NATURAL BAROQUE PEARL Phallus-shaped, shaded white, weighing 199.7 cts (798.85 grains). Dimensions: 71.55 x 25.90 x 18.05 mm. An unmounted natural pearl weighing 199.7 cts. S.S.E.F. certificate: natural pearl from a marine mollusc. Note: This unperforated pearl, exceptional for its size and evocative shape, is one of nature's accidental wonders. Its rarity, even in museum collections, makes it worthy of the great cabinets of curiosity. Bibliography: "Perles" Hubert Bari, David Lam, éditions Skira - book published to coincide with the exhibition at Doha's Museum of Islamic Art in 2010. "Merveilleuses Perles" Françoise Cailles, Argus Valentines - 2006.

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.