Part 10/15:
The auction world reveals another layer of complexity. Chinese artifacts, especially those taken during the Opium Wars and other conflicts, are highly coveted but also controversial. When certain items like a silver flask from the Summer Palace surfaced, auction houses faced political pressure from Chinese officials, leading to the item's withdrawal from sale. This case underscores how national governments are increasingly asserting their rights over historical relics, sparking contentious debates about cultural ownership and the responsibilities of Western institutions.