The name 'Christie' often conjures images of hushed auction rooms, priceless art, and perhaps a touch of glamour. But delve a little deeper, and you find a fascinating ecosystem of collectibles, each with its own story and market.
Take, for instance, the world of antique carpets. A remarkable Ushak carpet, measuring a substantial 12 ft. 10 in. x 10 ft. 4 in., fetched a surprising £9,375 at a Christie's auction in February 2012. This piece, part of the collection of Will Fisher, founder of Jamb, far exceeded its initial estimate of £600–£900. It’s a testament to how unique historical artifacts can capture significant attention and value, even in a market that might seem niche.
Then there are the more eclectic items. We see a Roman marble feline paw, dating back to the 2nd-3rd century AD, which sold for £12,500 against an estimate of £3,000–£5,000. This isn't just about monetary value; it's about connecting with history, holding a piece of antiquity that once served a purpose in a world so different from our own.
Christie's also plays host to significant jewelry auctions. Collections like the Anne H. Bass sale showcase exquisite pieces, from diamond earrings and antique diamond brooches to multi-gem necklaces. These items, often with estimates in the tens of thousands of dollars, represent not just luxury but also craftsmanship and historical significance, sometimes accompanied by international guarantee certificates that speak to their authenticity and provenance.
Beyond fine art and jewelry, the auction house deals with cultural ephemera too. A poster from the May '68 student protests and general strike in Paris, an original silk-screened 'Le Vote Ne Change Rien La Lutte Continue' piece, sold for $1,062. It’s a powerful reminder that historical moments, captured on paper, can also hold considerable market interest and represent a tangible link to pivotal social movements.
Even seemingly everyday objects can find a place. A set of rangefinder-fit camera lenses, including various Nikkor models, sold for £462. While perhaps not as headline-grabbing as a masterpiece painting, these items appeal to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the technical history and precision of photographic equipment.
And sometimes, the provenance is as compelling as the item itself. A boned corset of sheer black nylon by La Perla, worn by Britney Spears during her performance of 'Womanizer' at the Bambi Awards in 2008, was offered with documentation of its celebrity wear. Such items tap into the fascination with pop culture and the lives of public figures, fetching prices that reflect this unique connection.
What emerges from these diverse examples is that Christie's, and indeed the broader auction world, is a dynamic marketplace. It’s a place where history, art, culture, and even celebrity converge, offering a window into what people value, collect, and are willing to invest in. It’s less about a single entity and more about the incredible breadth of human interest and the stories these objects tell.
