FBI returns looted artefacts to Japan

The FBI has repatriated a collection of stolen Japanese art back to its country of origin following a surprising discovery by a family in Massachusetts. Upon rummaging through their late father’s attic, the family stumbled upon a cache of artefacts and promptly alerted the authorities. Despite the fact that their father never served in the […]

The FBI has repatriated a collection of stolen Japanese art back to its country of origin following a surprising discovery by a family in Massachusetts. Upon rummaging through their late father’s attic, the family stumbled upon a cache of artefacts and promptly alerted the authorities.

Despite the fact that their father never served in the Pacific theatre during World War II, the family uncovered what experts deemed “highly valuable Asian art.” Special Agent Geoffrey J. Kelly, part of the FBI Art Crime Team in Boston, described the findings as including scrolls, pottery pieces, and even an ancient map, all exhibiting signs of age and significance.

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Upon further investigation, it was revealed that some of the scrolls had been listed in the FBI’s National Stolen Art File nearly two decades ago. The recovered items comprised six intricately painted scrolls dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, along with a detailed hand-drawn map from the 19th century depicting Okinawa, Japan’s fifth largest island. Additionally, the collection featured various pottery and ceramics, including plates, bowls and teapots.