With the upcoming birthday of Patriarch Zhanggong, the Buddhist monk who was turned into a mummified statue that was stolen from China, approaching, an overseas liaison officer named Li Zhen told China Daily how he hopes for the statue's early return.
The Buddhist monk Zhanggong was born in what is currently Yangchun Village, Fujian Province, during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).
Zhanggong's birthday is traditionally celebrated on the fifth day of the 10th month of the lunar calendar, which is on Nov. 16 this year.
When he was alive, Zhanggong was known for being of good moral character, doing a lot of good works that benefitted others. When he died at 37, villagers mummified him into a statue and worshiped him in Puzhao Temple.
Even when Zhanggong's mummified statue was stolen in Dec. 1995, villagers continued to worship him. They created a camphorwood replica of the monk.
After two decades, the statue resurfaced at an exhibition at the Hungarian Natural History Museum, where it was later discovered that Oscar van Overeem, a Dutch collector, had purchased it in Amsterdam in 1996.
Officials have since tried to negotiate with Overeem in order to return the statue.
The State Administration of Cultural Heritage, a government unit that continues to negotiate for the statue's return, has maintained a cooperative attitude toward Overeem and have said that they would accept reasonable suggestions that he proposed.
"We are grateful for the care, maintenance and research done on the statue by the collector for almost 20 years," Li said.
Overeem has previously expressed that he is willing to return the statue but to a location of his choice. He has also hinted at receiving reimbursement from China.
"We understand and accept the fact that Mr. van Overeem's purchasing of the statue happened unknowingly. I think China should compensate him for his costs and research," said Li.
When it comes to the location, Li believes Puzhao Temple is the only acceptable decision.
"I think Mr. van Overeem is in no position to choose and appoint another place to arrange for Patriarch Zhanggong. Nobody has the right to change the folk customs, traditions and history," added Li.
Li said that he hopes Overeem would do the moral thing and realize that the statue was smuggled from its rightful place in Puzhao Temple.
A manifestation of the statue was held in Amsterdam on Tuesday.