Christies Auction House have done it again, this time selling off a Jim Beam whiskey decanter for US$33,765,000.

Officially entitled the Jim Beam – J.B. Turner Train, the fully glossed stainless steel locomotive is described as an “elegy to the age of steam and steel” and is – if anything – truly stunning.

Created by American artist Jeff Koons, the train is inspired by a collectable set initially built from china and plastic as part of a 1980’s Beam Train Collectors Wheel Series, representing the association between American whiskey and the railroad. A total of 10 cars were initially available, each filled with Jim Beam’s signature bourbon.

Koons own seven car train set (worth anywhere between USD$0.5 – 2 million per car) is cast from this original set and in keeping with its initial release, has each car refilled with Jim Beam bourbon finished with a tax stamp seal of authenticity.

Jeff Koons J.B. Turner Jim Beam boxcar, full of the good stuff – c/o Christies.com

Jeff Koons J.B. Turner Jim Beam spirits car, also full of the good stuff – c/o Christies.com

Jeff Koons is well known for his ability to transform near completely benign objects into large metallic sculptures of striking aesthetic. Koons also holds the world record for the highest auctioned art piece sold by a living artist when his orange Balloon Dog met the hammer at Christies for USD$58.4 million.

Click below for a short video on the inspiration behind the decanter.

For his next piece, Koons is looking to suspend a full-size replica steam locomotive, end on, above New York city’s High Line.

Be sure to also check out the Jeff Koons exhibit at the Saatchi Gallery in London which includes a stainless steel Travel Bar complete with case, bottles, jigger, glasses and tools.

[Visit Page – christies.com]

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