Christie's first auction in India's Mumbai office closed with a total of $15,4 million, doubling all catalog lot estimates and pre-sale expectations and selling by 98% per lot. This auction marks a historic moment for Christi, building on a 20-year history in India, and a decade of global market leadership in Modern Indian art through sales in New York and London.
Collectors from all over India, as well as Asia, Europe and the United States flocked to the auction, reflecting a clear worldwide interest in this category. The pre-sale exhibitions during the last two weeks in New Delhi and Mumbai have attracted many visitors and interest from both new and existing customers. The auction was so crowded with people that another room was prepared to accommodate all customers. The sale took place at the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai.
“It has been a real privilege to be in India where we have been honored by the warm welcome. The response to our sale has been tremendous, said Steven Murphy, Christie's chief executive officer.
Top Lots: (values in USD)
VASUDEO S. GAITONDE (1924-2001) – UNTITLED (3,792,400)
TYEB MEHTA (1925-2009) – MAHISHASURA (3,165,200)
TYEB MEHTA (1925-2009) – UNTITLED (FALLING FIGURE) (1,578,000)
MANJIT BAWA (1941-2008) – UNTITLED (GAJA LAKSHMI) (618,000)
AMRITA SHER-GIL (1913-1941) – UNTITLED (HUNGARIAN VILLAGE CHURCH) (579,600)
RAM KUMAR (B. 1924) – UNTITLED (FAMILY) (560,400)
RABINDRANATH TAGORE (1861-1941) – UNTITLED (464,400)
BHUPEN KHAKHAR (1934-2003) – UNTITLED (378,000)
GANESH PYNE (1937-2013) – UNTITLED (368,400)
SYED HAIDER RAZA (B. 1922) – SURYA (310,800)
SYED HAIDER RAZA (B. 1922) – UNTITLED (MATHERAN) (291,600)
