With the ongoing volatility of global markets, individuals and investors now more than ever are turning to hard goods as a means of securing their capital. A quick skim of auction data from any of the major auction houses quickly reveals a growing trend: Artwork, antiquities, classic cars and even vintage watches are all on the rise. Among the many auctions slated for the coming months, we’ve found a handful of items worthy of note.

Phillips Auctions, Photographs
New York, Oct. 5–6
Herb Ritts Versace Dress, Back View, El Mirage, 1990 — Estimate $100,000–150,000

Herb Ritts’ fashion photography is second to none, and this stunning capture from his Versace shoot in 1990 is arguably one of his best. The iconic image of Christy Turlington set against the stark expanse of desert shows a level of abstraction and simplicity of form rarely seen in the fashion photography realm — one of many reasons Ritts’ work remains so desirable among art and photography collectors around the globe.
phillips.com

Sotheby’s, Important Chinese Art Auction
New York, Sept. 13–14
Rare Turquoise-Ground Famille-Rose “The Hui Mountain Retreat” Teapot and Cover, Qianlong Seal Mark and Period (r. 1726–1795) — Estimate $300,000–500,000

The Chinese antiquities market continues to skyrocket, and we don’t doubt a number of pieces could challenge previous high marks. Qianlong vases hit the record books a few times in recent years, and we can’t help but wonder how much more than estimate this rare teapot might fetch. To cater to the emperor’s enjoyment of tea, an array of magnificent tea wares were produced in a variety of materials incorporating both traditional and modern motifs and forms. Such vessels combined function, aesthetics and creativity that complemented the sophisticated tea-drinking culture of the period, all possible due to the superior and refined workmanship of the potters, as evident in this elegant piece.
sothebys.com

Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction
Las Vegas, Oct. 13–15
1950 Mercury “Wasabi” Custom Coupe

The collector car market continues to do well in 2016, and aside from blue-chip collector Ferraris and the like, custom hot rods and restomods are faring equally well of late. The late Dick Dean, the right-hand man to none other than George Barris, built this custom Mercury. Barris was the famed builder who, among other creations, designed and built the first Batmobile. This Mercury received a thorough restoration in 2005 that preserved all of Dean’s work, returning the car to the glorious state seen here.
barrett-jackson.com