shows one of two Chinese sculptures, each valued at $800,000, stolen from a private collection in Connecticut.

WESTPORT, Conn. (AP) – Police say they’re investigating the theft of two rare ancient Chinese head sculptures valued at $800,000 each from a private collection in Connecticut.

Police said Wednesday the approximately 1,000-year-old Louhan sculptures had been stored at an undisclosed location in Westport, a wealthy coastal town of about 25,000 residents. They haven’t said when the sculptures were stolen.

The sculptures are carved from sandstone. They originated in China and date to the Tang Dynasty, a period of prosperity and growth. Police say they’re among only a few such sculptures known to exist.

The sculptures are 15 inches high and 15 inches long and weigh between 55 and 70 pounds each.

The FBI has joined the investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the theft is asked to contact the Westport Police Detective Bureau. All information will be kept confidential. Call 203-341-6006.

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Auction Central News International contributed to this report.

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