Stolen Carving Recovered at Auction House

BIRMINGHAM, England—An 18th-century Japanese carving that was stolen from the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery nine years ago has been recovered just as it was about to be auctioned in Germany, reports the Times (London). The Magic Fox, an ivory figure depicting a human figure with a fox's head, was among 20 Japanese carvings stolen from the museum in March 1999.

Ulli Seegers, of the Art Loss Register, spotted the work in the auction catalog. She says, "It is important for auction houses to protect themselves by having all lots checked prior to sale."