The Pip Rau Collection at Olympia Auctions
The Pip Rau collection of ikats, embroideries and costumes, auctioned at Olympia in London from 3 February–1 March, achieved outstanding results, attracting strong interest both locally and globally.
Pip Rau (1938–2024)
Comprising 191 lots, this sale was dedicated to the late dealer and collector of Asian textiles, Pip Rau (1938–2024). When Rau opened her small Islington shop in 1974, she created a haven for extraordinary textiles, costume and fabrics from Uzbekistan, northern Pakistan and Afghanistan. The collection speaks to Rau’s instinctive sense of design, her expert eye and passion for the artistry of these traditions.
An impressive 97% of the lots were sold, making this a highly successful auction. Total hammer prices reached £186,215 (£232,768 including 25% buyer’s premium), significantly exceeding the pre-sale high estimate of £142,042 and more than doubling the low estimate of £86,610.
Lot 131, an ikat panel, Uzbekistan, second half of 19th century. Sold £8,125 incl. BP
Drawing not only collectors but also friends and acquaintances of Rau, the sale was predominantly attended by UK-based buyers, while also attracting international participants from Hong Kong, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Norway and the USA.
Two 19th-century ikat panels from Uzbekistan (lots 131 and 152) surpassed expectations. Lot 131 exceeded its estimate of £2,000–3,000 and achieved £8,125 (incl. BP), while lot 152 sold for £11,250 (incl. BP), well above its estimate of £4,000–6,000. The highest and most remarkable result was a Piskent wool and silk embroidered suzani from Uzbekistan (lot 6) which reached an impressive £11,875 (incl BP) against an estimate of £2,000–4,000.
Lot 6, a Piskent wool and silk embroidered suzani, Uzbekistan, late 19th century. Sold £11,875 incl. BP
It is worth noting the close resemblance of lot 107, an Uzbek ikat panel which sold for £3,600, and the ikat from the Guido Goldman collection illustrated on the cover of HALI 27. Like the HALI example, the Olympia textile demonstrates a striking visual rhythm and a vibrant colour palette of yellow, crimson, indigo and forest green—qualities that have continued to inspire contemporary textile design.
The chapans, tunics and dresses in the sale proved highly popular. Highlights included a boy’s ikat chapan from Uzbekistan which sold for £2,125 (incl. BP), well above its estimate of £300–500; and three ikat chapans from Uzbekistan sold in one lot for £1,800 (incl. BP), significantly exceeding their estimate of £200–400.
Lot 152, a large ikat panel, Uzbekistan, mid-19th century. Sold £11,250 incl. BP
Commenting on the auction, Olympia’s specialist Arthur Millner says, ‘We were thrilled to sell Pip Rau’s stunning collection of textiles, and I am so pleased the sale attracted such strong interest; many people visited the exhibition and attended the In Conversation about Pip with her son Alexander Gorlizki and Ben Evans, editor of HALI magazine.’
Olympia will soon announce the dates of the second part of the sale, which will feature rugs, costumes and embroideries. This eagerly anticipated sale is expected to attract buyers from across the globe.
