You can view these Zsolnay ceramics for free in Budapest, and even buy them later! – photos

Virág Judit Gallery will hold the world’s only Zsolnay auction on 17 November. This will be the fifth such event, followed closely by collectors from several continents, as Zsolnay ceramics have become some of the most sought-after porcelain pieces worldwide. This year, the public will be able to see true showpieces, including a special large planter appearing on the market for the first time. The auction exhibition can be viewed free of charge at Virág Judit Gallery between 4 and 16 November.

Zsolnay: A true Hungarian cultural treasure

Interest in this year’s Zsolnay auction, held by Virág Judit Gallery, is exceptionally high. It is the only auction in the world where bidding is exclusively for Zsolnay pieces. Collectors from many countries are expected to participate, including from outside Europe, such as the United States and Asia. The current world record for a Zsolnay item was also set at this auction: in both 2023 and 2024, buyers paid HUF 28 million (EUR 72,500) for a single large Zsolnay porcelain work. Demand for the manufactory’s creations remains strong, and the value of pieces from the 170-year-old brand has been steadily increasing for years.

“Zsolnay is a genuine hungarikum, which has become one of the world’s most valuable brands. At the moment, the Virág Judit Gallery auction is setting the trends on the market. The most special objects from across the globe arrive here, often with surprising new discoveries,” said István Törő, co-owner of Virág Judit Gallery. “The auction on 17 November will feature 71 lots. The selection satisfies collectors of every era and style within Zsolnay’s history,” he added.

Prepare for bidding in the tens of millions

The auction will be held on 17 November at 6 p.m. at the Budapest Music Center. One of the highlights will be a giant planter from 1906, whose motifs combine the panoramic scenes of the famous cigar vases. Experts were unaware of its existence for decades – its pair was part of the Schmutz Collection in Vienna. With its vivid colours and unique design, this unexpectedly surfaced piece is a true rarity. Its starting price is HUF 12 million (EUR 31,000), while its estimated value (HUF 24–36 million/EUR 62,000–93,000) even exceeds the current world record.