German Collector Seeks Return of £250 Million Art Collection from Chinese Businessman
A significant dispute has emerged regarding the location of German artworks valued at over £250 million in China. According to Süddeutsche Zeitung, collector Maria Chen-Tu claims she lent 354 pieces to Chinese businessman Ma Yue. The collection includes works by artists Renate Graf, Anselm Kiefer, and Markus Lüpertz. Ma Yue asserts that their agreement permitted him to exhibit and sell the art over a decade. Chen-Tu disputes this commercial arrangement, stating she never consented to such terms and is demanding the collection's return. Ma Yue, whose company Bell Art Ltd entered insolvency in January, has refused to relinquish the artworks. The situation was reported on November 20, 2019.
Key facts
- Over £250 million worth of German art is involved in a dispute in China.
- Collector Maria Chen-Tu lent 354 artworks to businessman Ma Yue.
- The collection includes works by Renate Graf, Anselm Kiefer, and Markus Lüpertz.
- Ma Yue claims their agreement allowed exhibition and sale over ten years.
- Chen-Tu denies agreeing to commercial aspects and wants the art back.
- Ma Yue's company Bell Art Ltd filed for insolvency in January.
- Ma Yue is refusing to return the collection.
- The dispute was reported by Süddeutsche Zeitung on November 20, 2019.
Entities
Artists
- Renate Graf
- Anselm Kiefer
- Markus Lüpertz
Institutions
- Süddeutsche Zeitung
- Bell Art Ltd
Locations
- China
- Germany