Angela S Chiu
@chiuangelas.bsky.social
Independent scholar of the market for Asian antiquities, especially Khmer and Thai. PhD Buddhist art and literature of Thailand. Author of The Buddha in Lanna (U of Hawai'i Press, 2017)
I'm sad to hear that. I really appreciate your work, especially on covering antiquities crime. Fingers crossed you'll reach a better position soon.
October 29, 2025 at 1:24 PM
I'm sad to hear that. I really appreciate your work, especially on covering antiquities crime. Fingers crossed you'll reach a better position soon.
In view of the Met's reluctance (or hostility, in some cases) to sharing its provenance research and receiving requests for return, it feels cynical that the Met refers in the press release to "its commitment to the shared stewardship of the world’s cultural heritage."
October 2, 2025 at 1:13 AM
In view of the Met's reluctance (or hostility, in some cases) to sharing its provenance research and receiving requests for return, it feels cynical that the Met refers in the press release to "its commitment to the shared stewardship of the world’s cultural heritage."
No mention of provenance -& little historical & cultural contextualization of the piece, which it would've been interesting to hear from the Iraqi archaeologist. Met staff were shown giving most of the expert commentary; Iraqis depicted mostly just thanking the Met. Colonialistic overtones for sure.
October 2, 2025 at 1:08 AM
No mention of provenance -& little historical & cultural contextualization of the piece, which it would've been interesting to hear from the Iraqi archaeologist. Met staff were shown giving most of the expert commentary; Iraqis depicted mostly just thanking the Met. Colonialistic overtones for sure.
The looted statue of Skanda on a Peacock, whose theft is described by Blue Tiger in the segment, was recovered by US authorities from its owner, a private collector, in 2021 and returned to Cambodia. www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr...
10th Century Statue Looted From Cambodian Temple Is Subject Of Forfeiture Action Filed In Manhattan Federal Court
www.justice.gov
August 26, 2025 at 1:03 PM
The looted statue of Skanda on a Peacock, whose theft is described by Blue Tiger in the segment, was recovered by US authorities from its owner, a private collector, in 2021 and returned to Cambodia. www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr...
are believed to be Nakula and Sahadeva, who are Pandava brothers (and twins). See: www.ice.gov/news/release...
Archived: 3 looted, ancient statues repatriated to Cambodia
Joint efforts by the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh, the U.S. Department of State, HSI and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York led to the voluntary return of three statues to ...
www.ice.gov
August 24, 2025 at 12:29 PM
are believed to be Nakula and Sahadeva, who are Pandava brothers (and twins). See: www.ice.gov/news/release...
Researchers in Cambodia believe this statue is Balarama, not one of the Pandava brothers. The Prasat Chen tableau of statues is believed to depict Bhima & Duryodhana in combat and those observing this duel including Balarama, who had taught B & D the art of mace-fighting. The "Kneeling Attendants"
August 24, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Researchers in Cambodia believe this statue is Balarama, not one of the Pandava brothers. The Prasat Chen tableau of statues is believed to depict Bhima & Duryodhana in combat and those observing this duel including Balarama, who had taught B & D the art of mace-fighting. The "Kneeling Attendants"
Thank you for stirring me to look into this interesting question!
August 7, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Thank you for stirring me to look into this interesting question!
Her footnote 151 is to Giteau’s 1965 book, Khmer Sculpture and the Angkor Civilization (Harry N. Abrams), which states that the statue was “Acquired in Thailand.” Here Bunker’s statement is matched by her reference. She doesn't repeat her earlier claim about the museum archives.
August 7, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Her footnote 151 is to Giteau’s 1965 book, Khmer Sculpture and the Angkor Civilization (Harry N. Abrams), which states that the statue was “Acquired in Thailand.” Here Bunker’s statement is matched by her reference. She doesn't repeat her earlier claim about the museum archives.
In Bunker & Latchford’s 2011 book, Khmer Bronzes, she describes Ga.5428 as “The four-armed bronze Maitreya from Thailand in the Phnom Penh Museum… “
August 7, 2025 at 10:38 AM
In Bunker & Latchford’s 2011 book, Khmer Bronzes, she describes Ga.5428 as “The four-armed bronze Maitreya from Thailand in the Phnom Penh Museum… “
Her footnote 41 to this statement is to Giteau and Gueret’s 1997 book, which actually only says, “Unknown origin – bought in Siam.” Thus her claim isn’t supported by her reference. She provides no reference to museum records.
August 7, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Her footnote 41 to this statement is to Giteau and Gueret’s 1997 book, which actually only says, “Unknown origin – bought in Siam.” Thus her claim isn’t supported by her reference. She provides no reference to museum records.
Regarding Emma Bunker: As noted earlier, she had written in her 2002 article, “The Prakhon Chai Story: Facts and Fiction” (Arts of Asia), that “according to museum records, the bronze was originally acquired in northeastern Thailand.”
August 7, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Regarding Emma Bunker: As noted earlier, she had written in her 2002 article, “The Prakhon Chai Story: Facts and Fiction” (Arts of Asia), that “according to museum records, the bronze was originally acquired in northeastern Thailand.”