On April 22, 2026, at Sotheby's New York sale, "The Jean and Terry Degunzburg Collection: Master Designers," a unique set of mirrors stunned the audience and broke two auction records—Claude Lalanne's "Important Unique Fifteen-Mirror Set," commissioned for Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé.The final price was $33.455 million (including commission).This not only far exceeded the estimated price of $10 million to $15 million, but also became the highest price ever paid for an artist's solo auction.It also ranked first in the global auction charts for the design/decorative arts category.This has made a significant contribution to the contemporary design art market.

This legendary set of mirrors is not merely an ordinary decorative object, but a perfect fusion of art and fashion, craftsmanship and sentiment. For Claude Léland, this set represents the most ambitious and complete creative expression of her artistic career, continuing her early experimental artistic explorations while perfectly combining the delicacy of hand-sculpting with functionality—the sculptural details of each mirror were all handcrafted by the artist, and the rich, naturally formed patina on the bronze surface is not only a mark of time but also highlights the innovative qualities of this early set of mirrors.

In terms of materials and craftsmanship, this lens set demonstrates meticulous craftsmanship:Made of gold-plated bronze, electroplated copper, and mirrored glass, the largest single piece measures 283.8×235×18.1 cm, grand in scale yet exquisite in detail.

According to Sotheby's official condition report...The fifteen mirrors are in excellent overall condition, with their bronze surfaces perfectly preserved.Retaining its original state, its complex and varied copper-green color is a unique texture that is naturally formed during the creative process.

In addition, the piece comes with 8 candlesticks (including detachable candle holders), 18 candles to decorate 3 of the mirrors, 15 original mirror glass pieces (one of which was recently replaced), and a complete set of custom-made lightweight replacement mirrors, designed specifically for display purposes. The details highlight its collectible value.

It is worth noting that the original mirrored glass design does not have a back support structure. Sotheby's specifically advises new collectors to consult with professionals before installation to ensure the preservation of the artwork.

Its collection history is in

Between 1974 and 1985,Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé commissioned this piece directly from Claude Léin, using it as the central decoration of their Parisian home, a testament to the lifestyle and aesthetics of these two fashion giants.

In 2009,This work was featured at Christie's Paris "Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé Collection Sale" and was acquired by its current owner;

Now, 2It will be auctioned again in 2026.From private collections to the public eye, each change of ownership has added a new layer of legend to its history.

As a landmark artist in the field of design/decorative arts in the 20th and 21st centuries, Claude Léland broke down the boundaries between art and design with his unique sculptural language, and this set of mirrors is the best interpretation of his artistic concept.

Prior to this, her works had auction records ranging from $5 million to $6 million. Even the "Golden Apple of New York" sculpture sold for only $6.6 million at Christie's Paris in April 2026, far less than the price of this mirror set.

Compared to her husband, François-Xavier Lalanne, a renowned artist whose highest auction record was around $6 million (for his Rhinoceros Desk), this set of mirrors sold for five times that amount. Even compared to design masters such as Giacometti and Eames, this work far surpasses them, making it the undisputed "King of Design Art Auctions."

also,The artistic value of this set of mirrors is further reflected in its inclusion in numerous authoritative documents and exhibitions.From the 1975 exhibition of the Léland collection at the National Centre for Contemporary Art in Paris to the 2021 exhibition catalogue at the Clark Institute of Art in Williamstown, Massachusetts, it has appeared repeatedly in art publications and important exhibitions, becoming a crucial example for studying Claude Léland's artistic career and the development of design art in the late 20th century. More importantly, it carries the historical memory of the intersection of fashion and art; the collision of Yves Saint Laurent's fashion aesthetics and Claude Léland's artistic craftsmanship elevates this work beyond a mere object, making it a testament to a cultural legend.

It also broke the record set by Christie's Paris 'pomme De New York' on April 15, 2026, with a record of EUR 6,038,000.

About the artist

A French sculptor and designer, born in Paris, she studied at the École des Beaux-Arts and the École des Arts Décoratifs. Her career is closely intertwined with that of her husband, François Xavier Lérin. She draws inspiration from plant, animal, and human elements, which are transformed into furniture, sculptures, and jewelry made of precious metals; other works possess a more humorous and surrealistic quality. The Lérins' work has been exhibited in leading museums worldwide.

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For more details on the auction items, please click to view the special session.