A German court in Munich has suspended the sale of an ancient Iranian relic, belonging to the Elamite civilization, PressTV reported.

The silver cup, which dates backs to around 2,000 BCE and bears cuneiform inscriptions, went under hammer in Munich on June 22, 2007 for over $80,000.

?The German embassy notified the Iranian government about the auction and Iran requested the suspension of the sale,? said Omid Qanami, director of the Legal Department of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHTO).

Archeological studies found that the Elamite cup belonged to Iran and the documents were sent to a court in Munich,? he added.

Owners of Mahboubian Gallery in London have claimed that the relic is part of their collection and had been in the possession of their family since before 1927 in France,? Qanami said.

The suspension of the sale will be effective until more documents proving the Iranian origin of the silver cup are provided.

Posted: 10|9|08 at 9:06 am. Filed under: Europe, Middle East.