A recent investigation into the Nanjing Museum has unveiled serious allegations of mismanagement and corruption related to the handling of a collection of donated artworks. This scandal came to light in December when it was discovered that several paintings, which were donated by the family of collector Pang Laichen in 1959, had allegedly been sold secretly and mishandled by a former director of the museum. This situation is particularly concerning as it reflects poorly on the cultural integrity and operational practices of one of China’s prominent museums.

The controversy revolves around a set of five paintings from a larger collection intended for preservation, yet these artworks were notably missing during a court-ordered inventory check initiated by the descendants of Pang Laichen. A significant find was made when one of the lost pieces, a highly valued Ming dynasty painting by Qiu Ying, surfaced at auction with an estimated value of 88 million yuan (approximately US$12.7 million). This prompted a legal response from Pang Laichen's family, with great-granddaughter Pang Shuling taking the initiative to alert authorities about the situation.

The implications of this scandal extend beyond individual misconduct, as it signifies a broader issue within the cultural sector regarding the stewardship of historical artifacts. The report emphasizes the potential damage inflicted on the cultural and museum industry, cultivated over decades by committed workers. It calls into question the accountability of cultural institutions and puts a spotlight on the need for enhanced governance to protect cultural heritage in China.