Christie's to hold first auction in India

Works of six Indian artists, including Rabindranath Tagore and Amrita Sher-Gil, will feature in Christie's first auction in India this month, reflecting the increased international appeal of the Indian art.
The extraordinary works of six of the nine modern Indian artists defined as 'National Art Treasures' will be included in the 83 lots that the London-based auction house will put up for sale at the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai on December 19.
These works are deemed of such national importance to Indian culture that they are non-exportable and when sold, must remain in India.
"These extraordinary works have been thoroughly researched and profusely documented, resulting in an exciting story of the last 100 years of art in India," the auction house said in a statement.

The artists represented are Rabindranath, Abanindranath and Gaganendranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Jamini Roy and Amrita Sher-Gil.
"This sale marks a major milestone in our company's history, a history that spans nearly two and a half centuries," Steven Murphy, Chief Executive, Christie's said.

Whilst Christie's has had a representative presence in India for almost 20 years, we are excited and proud to finally host our first auction here, he said.
"The decision to hold auctions at this time is a reflection of the strong momentum in the domestic art marketplace, the increased international appeal of Indian art and the growing participation of Indian collectors across international sale categories," the auction house said.

Christie's auctions in Mumbai will serve as an introduction to the high standards and connoisseurship associated with Christie's, the global market leader in Indian art and the world's leading art business, it said.