Inspiration

Discover the Stories Behind Four Truly Exclusive Treasures

Edited by Thomas | 28 October 2025
Explore the unique stories of four truly exclusive objects—from avant-garde art to rare automobiles—once offered through Catawiki. What elevates an object from collectible to unforgettable? Sometimes, it’s the hand of a great artist. Sometimes, it’s a mechanical marvel. Sometimes, it’s the cultural weight of a beloved icon or the finality of limited production. True exclusivity defies trends and lives in the details—and for collectors with passion (Catawiki lovers, that’s you!), these objects represent more than ownership; they are chapters of history. Art That Confronts You: Martin Kippenberger's Latex-Fäustlinge In the hands of Martin Kippenberger, a canvas becomes a battleground. Created in 1991, Latex-Fäustlinge blends pigment, latex, and canvas to form a cracked, textured surface that borders on the grotesque. Rubber protrusions add a surreal layer—evoking flesh, fetishism, and the human form. Kippenberger never played by the rules. He rejected the conventional art world, parodying its “seriousness” and questioning the very act of creation. This piece, gifted by the artist to his friend and fellow creative Meuser, is a deeply personal example of his anti-aesthetic approach. As provocative as it is powerful, it’s an example of both his rebellious spirit and his sharp social commentary. Pop Culture's Most Exclusive Prize: Pikachu Trophy Card No. 3 (2018) At the intersection of nostalgia and high-stakes collecting is the Pikachu Trophy card, awarded to the third-place winner of the 2018 Pokémon World Championships. What sets this card apart isn’t just the event it commemorates, but its singular status in the grading world—a Beckett 9 with a population of just one. In the ecosystem of trading cards, rarity is currency. And in this case Pikachu, the franchise’s most recognisable face, graces a card that only a handful of people on the planet have earned—and only one example has achieved this particular level of preservation. Timekeeping as Theatre: Fromanteel Musical Table Clock Not all timepieces are created equal. This Anglo-Dutch table regulator clock, made circa 1725 by Ahasuerus Fromanteel of London, belonged to the latter category—a symphony in bells and brass. Crafted from ebonised wood, its chime mechanism featured 29 hammers striking 15 bells across six selectable melodies. With moon phases, subsidiary seconds and date indications, it was decorative and technical. But perhaps most intriguing is its provenance: Fromanteel was part of a dynasty that revolutionised horology, bringing Dutch precision to English timekeeping. A Collector's Drive: Porsche 356 B T6 'Twin Grille' Roadster by D'Ieteren Produced only in 1961 and in just 248 units, the Porsche 356 B T6 'Twin Grille' Roadster by Belgian coachbuilder D'Ieteren is a rare classic car. Commissioned during a brief handover between bodystyles, it was a transitional design that never overstayed its welcome—making it all the more desirable. With its dual-grille rear deck, sleek open-top frame and distinctive heritage, this Porsche is more than a beautiful machine; it represents a pivotal moment in the marque’s evolution. D’Ieteren's craftsmanship added an extra touch of finesse, blending Belgian elegance with German engineering. The Next Treasure Is Just a Bid Away These objects may no longer be up for auction, but they remind us that true exclusivity lies not in price alone, but in provenance, rarity, and the thrill of discovery. To uncover more remarkable finds, explore Catawiki’s curated auctions during Exclusive Selection and beyond—where every object has a story, and some stories can be yours to keep.

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