Virgin Mary Tattoo on Man's Back Sells for $218,000

This must be the world’s first transaction of its kind - the selling of a tattoo while still on its owner’s body. Tim Steiner sports an elaborate tattoo of the Virgin Mary on his back which he sold to Zurich gallery owner Jutta Nexdorf for 150,000 Euros or about $218,000.

The tattoo was designed by Belgian artist Wim Dalvoye and took 35 hours to create. The new owner plans to exhibit the tattoo three times a year. When Steiner dies, the tattoo would be handed over to its owner.

The first exhibitions of the tattoo (and Steiner) will in Singapore and Shanghai next week.

The video shows Steiner as a German talk show guest - at the very end, he takes off his shirt to show off the tattoo.