A very rich Qatari sheikh is suing a reputable London art dealer, alleging that he was sold forgeries of ancient statues.
Sheikh Hamad Bin Abdullah Al Thani says he paid almost $5 million for seven statues during an art shopping spree. He was told by the dealer, John Eskenazi, that the statues were between 1,400 and 2,000 years old.
He demanded that the dealer give him a refund and let him return what he says are fake artifacts.
Sheikh Hamad is said to live in the most expensive UK private residence, Dudley House. In 2015, the Queen, commenting on the Sheikh’s house, said, “This place makes Buckingham Palace look rather dull.”
Sheikh Hamad grew suspicious about the statues, when he discovered plastic pieces buried in a large, unfired clay head of a demon known as the Krodha. He also noticed that the statues appeared too well preserved, considering their alleged age. Modern materials and chemicals were also said to be found in the works.
Eskenazi, a top dealer in art from all over the world, denies the allegations.
He is being sued not only by the Sheikh, but also by his family company. They say that a modern forger created the alleged ancient artworks, and that Eskenazi knew they were fake.
Eskenazi is counter-suing.
All the items are lined up in the courtroom as evidence, for the judge and all attendees to see.
The Sheikh’s lawyer told the court that a statue of a goddess known as the Hari Hara was sold to the sheikh for $2.2 million, and that the dealer “knew it not to be authentic.”
Mr. Eskenazi’s lawyer responded to the accusation, saying that conservation and restoration treatments can introduce modern materials into an object via residue of tools and materials used in the restoration process.
In defense of the art dealer, his lawyer said, “It is wholly implausible that the defendants would risk destroying an impeccable reputation built up over many decades with museums, collectors and scholars by either carelessly or deliberately selling forgeries.”
The judge will be hearing more testimony from artifact experts and will make his decision over the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, maybe the Queen should consider redecorating.