Italy police say they have recovered an 18th-century ebony desk that was illegally taken abroad after World War II and ended up in New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The desk, made with ivory and mother of pearl inlays, is considered to be a masterpiece of Pietro Piffetti, one of the most important ebony carpenters of his time.
Italy's Carabinieri art squad said the desk's estimated worth was more than 2 million euros (USD 2.3 million).
After leaving Italy, the desk travelled to France and Switzerland only to arrive to the United States, where it was exhibited at the Met in the 1990s.
Carabinieri police said after they learned of its absence from a recent Turin art exhibit, they launched an investigation and found the current owner, who agreed to return it.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
