Bhupen Khakhar's modern masterpiece "Man in Pub" sold at 263,000 pounds, topping the Bonhams Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art sale, on Tuesday in London.
The piece, a haunting portrait of withdrawn individuals, isolated in otherwise social settings, is a prime example of the artist's facility for presenting vulnerable intimacy with bold, colourful flair.
Elsewhere in the sale important works by two founding members of the influential Progressive Artist's Group in Bombay, Syed Raza and Francis Souza, sold well.
Raza's "Paysage Nocturne" was sold for 48,750 pounds and Souza's "English Countryside" sold at 60,000 pounds. A striking work by Pakistan artist Ismail Gulgee, Untitled (Camels) made 62,500 pounds.
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques.
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