National art treasures in Christie's first India auction

Works by the Tagores-Rabindrananth, Abanindranath and Gananendranath as well as those by Nandlal Bose, Jamini Roy and Amrita Sher-Gil, considered 'national art treasures' are included in Christie's first India sale.
Works of national treasures cannot by law be taken outside the country and when sold must remain in India.
The selection of the 83 works focusing on modern and contemporary Indian art is set to go under the hammer in Mumbai on December 19. Previews of select artworks from the sale are set to be held in for three days in Mumbai starting December 17 and between December 7-9 here.

"With this sale we hope to engage many more new collectors and hope to inspire more collectors from India," Hugo K Weihe, told PTI here today.
The decision to hold auction now is a reflection of the strong momentum in the marketplace, increased international appeal of Indian art and the growing participation of Indian collectors across international sale categories, said the auctioneers.
Christie's, has had a presence in India for almost 20 years but are holding their sale this year, marking the 12th auction room in the world. The auctioneers have had auctions in New York and London among other places across the world.

Rabindranath Tagore's untitled work featuring images of fantastical bird and faces have been estimated between Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 2.5 crore (USD 243,000-USD 405,000). Pieces by his uncles, Abanindranath and Ganganendranath are also included with a 1920 watercolour by Gagaganendranath "Woman on a staircase" estimated to fetch between Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh (USD 16,200- USD 24,300).

Also on offer in the upcoming sale are a total of 50 works from the collection of the Mumbai gallery owners, the late Kekoo and Korshed Gandhy.
"Mahisasura", an acrylic on canvas by Tyeb Mehta is the top lot of the sale with an estimate of Rs 7.5 crore Rs 9. 5 crore (USD 1.2 million to USD 1.5 million estimate.)

Other artists represented in the upcoming sale include V S Gaitonde, Ram Kumar, S H Raza and M F Husain.