Indian Hindu miniatures to line up at Bonhams' auction of Asian art


Indian Hindu miniatures line up at Bonhams' upcoming auction of Asian art

Indian Hindu miniatures on auction at Bonhams, 2016March 2, 2016: Auction house, Bonhams has assembled an exceptional collection of Indian miniature paintings as part of its Indian, Himalayan & South Asian Art sale, to take place during New York’s Asia Week. 

With a total sale estimate of $4 – 6 million, the majority of the tiny masterpieces vibrantly depict famed scenes from India’s Hindu religion. Two of them – dating to the late 18th-early 19th century – come from the private collection of Pakistani painter, Abdur Rahman Chughtai and relay excerpts from the narrative of Radha and Krishna, the feminine and masculine representations of God.

One – Folio 48 from the Kangra Rasikapriya, valued at $40,000-60,000 – is a detailed work from the school of master Purkhu, the other – Divine Loveplay Under Moonlight, estimated at $30,000-40,000 – originates from the contemporaneous Guler court. 

Indian Hindu miniatures on auction at Bonhams, 2016

The sale also features a long misattributed “Malwa school” miniature from around the 17th century, which shows the defeat of the demon Kumbhakarna – appraised at $8,000 - $12,000 – as well as an 18th century drawing from the celebrated Hindu Bhagavata Purana book. 

The Bonhams’ Indian, Himalayan & Southeast Are sale will take place on March 14. More information is available on the auction house’s website

Post your comment


    We encourage thoughtful discussion, debate and differing viewpoints, with the understanding that all comments must be civil and respectful. We encourage you to remain on topic and to be mindful that the comments are public. We do not permit messages selling products or promoting commercial or other ventures. Upon request of individuals named in comments, some comments may also be removed. We reserve the right—but assume no obligation—to delete comments, and report offenders who do not follow the code.