Head of Buddha statue from Tang Dynasty returns home

Thirty-five people showed fierce enthusiasm for the auction of a head from a Tang Dynasty-era (618-907) Buddha statue at Sotheby's New York. Bought by 35 patriotic bidders, the stone statue piece returned home and was donated to Wanfodong Zhenrong Temple in Wutai Mountain on July 10.

The stone Buddha head handover ceremony was held that morning. Longming, the abbot of the temple, welcomed the Buddha head statue along with over 100 monks and believers.

"The return of a 1,000-year-old statue reflects the support and attention people from all walks of life have given to passing on culture and protecting cultural heritage," Longming said. "The Buddha statue will be treasured in Zhenrong Temple permanently and will go on display in a proper way, thus becoming a method for studying history, appreciating art and inheriting culture. The donation from these people will stay as a part of the Buddha's story, encouraging more people to help lost cultural relics get back home."