Los Angeles:
One of America’s most celebrated authors Truman Capote’s ashes have been sold for a whopping USD 45,000 at an auction here.
The writer’s mortal remains were owned by ‘Tonight Show’ host Johnny Carson’s ex-wife and Capote’s best friend Joanne Carson and were auctioned off by Julien’s Auctions on Saturday.
The buyer promised to bring the ashes to parties, movies and other events, in keeping with the wishes of the famed author of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “In Cold Blood.”
“We had people from Russia, Germany, China, South America and here in the US who had interest in them,” said President and Chief Executive Darren Julien said.
“I anticipated it could sell for over USD 10,000, but didn’t anticipate it going to USD 45,000,” Julien was quoted as saying by the CNN.
The remains are sealed in a carved Japanese wooden box and will be presented in its original cemetery packaging from Westwood Village Mortuary.
Carson, who died last year aged 83, often stepped out with the Capote’s remains who died in 1984.
Julien said this was the first time in public record that someone’s ashes had been sold at auction.
“If it wasn’t for it being Truman Capote, it would have been disrespectful,” he said.
The ashes were among a number of items sold at the auction. About 50 of Capote’s personal items from Carson’s estate were sold with prices ranging from USD 50 to USD 2,000, according to the auction house.
The buyer of his ashes is a collector who wishes to remain anonymous, Julien said.
“They promise that Truman will continue his adventures,” he said. Born in New Orleans in 1924, Capote’s two most famous works, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1958) and “In Cold Blood” (1966) solidified his place among the great American authors of the 20th century.
