Tajan
Paris's largest independent auction house, covering 20+ specialist departments.
Tajan: Paris's Independent Auction Powerhouse
Founded in 1994 by Jacques Tajan, one of France's most prominent auctioneers, Tajan has grown into one of the largest independent French auction houses. Operating from a striking former 1920s bank at 37, rue des Mathurins in Paris's 8th arrondissement—complete with an Art Deco skylight—the house conducts more than sixty auctions per year across over twenty specialist departments.
A Brief History
Jacques Tajan established the firm at a pivotal moment in the French art market, just as deregulation was beginning to open Paris to greater auction competition. In 2000, the house was acquired by LVMH, the luxury conglomerate led by Bernard Arnault, signaling the art market's growing entanglement with the luxury sector. However, that corporate chapter was short-lived: in 2003, Rodica Seward acquired the firm and restored its independent character. Under her stewardship, Tajan has maintained a strong regional presence while expanding its international reach, hosting collectors from across Europe and beyond.
Specialties and Departments
Tajan's breadth of expertise is notable for a mid-sized house. The firm covers fine art from Old Masters to contemporary work, with recognized strength in 20th-century decorative arts, design, sculpture from 1850 to 1950, and modern painting. Beyond the traditional fine art categories, Tajan has carved out niches in comic books, Russian art, wines and spirits, street art, and luxury vintage goods—reflecting a willingness to meet collector demand wherever it emerges.
| Feature | Tajan | Major International Houses |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Independent, privately held | Often corporate or conglomerate-owned |
| Annual Auctions | 60+ | Varies widely (100–400+) |
| Specialist Departments | 20+ | 30–70+ |
| Buyer's Premium (up to €500K) | 26% (excl. tax) | Typically 25–26% |
| Primary Location | Paris | London / New York / Paris |
| Niche Strengths | Comics, Russian art, street art | Broader but less specialized niches |
How Buying and Selling Works
Sellers can submit items for free evaluation by Tajan's in-house specialists, either in person at the Paris showroom or via online submission. Once accepted, items are catalogued, photographed, and assigned an estimate. Auctions are conducted live in Paris, with online bidding available through the house's own platform and third-party services like Invaluable and Interencheres. The buyer's premium is tiered: 26% excluding tax on hammer prices up to €500,000, 21% from €500,001 to €3,000,000, and 14% above €3,000,001.
Who Should Consider Tajan
Tajan is well-suited for European collectors and estates seeking a personal, specialist-driven approach without the corporate machinery of the global mega-houses. Sellers with 20th-century decorative arts, French furniture, or niche categories like comic art and Russian pieces will find particular expertise here. Buyers looking for quality lots at price points below the stratosphere of Christie's and Sotheby's headline sales will appreciate the house's range and accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can request a free, confidential valuation by submitting photographs and a description through Tajan's website, or by visiting their Paris showroom in person. Specialists will assess your item and, if suitable, propose inclusion in an upcoming sale.
The buyer's premium is 26% excluding tax on the hammer price up to €500,000, 21% from €500,001 to €3,000,000, and 14% on the portion exceeding €3,000,001. An additional 3% may apply when bidding through third-party platforms.
Yes. Tajan offers live online bidding through its own platform as well as through third-party services such as Invaluable and Interencheres. You can also leave absentee bids or bid by telephone for select lots.
Tajan covers over twenty specialties including modern and contemporary art, Old Master paintings and drawings, 20th-century decorative arts, design, jewelry, watches, Asian art, comic books, Russian art, wines and spirits, and luxury vintage items.
Tajan regularly handles significant consignments and has set numerous auction records. While it may not match the global marketing reach of Christie's or Sotheby's for ultra-high-value lots, it offers competitive commission structures and dedicated specialist attention that can be advantageous for major consignors.
Fee Information
26% excl. tax up to €500K, 21% €500K–€3M, 14% above €3M
Contact directly
Source: Official website
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