Miniature paintings, sculptures at Classical Indian art sale

Miniature paintings and rare sculptures of classical Indian art will go under the hammer at Saffronart's upcoming evening sale here.
With a total of 81 lots, the 2nd edition of Saffronart's 'Classical Indian Art' sale on March 9, will feature important works from the late 17th, 18th and early 19th centuries from the collection of connoisseur Motichand Khajanchi, and exquisite Pahari miniatures.
"The lots on auction are in excellent condition and are a testament to his fine aesthetic eye and will inspire new generations of collectors. Some of them carry artist signatures on the reverse, which is rare among miniature paintings," Saffronart said.

Among the highlights is a fascinating portrayal of a battle scene, that shows Maharaja Bakhat Singh of Nagaur proceeding for war.
Estimated at Rs 50-70 lakhs, the 1750 work is a dynamic and superbly detailed work showing a procession of riders on elephants, horses, camels and foot soldiers marching with their king to battle.
"Khajanchi discovered miniatures through his association with the royal family of Bikaner. His love for collecting also won him the friendship of artist Ramgopal Vijaivargiya and art historian Anand Krishna, with whom he exchanged scholarship and, at times, paintings. As his knowledge and collection grew, Khajanchi was recognised as an authority on Rajasthani miniatures," the auction house said.

Another highlight of the sale is a superbly carved sandstone sculpture of Mahishasuramardini from 10th-11th century Central India, that is estimated at Rs 3-5 crores.

The medieval masterpiece shows the moment of Durga's victory over Mahishasura, the buffalo demon.
"The sculpture is in remarkable state of preservation. With every inch of the sculpture intricately detailed, it is a visually extravagant metaphor for the triumph of good over evil," Saffronart said.
"We are delighted to have sourced an excellent collection of miniatures and rare sculptures from eminent collections. They offer collectors a unique opportunity to acquire some of the best classical art to enter the auction market," Hugo Weihe, CEO, Saffronart said.

Among the Pahari paintings on auction are 'Shiva Tandava' (1780) estimated at Rs 20-30 lakhs, and 'Folio from the Sat Sai of Bihari' (1800) with an estimate of Rs 18-24 lakhs.
Some of the paintings on offer are from the personal collection of the Maharaja of Bikaner.
While the lots that are signed by the artists are estimated between Rs 2-7 lakhs, there are some estimated at a price of Rs 15-20 lakhs, that are exquisitely composed and "speak to the skill and dedication of the artists".
Also among the showstoppers is a 12th century monumental Chola sculpture of Vishnu from Tamil Nadu, estimated at Rs 2-3 crores and a magnificent Prabhavali from Kerala, dated 15th-16th century, estimated at Rs 1-1.2 crores, among others.

The auction will be preceded by viewings here from March 3.