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'Priceless' artworks stolen from Chinese Museum in France

The 15 works taken from the museum at Fontainebleau include a replica crown of the King of Siam given to France in the 19th century.

La rédaction de Mediapart

This article is freely available.

Fifteen chinese artefacts were lifted from Fontainebleau chateau - south of Paris - early on Sunday morning, reports RFI.

Thieves broke into one of the most secure parts of Fontainebleau chateau and made off with unique and priceless Chinese artefacts.

The items "were among the most beautiful items in the museum", said chateau manager, Jean-François Hebert.

They were kept in the Chinese museum of the chateau where Empress Eugénie collected precious pieces in 1863.

Among the stolen items was the crown of the King of Siam, an item presented to the Emperor Napoleon III during a visit by the Siamese ambassador, said the French culture ministry.

Read more of this report published by RFI.