Nazi-confiscated art: Dr Louis-Gabriel Rönsberg secures the return of the Buddha head to Ploschitzki’s heirs

The Museum am Rothenbaum (MARKK) has returned the head of a Buddha figure, which was confiscated during the Nazi era and acquired by the museum (formerly “Museum für Völkerkunde Hamburg”), to the rightful heirs of the Berlin art collector Johanna Ploschitzki. Dr Louis Rönsberg, partner in our law firm, successfully supported one of the heirs in this case.

Johanna Ploschitzki emigrated to the USA in 1939 and lived there as Hansi Share. Her possession was confiscated and auctioned by the Gestapo in Hamburg harbour in 1941. The then Museum für Völkerkunde Hamburg acquired several artefacts, including the Buddha head. Despite an application for its return in 1948, the head remained missing until 2019, when the MARKK clarified its whereabouts as part of its provenance research.

After intensive research and the formal initiation of restitution proceedings, the Buddha head was handed over to the heirs on 10 June 2024. MARKK Director Prof. Dr Barbara Plankensteiner apologised for the museum’s concealment strategies in the 1950s and the waiting period.

Our law firm specialises in art law and the restitution of Nazi-confiscated art. With a network of renowned provenance researchers, we advise and represent clients in the restitution of cultural property both out of court and before the Advisory Commission.

Do you need legal assistance? 

Are you affected or do you recognised an heirloom as Nazi-confiscated art? Our experienced lawyers are at your side. Please contact our Partner Dr Louis Rönsberg, who specializes in restitution law, directly for expert advice and support in art law (+49-89-51 24 27 0)