Bukowskis

Update, September 2026: Acquired by Bonhams in 2022 and now part of the Bonhams network.

About Bukowskis

Bukowskis is the foremost auction house in the Nordic region, with a storied legacy that stretches back more than 150 years. Founded in 1870 by Henryk Bukowski, a Polish nobleman and political emigre who had built a formidable reputation in the Swedish art world, the house quickly established itself as the destination of choice for discerning collectors and institutions across Scandinavia.

History

Bukowski's intimate connections with the Swedish royal family and aristocracy were cemented early on when, in 1873, he was entrusted with the auction of King Karl XV's personal collection — a landmark sale that catapulted the firm into the upper echelons of the European art market. Headquartered in Stockholm's elegant Berzelii Park, where it has maintained a prestigious presence since the late nineteenth century, Bukowskis operates from salerooms that double as exhibition spaces, hosting viewings, live auctions and private sales throughout the year. The firm was appointed Purveyor to the Royal Court of Sweden, a distinction that speaks to the trust and respect it commands among Sweden's cultural elite.

Specialist departments

Bukowskis provides expertise across more than 60 specialist areas, a breadth of coverage that is remarkable for a Nordic auction house. The core departments include:

• Fine Art, encompassing Old Masters through to contemporary works
• Scandinavian and International Design, where the firm is an acknowledged world leader
• Fine Jewelry and Watches
• Furniture and Lighting
• Silver and Decorative Arts
• Asian Art

The house has played a particularly influential role in establishing the global market for Scandinavian Modern design, regularly achieving record prices for works by the likes of Alvar Aalto, Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner and other Nordic design icons. Bukowskis has achieved numerous record-breaking results over the years: Isaac Grunewald's Cirkus sold for 17,250,000 SEK, establishing a new world record for the artist and underscoring the firm's strength in Swedish modernism, while Akseli Gallen-Kallela's Isbildning made 8,625,000 SEK and Fernando Botero's El cuarto de bano made 8,125,000 SEK, demonstrating the international reach of the buyer base.

Selling and buying with Bukowskis

The auction calendar is anchored by the Important Spring and Autumn sales, multi-day events that draw international bidders and routinely generate headline-making results. In addition, Bukowskis conducts a busy schedule of themed and specialist sales, both live and online. The firm's online platform, Bukowskis Market, extends the auction experience to a digital audience, offering timed online sales that have proven especially popular with younger collectors entering the market.

For sellers, consigning to Bukowskis is a straightforward process: prospective consignors can submit items for valuation through the website, by visiting the Stockholm premises, or by scheduling an in-home appointment for larger collections or estate sales. The firm's team of specialists will assess each item and provide a preliminary estimate, and if accepted, Bukowskis handles cataloguing, photography, condition reporting and marketing. Seller commission rates are negotiated on a case-by-case basis and depend on the value and nature of the consignment, with favorable terms often available for significant collections. Buyers pay a buyer's premium on top of the hammer price, tiered and detailed in the conditions of sale published with each catalogue, and VAT applies according to Swedish tax law. Bidding is available in person at the Stockholm salerooms, by telephone, by absentee bid, and via the online platform, which supports real-time bidding during live sales.

Nordic reach

Bukowskis also maintains a Helsinki office, reflecting the strong historical and cultural ties between Sweden and Finland and the firm's position as a pan-Nordic institution. The Helsinki operation hosts its own auctions, including the well-regarded Helsinki Spring and Autumn sales, which focus on Finnish art, design and decorative arts. What sets Bukowskis apart from its international competitors is its unrivaled depth of knowledge in Scandinavian art and design; while major London and New York houses have expanded their Nordic coverage in recent years, Bukowskis remains the default choice for serious collectors of Scandinavian material, and its long relationships with leading Nordic families and institutions mean that important private collections are frequently offered there before being considered elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Bukowskis?

Bukowskis was founded in 1870 by Henryk Bukowski, giving it a legacy of more than 150 years, and it was entrusted with auctioning King Karl XV's collection in 1873.

What is Bukowskis known for in the design market?

It is an acknowledged world leader in Scandinavian Modern design, regularly achieving record prices for designers such as Alvar Aalto, Arne Jacobsen and Hans Wegner.

Does Bukowskis operate outside Stockholm?

Yes, it also maintains a Helsinki office that hosts its own Spring and Autumn sales focused on Finnish art, design and decorative arts.