Editor’s Note
A unique copper bar shaped like a hippopotamus has set a new auction record, selling for a staggering 283 crore rupees. This piece highlights how functional items can transcend into extraordinary works of art and investment.
Bars of various shapes and sizes are available in the market, used for storing drinks. Some talented individuals showcase their creativity by crafting beautifully designed bars that enhance the aesthetics of a home. One such rare bar was recently auctioned, breaking all previous records. This bar is made of copper and is shaped like a hippopotamus. It sold for a staggering price of 283 crore rupees.
When and where was the bar auctioned?
The auction for this bar was organized by Sotheby’s. It was sold on December 10th, and the auction took place in New York. It has become the most valuable design object ever sold at auction. It was created by designer François-Xavier Lalanne and has also become the most valuable piece among his works. People were amazed by its craftsmanship, which drove its price to three times the estimated value.
Bidding reached 200 crore in minutes
The auction house had initially set an estimated price for this bar between 63 and 90 crore rupees. However, seven bidders fiercely competed to purchase it. In just 26 minutes, the bidding reached 283 crore rupees, and it was finally sold at this price. Lalanne completed this piece with the help of his wife, Claude Lalanne. The hippo-shaped bar features doors on several parts of its body; opening them reveals storage space for bottles.
For whom was this bar created?
This bar was crafted in 1976 and was Lalanne’s first object made of copper. It was named ‘Hippopotame Bar Pèse-Unique’ and was commissioned by the late Anne Schlumberger for herself. She enjoyed collecting works by the Lalanne family. She used to serve chips and salsa to guests at her home from this bar. Other members of the Schlumberger family also had a passion for collecting objects.
Lalanne enjoyed creating animal-shaped furniture
Lalanne had a great fondness for creating objects shaped like animals. He particularly enjoyed crafting hippopotamus-shaped pieces, which were popular among people. Apart from this bar, he also created a bathtub shaped like this animal. His wife and their creations are known collectively as ‘Les Lalanne’. Recently, the demand for their works has been increasing significantly, as evidenced by the price of this bar.