A 1976 Hippopotamus Bar by François-Xavier Lalanne sold for $31.4 million at Sotheby's after a 26-minute bidding war, setting a new auction record for the French artist. The hand-wrought copper, steel, and wood piece, commissioned by art patron Anne Schlumberger, is the only copper prototype from the series and features concealed compartments for bottle storage, ice bucket, and glassware. The sale was part of the Schlumberger collection, which also included a gold-patinated bronze armchair by Claude Lalanne that fetched $1 million and a pair of bronze gates that sold for $787,400.
The record-breaking sale underscores the explosive growth of the Lalanne market, with François-Xavier's previous record of $19.4 million set in 2023 now surpassed. The couple now has five pieces with prices over $10 million, reflecting sustained demand for their whimsical, functional sculptures. The auction highlights the enduring appeal of artist-designed furniture and the strength of the high-end decorative arts market, as well as the legacy of collectors like Schlumberger who bridge art, design, and craft.