Christie's Yves Saint Laurent Auction Nets $484 Million Amid Controversy Over Chinese Bronzes

Christie's three-day auction of the collection belonging to Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge achieved over $484 million, setting a record. The sale included two bronze fountainheads, looted from China's Summer Imperial Palace in 1860, which sold for $18 million each to an anonymous telephone bidder. This transaction has sparked controversy due to the artifacts' disputed provenance. The auction took place over three days, with the bronzes being among the highlights. Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge were the collectors whose items were sold. The event underscores ongoing debates over cultural heritage and restitution in the art market.