Christie's announces Riahi Collection sale

Christie’s announces the second part of Masterpieces Formerly in The Collection of Monsieur and Madame Riahi will be auctioned in London on the evening of Thursday December 6, 2012; following the record breaking first sale in 2000, which realised $40 million. The name Riahi is synonymous with French 18^th century furniture and works of art; collecting and connoisseurship of the highest level; patronage and dedication to 'l'art français'. Comprising approximately 50 lots, the collection was formed over half a century by M. and Mme. Riahi with love, passion, a discerning eye and the belief that “l’amour n’a pas de prix.”

Cabinet of wonders: the Riahi Collection

  M. Riahi believes that 18^th century French decorative arts are one of the summits of human achievement; a moment of balance and perfection in design, materials and execution. Presenting the very best mid-18^th century marquetry and lacquer furniture, unsurpassed both in quality and rarity, many items have Royal and illustrious provenances. The collection is expected to realise in excess of £20 million/$32 million.

Charles Cator, Chairman, Furniture & Decorative Arts Department, Christie’s International said:  “We are thrilled to be entrusted with offering the second part of the Riahi Collection, which holds a legendary position among the great collections of French furniture. Assembled by a dedicated and passionate collector with an extraordinary vision and an instinctive understanding - who has inspired my admiration and respect over nearly 40 years of friendship and shared enthusiasm - I have never failed to be amazed by his unceasing quest for the most perfect examples of 18^th century French decorative arts. Presenting the market with unique opportunities to acquire exceptionally rare pieces which are timeless, by master makers from Bernard II van Risenburgh and Joseph Baumhauer to Jean François Oeben and Robert-Joseph Auguste, it continues Christie’s unrivalled tradition of being the auction house of choice for landmark sales of French decorative arts, including the Givenchy, Lagerfeld, Ojjeh, Rothschild, Wildenstein and Champalimaud collections. Monsieur Riahi recognised the power of these perfect works; this power will enable them to speak to an international audience, inspiring both traditional and new collectors who appreciate masterpieces. Both the 2000 and 2012 auctions will be remembered as landmark sales of the early 21^st century and in the history of collecting.”