Budapest braces for a frenzy of porcelain fever: on Monday, November 17, the Virág Judit Gallery stages the world’s only dedicated Zsolnay auction, drawing collectors from Europe, the U.S., and Asia. Now in its fifth edition, the sale has become a bellwether for the market of the 170-year-old Hungarian brand, with Zsolnay ceramics among the most sought-after porcelains anywhere. This year’s lineup includes true trophy pieces—headlined by a monumental planter appearing on the market for the first time. The full auction exhibition is free to view November 4–16 at the Virág Judit Gallery.
When and where
Zsolnay Ceramic Auction 2025 takes place Monday, November 17, 6:00 p.m., at the Budapest Music Center, 1093 Budapest, Mátyás u. 8. The preview runs November 4–16 at the gallery, 1055 Budapest, Falk Miksa utca 30, free of charge. Interest is massive again, with bids expected from multiple continents. The auction puts 71 lots on the block, appealing to collectors across all eras and stylistic phases of Zsolnay.
Records and rising values
This is the auction that sets the pace. The standing world record for Zsolnay porcelain was achieved here: in both 2023 and 2024, standout pieces fetched 28,000,000 HUF—about 77,400 USD each. Demand for works from the Pécs manufactory is booming, and values have climbed steadily for years as rarities continue to emerge from private collections worldwide.
Star lot: the rediscovered giant planter
One headline piece dates to 1906: a giant planter uniting the panoramic motifs of the most coveted cigar vases. Experts had no idea it existed; its pair once belonged to the Viennese Schmutz collection. Vivid colors, riveting motifs, and sheer rarity make it a showstopper. It opens at 12,000,000 HUF (about 33,200 USD) with an estimate of 24,000,000–36,000,000 HUF (about 66,400–99,600 USD), a range that could topple the record. Expect fireworks.
Júlia Zsolnay’s historicist jewel
Another prize is a unique dish designed by Júlia Zsolnay, daughter of the manufactory’s legendary leader Vilmos Zsolnay and one of the factory’s most gifted artists. Dated 1889, the plate depicts a Japanese woman fishing and represents a peak of the historicist style. Its value lies in exquisite ornamentation achieved with exceptional technique. Starting bid: 3,000,000 HUF (about 8,300 USD).
Secessionist masterwork with shimmering glaze
Collectors are also buzzing about a 1907–1908 Secessionist masterpiece by Lajos Mack, titled Lady with Panther (Hölgy párduccal). It showcases the coveted blue labrador glaze, revealing at least thirty shades of blue across an imposing vase form. Opening at 12,000,000 HUF (about 33,200 USD), it carries a 24,000,000–36,000,000 HUF estimate (about 66,400–99,600 USD).
Free exhibition, guided tours, and an online twist
All auction ceramics can be viewed for free November 4–16 at the downtown gallery. Two guided tours add context and craft: November 12 (Wednesday) at 5:00 p.m. with Csaba Papp, and November 15 (Saturday) at 11:00 a.m. with István Törő. Nearly 30 years into redefining Hungary’s auction scene, the gallery is also rolling out a timed online sale on November 23 at 6:00 p.m.—including Zsolnay lots. Advance bidding is available on the gallery’s website.
Budapest, November 17, 2025.
