A whimsical bar in the shape of a hippopotamus by French sculptor and designer François-Xavier Lalanne sold for $31.4 million (including fees) at a Sotheby’s design auction in New York on Wednesday, December 10. The sale not only set a new auction record for Lalanne but also marked the most valuable design object ever sold at auction.
The piece, titled Bar Hippopotame (circa 1966–1969), exemplifies Lalanne’s signature blend of surrealism and functionality. Crafted in bronze with a concealed bar cabinet ingeniously built into the animal’s body, the work transforms an everyday object into a sculptural fantasy.
Lalanne, who worked closely with his wife and creative partner Claude Lalanne under the collective name “Les Lalanne,” remains a central figure in the world of 20th-century design art. His pieces — ranging from animal-shaped furniture to dreamlike decorative forms — have achieved cult status among collectors, with strong cross-market appeal bridging design and fine art.
Sotheby’s described the record-breaking result as “a defining moment for collectible design,” underscoring the growing global demand for unique, artist-designed furniture. The previous record for a Lalanne piece was set in 2023, when his Rhinocrétaire I sold for $24.4 million.
Athmaja Biju is the Editor at Abir Pothi. She is a Translator and Writer working on Visual Culture.
