The antique furniture market has fascinated collectors, investors, and lovers of applied arts for years. Some pieces fetch staggering sums at auctions, becoming both prized investments and testimonies to the craftsmanship of master artisans of the past. Here are some of the most expensive and exceptional antiques that have gained worldwide fame.

The Badminton Cabinet – A Baroque Masterpiece

The historic Badminton Cabinet was crafted in Florence between 1720 and 1732 at the request of the Duke of Beaufort, later known as the Duke of Somerset. Over 30 craftsmen worked on it for 12 years. Made from ebony, marble, and semi-precious stones, the piece features an intricate mosaic of marquetry and inlay. At its center sits a clock, and the entire structure towers nearly four meters tall. In 2004, the Baroque cabinet was sold at a Christie’s auction for a record-breaking sum of approximately $36–37 million. Today, it can be admired in a museum in Vienna. Historical design inspirations characteristic of the Baroque era are also visible in the antiques available in our Katowice shop.

The Dragon Chair

The piece known as the Dragon Chair is a unique example of furniture in the Asian style. Carved from wood, it takes the form of a dragon—an enduring symbol of power and authority in Chinese culture. Although it does not formally meet the criteria to be considered an antique—dating to the early 20th century—it deserves mention among the most valuable collectible furnishings due to its rarity and character. This particular chair belonged to the collection of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. It was auctioned in 2009, fetching $28 million and becoming the most expensive 20th-century chair ever sold. While similar designs are available for a few thousand dollars, the original remains unmatched.

The Imperial Throne of Emperor Qianlong

The throne of Emperor Qianlong, from the reign of the Qing dynasty (1736–1795), is one of the world’s most valuable antiques. Made of exotic zitan wood and richly decorated with gold, enamel, and dragon motifs—the ultimate symbols of imperial authority—it has survived in original condition and served in official ceremonies for many years. In 2009, during an auction in Hong Kong, it achieved a record price of $11 million, purchased by an anonymous businessman from Shanghai. This extraordinary piece stands as both a historical artifact and a testament to impeccable craftsmanship.

The Thomas Tufft Table

In 18th-century Philadelphia, Thomas Tufft created Rococo-style furniture, known for its refined details and unusual solutions. The most famous of his surviving tables—the so-called “pier table”—was auctioned in 1990 for $4.62 million. Hallmarks of his work include curved legs, extensive carving, and compact dimensions.

The George II-Era Display Cabinet

Furniture from the reign of George II (1730–1760) is noted for its symmetrical proportions, elaborate ornamentation, and high-quality craftsmanship. Antique display cabinets from this era were most often made of mahogany and glass. Few original examples have survived, which is why those signed by renowned makers—such as from the workshop of Thomas Chippendale—can command immense prices. The rarest pieces can be worth up to $4 million.

Antique furniture that makes its way to prestigious auctions captivates not only with its market value but also with the rich stories behind it. Among the most expensive antiques in the world are the Baroque Badminton Cabinet, the majestic throne of Emperor Qianlong, the sculptural Dragon Chair, the delicate Thomas Tufft table, and the elegant George II-era display cabinet. Let these examples inspire you—and discover a timeless piece in our shop.