Rare Chinese treasure stolen from the Royal Museum of Mariemont in Wallonia

An imperial Chinese porcelain wine jar – categorised as a Wallonia-Brussels Federation treasure – has been stolen from the Royal Museum of Mariemont in the province of Hainaut.

Three individuals broke into the museum on Sunday morning at around 4.00 and removed the object of “inestimable value”, the museum said in a statement on Sunday.

All security procedures were triggered, underlined the museum. The alarms were set off and “the cameras captured a series of images,” which have been sent to local police.

After the break in, security staff contacted local police who immediately attended the scene. A federal police forensic team also visited the site on Sunday morning. An investigation has been opened, confirmed the museum.

The thieves appeared to be well-prepared and the operation was carried out in a few minutes, said museum director Richard Veymiers, reports RTBF. “They knew exactly where to enter, where to leave, which object and in which room it was exhibited.”

Dating from the 16th century, the Ming Dynasty porcelain jar decorated with an aquatic design was acquired by industrialist Raoul Warocqué in 1912 following a diplomatic mission to China. The museum houses his personal art and antique collection, which was bequeathed to the Belgian state on his death.

The domain in Morlanwelz near La Louvière, remained opened to the public on Sunday, although the Oriental Asian room has been temporarily closed.

Photo: ©Royal Museum of Mariemont