Christie's to hold auction in India

International art auction house Christie's will hold its inaugural auction here in December this year, a top company official said Tuesday.

Though Christie's has been present in India through its Mumbai office for almost 20 years, this is the first time it has decided to conduct an auction in the country.

"We are delighted to announce that we will hold auctions in India, allowing Indian collectors domestic access to works of art, international collectors access to the very best of Indian art, and opening channels to our global network and specialist expertise," Steven P. Murphy, chief executive officer of Christie's, said in a statement.

"The inaugural Mumbai sale reinforces Christie's long-standing commitment to the artistic and cultural heritage of India. We are honoured to play a part in the further development of the domestic and international Indian art marketplace," he added.

Earlier in January this year, Christie's supported the India Art Fair and also partnered with the British Council for Homelands, a touring exhibition of contemporary art.

The December auction will offer Indian art.