I came across this article (which seems to be incomplete - no comment about journalism) and thought i would share it in case anyone does come across this beautiful statue. It would be a waste if the statue was bought unwittingly so if we share this, it will bring awareness of the fact that it is stolen and hopefully it can be restored to its rightful owner.
Mystery surrounds the theft of stolen Ming Dynasty figure of Vajrasattvahttp://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/mystery-surrounds-the-theft-of-stolen-ming-dynasty-figure-of-vajrasattva/story-e6frg6n6-1226895361998JILLIAN MCKEE THE DAILY TELEGRAPH APRIL 25, 2014 12:00AM
![](http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2014/04/24/1226895/361656-536463b6-cb73-11e3-9aee-4ab1c4ff1b91.jpg)
Stolen more than eight years ago ... the Ming Dynasty statuette of Vajrasattva. Source: Supplied
POLICE are appealing for information about the theft of 600-year-old gold-gilt statuette, which was stolen from a Western Sydney home more than eight years ago.
The missing Chinese Ming Dynasty figure depicts the Buddhist character Vajrasattva, often known as the Prince of Purity, on an golden base.
Liverpool police crime manager Detective Inspector Dean Johnstone yesterday said the statuette was unique, distinctive and would be “very difficult to offload”.
“We are confident that anyone who may have seen it will recognise it instantly,” he said.
The 19.3cm high bronze cast statuette bears markings indicating it was created during China’s Great Ming Yongle period, between 1403-1424.
After exhausting all other lines of inquiry, police have finally turned to the public for help in finding the rare and valuable artefact.
“The statuette has belonged to the family for hundreds of years, and is a treasured heirloom, with significant financial and historical value,” Insp Johnstone said.
“The owner is very keen to find out what happened to it