The Aga Khan collection has broken the all-time record for South Asian art sale, led by a £10.2m miniature of cheetahs, with the auction at Christie's London making £45.8m.
A notable piece, Basawan's A Family of Cheetahs in a Rocky Landscape (circa 1575-80), sold for £10.2m, becoming the most expensive work of classical Indian or Islamic painting at auction.
Basawan painted a family of cheetahs against red rocks, twisting trees, and deep-gilt skies, darkening in the evening light.
This sale comes close to the most expensive Indian painting at auction, M.F. Husain’s Gram Yatra, which sold for $13.8m in March.
The 95 lots from the collection of Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan sold for £45.8m, closing out a landmark year for the Indian art market.
Author's summary: Aga Khan collection breaks record for South Asian art sale.