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Journalism of Courage
IN March this year when Akbar Padamsee8217;s Mirror Image sold for 155,000 Rs 66.6 lakh at a Christie8217;s auction, it became the most expensive painting of the year so far. It was one of 13 international auctions this year which focus on Indian artefacts and paintings. A long way from the standard three auctions in the late 8217;90s and the nine in 2000.
8220;The increasing number of Indian art auctions not only reflects the growing interest in Indian art worldwide but also the growth of art in India itself,8217;8217; said Robin Dean, director of Sotheby8217;s, New York.
Here8217;s a peak into what the leading auction houses have on offer for the rest of the year.
Sept 20: Sotheby8217;s, Indian and Southeast Asian Art, New York
An example of the rapid growth rate of Indian art is SH Raza8217;s Oasis. It sold in 1995 for 10,000 Rs 4.3 lakh and will be re-offered in September for an estimated 70,000 to 100,000
Rs 30 lakh to Rs 43 lakh. They8217;re hoping to cross the 3 million benchmark for the entire lot.
Sept 21: Christie8217;s, Indian and Southeast Asian Art, New York
According to Yamini Mehta, head of modern and contemporary Indian art at Christie8217;s, Tyeb Mehta8217;s Mahisasura has already been estimated at a record 600,000 to 800,000 Rs 2.6 crore to Rs 3.4 crore.
With estimated prices already soaring, the September sale is likely to cross the 3.4 million Christie8217;s collected during its March auction.
Sept 23: Christie8217;s, Arts in India, London
This biennial auction will showcase jewellery, furniture, textiles, paintings of Hindu epics commissioned by Emperor Akbar, oils of pre-independent India, even a silver carriage. A 17th century emerald-and-pearl pendant necklace, which once belonged to the Maharaja of Bhavnagar, is the most important item on the platter. Estimated value: above 2.5 million Rs 110 crore.
Oct 13: Bonhams, Indian and Islamic Art, London
In addition to their collection of Indian contemporary works, Bonhams8217; auction will include pottery, glass, ivory, textiles, armour, rugs, paintings and furniture of Islamic origin.
Oct 14: Christie8217;s, Indian and Islamic Art, London
This auction includes carpets, ceramics, manuscripts and metalwork from the Middle East and southern Spain to China, India and southeast Asia. In 2000, a painting of The Building of King Dasaratha8217;s Sacrifice, from 1594 AD, got 3.2 million Rs 13.8 crore.
