Pair of Imari plates, Japan, 19th century Porcelain, painted in underglaze blue, iron red and gold: flower arrangement (Ikebana) on table top under a patterned arch, hanging down an artfully braided cord with two tassels. The underside decorated with a peony tendril. D. 31 cm. A set of two Imari plates, Japan, 19th ct. Porcelain, painted in red, underglaze blue and gold. D. 31 cm

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.