My very first thought as well. However, even if true, the intersting question remains, wether it was ordered by a state institution or by a rich individual. With the rampant nationalism fostered by the CCP, I’m inclined to believe the latter.
Sounds well-founded but is not. Ming vases are the epitome of value. So much so, that it became a popcultural meme, as for example the Priceless Ming Vase that is a weapon in the Worms video game series. However, I would agree that it is very likely to be bought by a Chinese national.
Could it be that this was a Chinese repatriation op?
My very first thought as well. However, even if true, the intersting question remains, wether it was ordered by a state institution or by a rich individual. With the rampant nationalism fostered by the CCP, I’m inclined to believe the latter.
Even if it was a local thief, the only way to turn this into money is by finding a wealthy Chinese client.
Sounds well-founded but is not. Ming vases are the epitome of value. So much so, that it became a popcultural meme, as for example the Priceless Ming Vase that is a weapon in the Worms video game series. However, I would agree that it is very likely to be bought by a Chinese national.