Valuable Chinese Art Stolen From Cambridge University
A hoard of rare Chinese artefacts has been stolen from Cambridge University, police said today.
Eighteen items including a 14th century Ming jade cup were stolen during a raid at the institution’s Fitzwilliam Museum at around 7.30pm on Friday.
Cambridgeshire Police today appealed for anyone with information to help recover the items, which the force described as “very valuable” and of “great cultural significance”.
Among the stolen items were six pieces from the Ming dynasty, including a jade 16th century carved buffalo, a carved horse from the 17th century and a green and brown jade carved elephant.
A jade cup and vase which is carved with bronze designs was also stolen along with an opaque jade brush washer.
Eight pieces from the Qing dynasty were taken, and a table screen from the Qianlong period and a jug and vase from the 18th century make up the rest of the stolen artworks.
Police and the museum refused to reveal the monetary value of the stolen pieces.
A spokesman for the Fitzwilliam Museum said: “These works are a highly important part of our collection and their loss is a great blow.
“We are working closely with the police to aid in their recovery.
“A thorough review of our security measures is also under way. We urge anyone with information that could help the inquiry to come forward.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Daber, who is leading the investigation, called Operation Tundra, said the force had carried out forensic examinations following the burglary and were examining CCTV footage.
She said: “The items stolen are very valuable and are of great cultural significance so we are absolutely committed to recovering them and bringing those who stole them to justice.
“The 18 items stolen are mostly jade and part of the museum’s permanent collection.
“We have a team of detectives working hard to achieve these ends and we are working closely with the Fitzwilliam Museum, which is doing all it can to help our inquiries.