HISTORICAL OBJECT RETURNED TO ITALY

The Albanese Labor Government has returned an ancient ceramic vase to the Government of the Italian Republic.

The Ambassador of Italy, His Excellency Mr Nicola Lener, hosted the Special Envoy for the Arts Susan Templeman MP and invited guests.

The ceramic vase from Italy’s southern region Apulia (Puglia), dates to the 4th century BCE and was intercepted on import from the United States of America on its way to New Zealand.

The Government of the Italian Republic provided a request for the return of the object and Australian officials were able to seize and return it under the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage 1986.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke:

“The Albanese Labor Government is serious about protecting cultural heritage and returning objects to their rightful home

“This vase tells a story from thousands of years ago, and returning it honours that history.

“Thank you to everyone involved in the seizure and return of this piece of history.”

Quotes attributable to the Special Envoy for the Arts, Susan Templeman MP:

“Returning this vase reflects Australia’s ongoing commitment to combatting illicit trafficking of cultural heritage of all countries.

“We hold firm views about returning cultural objects to their country of origin and expect that the same respect is extended to us.

“I’d like to thank all parties for cooperating together to achieve this great outcome.”

Quotes attributable to the Ambassador of Italy, Mr Nicola Lener:

“Today’s ceremony marks an important milestone in the cooperation between Italy and Australia in the protection of cultural heritage.

The artefact being returned today is the first of several items identified for repatriation to Italy, underscoring the effectiveness of our shared efforts to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Australian Government for its steadfast commitment in this field.

This achievement is a testament not only to our successful collaboration in safeguarding cultural heritage, but also to the strength and excellence of the bilateral relationship between our two countries.”

For more information, visit Movable cultural heritage | Office for the Arts.