For cat fanatics and art enthusiasts alike, a truly extraordinary collection is about to hit the auction block. Sandy Lerner, the co-founder of Cisco Systems and cosmetics brand Urban Decay, is putting her decades-in-the-making collection of feline-themed art, decorative cat objects, fine feline jewelry, and rare cat books up for auction.
A Lifelong Passion For Feline Art
Lerner’s collection goes far beyond standard cat memorabilia. Spanning centuries and cultures, her holdings represent one of the most comprehensive private collections of cat-inspired art in the world.
Unique Art Celebrating Felines
The upcoming series of auctions at Bonhams will feature hundreds of cat-themed artifacts, including:
Fine Art & Sculpture: Paintings, bronzes, and graphics depicting cats across various historic periods.
Decorative Arts & Jewelry: Intricately carved jade objects—such as a Chinese white jade cat-form snuff bottle—alongside vintage cat gemstone jewelry, starting at US$2,000 – US$3,000 / ZAR32 000 – ZAR48 000.
Rare Books & Manuscripts: A dedicated assortment of literary works and historic volumes centered around cats.
The collection is split into multi-part sales running through late 2026, offering collectors and feline fanatics around the globe a rare chance to own a piece of feline history.
(US$8,000 – US$12,000 | ZAR130 000 – ZAR190 000)
Cats have fascinated artists for centuries, serving as symbols of independence, mystery, and companionability. Lerner’s collection captures every nuance of human relationship with felines.
Follow The Cat Art Auction
Whether you’re looking to place a bid or simply want to admire one of the most eclectic feline art collections ever assembled, the auction events are hosted through Bonhams Fine Art Auctioneers.
This story was originally reported by ARTnews. Read their full coverage for further details on specific lots and sale schedules.
