Maurizio Cattelan’s shimmering 223-pound solid gold toilet sold for $12.1 million with fees at Sotheby’s contemporary auction last night. The auction house did not list an estimate for the 18-karat metaphor, “America” (2016), but set bids to start at $10 million. Failing to receive more than one bid, the work sold after an awkward minute during which auctioneer Phyllis Kao attempted to draw out more offers using potty-related puns. Few appeared amused. Read the full story by Aaron Short at the link in bio. . . . Maurizio Cattelan, “America” (2016) (image courtesy Sotheby’s) #MaurizioCattelan #GoldenToilet #Sothebys #Auction #Gold