Christie’s Unveils a Reimagined Rostrum, Crafted by Sir Jony Ive

One of the auction world's most recognisable fixtures has been reimagined. Christie's has commissioned a new rostrum, designed by Sir Jony Ive and his team, that will make its debut at the house's Hong Kong saleroom this autumn. The platform arrives after established runs in London, Geneva and New York, marking a significant evolution in the visual language of the auction theatre itself.

Design and Craftsmanship

The rostrum is constructed from sustainably sourced oak, selected from forests that supplied timber for the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. This provenance connects the piece to one of Europe's most significant cultural restoration projects, imbuing the functional object with historical resonance.

Sir Jony Ive, whose design philosophy has long emphasised clarity, restraint and material integrity, has created a handcrafted platform that balances sculptural presence with practical utility. The commission reflects a broader cultural conversation about how auction houses present themselves as custodians of art and heritage.

A Symbol Refined

The rostrum occupies a unique position within Christie's visual identity. It is the physical stage from which thousands of significant artworks have been offered to the world's collectors, and its design carries symbolic weight. By engaging one of the most influential contemporary designers, Christie's acknowledges that the auction experience itself is part of the cultural event, not merely its container.

The Hong Kong debut occurs during the 20th and 21st Century Evening Sale, a sale category that has long been central to the house's Asia Pacific programme. The timing underscores the house's commitment to the region as a major centre for contemporary and modern art collecting.

The rostrum represents a convergence of sustainable practice, design excellence and institutional heritage. For collectors attending sales in person, it is a tangible reminder that the ritual of the auction, refined over centuries, continues to evolve with intention and care.

Key Facts

• Designer: Sir Jony Ive and his team
• Material: Sustainably sourced oak from forests that supplied timber for Notre-Dame Cathedral restoration
• Debut Location: Hong Kong
• Debut Sale: 20th and 21st Century Evening Sale, 29 September 2026
• Previous Locations: London, Geneva, New York

The Simply Luxury View

This commission signals that auction houses now regard their physical infrastructure as part of the cultural experience they offer. A well-designed rostrum is not mere furniture; it commands attention and lends gravitas to the proceedings. Ive's involvement elevates the ordinary into the considered, which is precisely the temperament that discerning collectors expect.

The choice of oak from Notre-Dame's restoration forests adds a layer of meaning that transcends function. It connects a contemporary commercial act to a global act of restoration and reverence. For collectors who value narrative and provenance, even in objects of architectural purpose, this detail signals Christie's understanding of how meaning accrues through intentional choices.

Official brand website: christies.com

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Imagery courtesy of Christie's Asia (@christiesasia).