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Rare Indian Art Auction at Christie’s in London

Indian art auction is sales events where products and services are bought and sold through bidding. There is a lot of competition among people as they try to obtain their desired item.

In Indian art auctions, different types of exclusive artworks are up for bidding, and the highest bidders can own them. Everyone is welcome to attend these events. The most common type of art sold at an Art Auction is paintings. Nevertheless, any type of art can be sold.

Art, as described, is a reflection on society. A door taking you back to history, a road that takes you to the future and a moment that makes you rethink the present. Indian art has played a major role in the depiction of social, economic and political issues. India’s archelogy and History speaks volume about it. A large number of amazing artists have emerged in the Indian subcontinent. All possess unique artistic styles giving India its rich traditional art history. 

Indian art is becoming global and making its way out of the box. It is reaching out to a larger audience there online or through art galleries. One of the best examples of the uprise of Indian art is shown in the recent auction held at Christie’s Auction in London. It displayed several Indian art forms. Here are the marvellous art forms that earned their places at Christie’s.

Indian art auction
Image Source:- Artnet News

1. Mughal Paintings 

Mughal painting is the style of miniature painting developed in the north side of the Indian subcontinent. Beginning from sixteenth century till the mid-nineteenth century. They are famous for their innovative techniques and a wide range of subjects and themes.

2. Rajputana Paintings

Rajputana Painting is also called as “Rajasthani Painting”. This style of Indian painting evolved in the royal courts of Rajputana kings of Rajasthan. Orginated in the late 16th and early 17th century. Each Rajput kingdom created its own distinct style of painting, though with some similitude. There are two types of Rajputana Paintings. The Marwar school comprising the Kishangarh, and Bikaner style of painting from Bikaner, Jodhpur, Nagaur, Pali and Ghanerao styles. And the Hadoti school including Kota, Bundi and Jhalawar styles.

3. Deccani Paintings 

Deccani painting, a style of miniature painting came into existence from the late 16th century among the Deccani sultanates in peninsular India. The style is a creative, sensitive and highly integrated blend of native and foreign art forms. 

4. Pahari Paintings

Pahari painting is a style of miniature painting and book exemplification. It developed in the independent states of the Himalayan foothills in India. Thus gaining the name, “Pahari painting”. The style is described by two remarkably contrasting schools, the bold intense Basohli and the delicate and lyrical Kangra.

5. Diamond Set Enamelled Silver Pendant 

The Nizam of Hyderabad gifted a diamond set to Maharaja Ranjit Singh for his help and cooperation. The pendant, at present time, is worth 2,50,000-3,50,000 pounds. 

6. A Folio 

A folio from St. Petersburg muraqqa depicting a hunting party is also being auctioned at Christie’s. This folio is worth 3,00,000-5,00,000 pounds. 

7. Oriental Rugs and Carpets 

Rug weaving, what the record shows, was known in India at least since the sixteenth century. The very first inspirations were probably Persian as their designs appear closely related. However, along with Persian India took qualities of different areas like central Asia and soon developed a style of her own. The most unique and carved carpets were woven under the Mughal Empire during the period of the late sixteenth and the first half of the eighteenth century. If we go southwards, the rugs woven in the Deccan areas have their colours and design and their uniqueness and identity. The floral designs on Indian carpets are often more realistic and detailed as compared to their Persian and other counterparts.

Indian art auction
Image Source:- Mid-Day

With the downfall of the Mughal Empire, by the late nineteenth century, carpet weaving in India had also declined tremendously to an extent that the British colonial administration decided to set up factories to produce carpets for export. Today, carpet production in India frequently uses foreign designs or design copies with Indian touch and produces commercial rugs of mainly their more productive value.

Along with all these marvellous creations, the auction at Christie’s highly showcased Indian craft, manuscripts and paintings from the 9th through to the 20th century. 

India continues to win the game and have its name engraved in the history of art and the art of history. Over the coming years, India will bring more Indian artists to continue to gain traction in the global art scene and bring glory to the country.
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