Should looted relics be put up for auction?

Editor's note: A Chinese water vessel, known as Tiger Ying, has been sold at auction for ￡410,000 at the Canterbury Auction Galleries in Kent, UK. The bronze, dating back to the Western Zhou Dynasty (1027-771 BC), was plundered from the Old Summer Palace, or Yuanmingyuan, during the Second Opium War (1856-60). Forum readers share their opinions.

Arkone (Singapore)

Definitely not.

It should be return to the rightful owner or country. As a renowned auctioneer, they knew what is being put up for sale. As for the person or establishments who knew the relic was a stolen item, possession of it has already make them a culprit.

That artifact or relic should be seized by the authorities of the country where the auction is taking place and returned to its rightful owners. No one has the right to own it in his or her personal collection.