Four ancient bronze sculptures that had been held by the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco for more than sixty years were officially returned to Thailand during a ceremony attended by Thai and American dignitaries, museum leaders, and community representatives.

The repatriation culminates a prolonged effort to resolve questions about the artifacts’ provenance and restore them to their place of origin, reinforcing global commitments to cultural heritage preservation and international cooperation.

The handover was overseen by Thailand’s ambassador to the United States alongside senior officials and city representatives.

The sculptures are scheduled for transport back to Thailand and will be integrated into the nation’s national collection, where they will be preserved and exhibited for public benefit.

The four bronzes, known as part of the Prakhon Chai group, date from approximately thirteen centuries ago and include three figures of Bodhisattvas and one depiction of the Buddha.

They were removed from an archaeological site in northeastern Thailand during the nineteen sixties and later entered international art markets before being acquired by the museum.

A multiyear investigation involving U.S. authorities, Thai experts, and museum researchers established their origins and led to a decision to deaccession and return the works.

Museum leaders described the repatriation as the result of rigorous scholarship, transparency, and cooperation with Thai authorities.

Thai officials emphasized that the return represents the restoration of an important part of the country’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

The handover reflects a wider international effort by museums to address historical gaps in provenance and to strengthen cultural ties through responsible stewardship of antiquities.