Indian Works of Art

The two-part Asian Art in London begins with Indian and Islamic art auctions and dealer exhibitions this month.

A selection of stand-out Islamic & Indian auction results.

A focus on Indian and Islamic art available to view and buy from dealers taking part in Asian Art in London in late October.

A wealth of Indian and Islamic art and artefacts are available to view and buy in late October from both participants at Asian Art in London and auction houses whose sales are timed to coincide with the festival.

The awards shortlist for Asian Art in London’s inaugural Indian and Islamic week have been announced. The Antiques Trade Gazette Award for Outstanding Indian or Islamic Work of Art from an Auction House and the Apollo Award for Outstanding Indian or Islamic Work of Art from a Dealer each have three finalists. Winners will be announced on October 29.

An intriguing Indian miniature portrait drew strenuous competition against an estimate of just £30-50 at Clarke’s (18% buyer’s premium) in Shaftesbury, Dorset.

Indian miniatures are a common sight at UK auctions. With a keen, dedicated and often very knowledgeable collecting base, they remain a somewhat independent but active sub-set of the art market.

The highlight of Bonhams’ rescheduled sale of Indian and Islamic art held on June 11 was a group of a nine Company School watercolours with an unbroken provenance back to 1812.

Depiction of Emperor Shah Jahan is thought to have been prepared for his official chronicle.

Views of processions, pageants and parades tend to attract special interest at auction, such as this view of an Indian procession bid to £6800 in Gloucestershire.

Topped by an eight-times estimate £19,500 Momoyama ‘Namban’ cabinet (ATG No 2391), Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood’s (21% buyer’s premium) sale in Exeter on April 16 had other estimate-busting lots from abroad.

On May 17 Stair Galleries in Hudson, New York, is selling the collection of Indian artefacts from the estate of David Swope of Ossining, NY.

A rifle from the personal armoury of Tipu Sultan sold for £60,000 in Oxfordshire last week.

Historical weapons from the personal armoury of Tipu Sultan will be offered for sale in Oxfordshire in the spring.