The most expensive hippopotamus in history: François-Xavier Lalanne's bar sold for a record $31.4 million (1 photo + 1 video)

The global market for collectible design has experienced a historic upheaval. At Sotheby's New York auction, the "Hippopotame I" sculptural bar by French sculptor François-Xavier Lalanne sold for $31.4 million. This sum not only tripled the high estimate of $10 million but also made "Hippopotame I" the most expensive design object ever sold at auction.



The bidding war lasted 26 minutes, with seven collectors participating. The exceptional rarity of the piece was the reason for the excitement. Created in 1976 for patron Anna Schlumberger, this piece is made of copper, not the usual bronze or brass, and is considered the prototype for Lalanne's entire famous series of functional animals.

The hippopotamus's massive body conceals a fully functional bar with compartments for ice, bottles, and glasses. Experts note that this sale finally blurs the line between "mere furniture" and "high art," elevating the Lalannes' work to the same price level as 20th-century masterpieces.