The Most Expensive Artifacts and Antiques Ever Sold

For centuries, the world of antiques and artifacts has captivated collectors, historians, and designers alike. From ancient treasures dug from beneath the earth to royal heirlooms passed down through generations, these extraordinary pieces don't just tell stories — they hold immense value. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast looking for design inspiration, an architect searching for unique elements, or a professional tradesman with a passion for history, understanding the worth and appeal of such artifacts offers a fascinating glimpse into luxury, rarity, and craftsmanship through the ages.

In this article, we explore some of the most expensive antiques and artifacts ever sold, showing not just their incredible monetary value but also their cultural and historical significance. Some of these items have changed hands in private sales, while others have shattered records at public auctions. If you live or work in the UK, this can be a valuable source of inspiration for integrating classic touches into contemporary spaces — a perfect merger of the old and new.

1. The Pinner Qing Dynasty Vase – £53 Million

Often referred to as the "£53 Million Vase", this stunning piece is one of the priciest Chinese antiques ever sold. Discovered by accident in a suburban bungalow in Pinner, Middlesex, this 18th-century Qing Dynasty porcelain vase was unknowingly held in situ for decades before being sold at auction in 2010.

Crafted during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, the vase features meticulous hand-painted designs in imperial yellow and blue, showcasing Chinese art at its peak. Its value lies not just in its condition and rarity — but also in the breathtaking level of detail and the pristine preservation of its enamel ornamentation.

For UK-based interior designers or architects, this story is a reminder of the treasures that can be hidden in plain sight. A single antique item, when authentically integrated into modern interiors, can elevate a space with unmatched elegance and history.

2. Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi – £375 Million

Though technically a painting, Leonardo da Vinci's "Salvator Mundi" is one of the most talked-about antique artworks ever sold, fetching a staggering £375 million at a Christie’s auction in 2017. This oil-on-panel work depicts Christ holding a crystal orb, symbolising his role as saviour of the world.

Its staggering price was driven by both the prestige of the artist and the debated authenticity and restoration history. Only a handful of da Vinci works have survived, making this piece virtually priceless in art circles.

While having an original da Vinci in your living room may not be a practical goal, this famous sale underscores the continued fascination with classical themes. In smaller ways, you can incorporate such timeless motifs into home designs through replicas, period-inspired detailing, or classical colour palettes.

3. The Badminton Cabinet – £28 Million

This 18th-century Florentine ebony cabinet, known as the Badminton Cabinet, was sold for £28 million, making it one of the most expensive pieces of furniture ever auctioned. Commissioned by the Duke of Beaufort in 1726, it took thirty expert craftsmen over six years to complete.

Comprised of rare woods, semi-precious stones, and intricate marquetry, every inch of the Badminton Cabinet showcases opulence and tailored design. Its grandeur and scale are awe-inspiring, with towering dimensions suited for palaces more than flats.

For UK homeowners planning high-end renovations, such antique inspirations can influence cabinetry, joinery, or built-in shelving. Even simpler joinery that mimics marquetry patterns in kitchens or living rooms can bring a regal feel to modern homes.

4. Codex Leicester by Leonardo da Vinci – £23 Million

Another da Vinci masterpiece, the Codex Leicester is less about canvas and more about intellect. Sold for £23 million, this 72-page manuscript comprises musings, sketches, and observations from the legendary artist and inventor.

The notebook contains revolutionary insights into water movement, astronomy, and geology. Purchased by Microsoft founder Bill Gates in 1994, the Codex Leicester remains a symbol of how knowledge is immortalised through exceptional historic documents.

For tradesmen and crafters working in restoration or joinery, the Codex speaks volumes about the fusion of artistry and science — a combination guiding many of the UK’s heritage renovation projects today.

5. The Olyphant Horn – £4.5 Million

The Olyphant, or hunting horn, originated during the Middle Ages, often made from ivory with intricate carvings. One remarkable example sold at a UK auction house for approximately £4.5 million, owing to its exquisite Gothic detail and historical merit.

Once used in royal parades or battlefields to signify power, today, such ornamental pieces inspire design elements like wall mouldings, decorative lighting, and even faucet or door handle designs borrowing from historical motifs.

Architects and interior designers across the UK often draw influence from medieval artefacts like the Olyphant when creating statement homes filled with character and rich narrative.

6. The Harrington Commode – £3.8 Million

Prior to its record-breaking sale, the Harrington Commode sat recollected in a corner of a family home for several generations. Made by esteemed 18th-century English cabinetmaker Thomas Chippendale, this compact chest of drawers was auctioned for £3.8 million in 2010.

The piece embodies English Rococo style, infused with delicate carvings, exceptional joinery, and a sense of restrained luxury that makes Chippendale's work highly sought after today. His furniture blends functionality with ornate artistry — a principle guiding many UK-based design firms in modern kitchen and bedroom fit-outs.

This historic commode accentuates how antique inspiration continues to pull through in contemporary carpentry and homeware production.

Summary Table of Most Expensive Antiques and Artifacts

Artifact/Antique	Year Sold	Price (Approx.)	Origin	Notable Details
Pinner Qing Vase	2010	£53 Million	China, Qing Dynasty	Found in UK household, superb porcelain work
Salvator Mundi	2017	£375 Million	Italy, Renaissance	Attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, religious significance
Badminton Cabinet	2004	£28 Million	Italy	Took 6 years to make, intricate stone inlay
Codex Leicester	1994	£23 Million	Italy	Leonardo’s scientific manuscript, owned by Bill Gates
Olyphant Hunting Horn	2019	£4.5 Million	Europe, Medieval	Intricate Gothic detail, ivory construction
Harrington Commode	2010	£3.8 Million	UK	By Thomas Chippendale, elegant Rococo design

Bringing Antique Inspiration Into Modern Spaces

You don't need a seven-figure budget to enjoy the timeless appeal of antiques. Designers and decorators across the UK are increasingly drawing on these historic masterpieces as inspiration for modern interiors. From cabinetry design influenced by Chippendale’s signature style, to wall textures and colour schemes echoing the Renaissance, borrowing from the past is an artform in itself.

DIY enthusiasts may consider restoring vintage furniture or using antique reproduction mouldings to enhance feature walls. Meanwhile, tradesmen working in heritage properties can reference these iconic examples for historically respectful and visually cohesive upgrades.

Whether you’re in London refurbishing a Georgian townhouse or in Manchester updating a modern flat with Tudor flair, integrating neutral textures, classic motifs, and antique finishes can add sophistication and narrative to any space.

Final Thoughts

The world of expensive antiques and artifacts is more than just astonishing price tags. These treasures exemplify the highest levels of artisan skill, historical resonance, and cultural value. By studying them — and perhaps even collecting modest vintage pieces — homeowners, designers, and tradespeople in the UK can bring a touch of history and elegance into their creations.

So next time you’re shopping for decor, planning a layout, or working on a restoration, consider the enduring magic and inspiration of the past. It might just be the priceless element your project needs.