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Bonhams auctions – take a look at some of the most exquisite Indian artwork and idols under the hammer for thousands of dollarshttps://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/bonhams-auctions-take-a-look-at-some-of-the-most-exquisite-indian-artwork-and-idols-under-the-hammer-for-thousands-of-dollars/slidelist/81549979.cms2021-03-17T16:30:42+05:30

Bonhams auctions – take a look at some of the most exquisite Indian artwork and idols under the hammer for thousands of dollars

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BI India BureauMar 17, 2021, 16:30 IST

Bonhams auctions – take a look at some of the most exquisite Indian artwork and idols under the hammer for thousands of dollars — Bonhams.com
As a part of its Asia Week in New York auctions, Bonhams has put on auction some of the finest antique sculptures, paintings and idols from India and South East Asia.
Bonhams is one of the world’s largest auction houses.
On offer for thousands of dollars, these pieces are centuries old and are the embodiment of the rich Indian culture.
UK-based Bonhams, one of the world’s largest auction houses in the world, famous for selling Picasso’s paintings and luxurious as well as antique fine art items, is currently celebrating Asia Week in New York. And on auction are some of the finest antique sculptures, paintings and idols from India and Southeast Asia.

On offer for thousands of dollars, these pieces are centuries old and are the embodiment of the rich Indian culture.

Here’s a look at some of the most expensive yet exquisite pieces from the online-only auction.

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Miniature copper figures of Vishnu, Vaishnavi and a Rishi

Miniature copper figures of Vishnu, Vaishnavi and a Rishi — Bonhams.com
Auction price – $10,000-15,000
Dating back to the 10th or 11th century, these three miniature figures representing Vishnu, Vaishnavi and a Rishi are from the Pala Empire of the Northeastern Indian region. The Pala dynasty ruled the regions of Bihar and Bengal for as long as 400 years and the rulers were strong followers of the Mahayana and Tantric schools of Buddhism.

Sandstone bust of a Tantric Deity

Sandstone bust of a Tantric Deity — Bonhams.com
Auction price – $4000-6000
From the 8th or 9th century, the sandstone sculpture is from the coastal state of Odisha in India. Even today, sandstone sculptures are a big part of Odisha’s heritage, with stone carving being one of the most important arts of the state.

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Copper alloy figure of Ganesha

Copper alloy figure of Ganesha — Bonhams.com
Auction price – $6000-8000
Finding its origins in Himachal Pradesh from the 11th century, this copper figure of Lord Ganesha is a magnificent one. “A small but charming bronze...may well be from the Western Himalaya and reflects the Pratihara style. Framed by a simple arch [Ganesha] stands in the posture of a resting dancer with his right foot in kunchita pose with the heel raised,” wrote Pratapaditya Pal, an Indian scholar of Southeast Asian and Himalayan art and culture, about the sculpture.

An illustration from a Bhagavata Purana Series: Krishna and Balarama playing with Gopas in the forest

An illustration from a Bhagavata Purana Series: Krishna and Balarama playing with Gopas in the forest — Bonhams.com
Auction price – $6000-8000
“In vibrant colours, the painting shows Krishna and Balarama dancing, wrestling, and playing practical jokes with their friends the gopas (cowherds),” is how Bonhams describes the colourful painting.
From the Mewar region (a part of modern day Rajasthan), the original was produced under the then king Amar Singh II – the son of Maharana Jai Singh. The painting is a representation of the Bhagavata Purana, the most celebrated and sacred text for the Hindus.

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An illustration to a Ramagala Series: Todi Ragini

An illustration to a Ramagala Series: Todi Ragini — Auction price – $5000-7000
This artwork is from the late 18th century from Delhi or Faizabad. Illustrated with opaque watercolours and gold on paper, it is a part of the Ramagala series. Ramagala paintings represent the musical notes or ragas, and they are personified with a hero and his wife (raginis).
According to the Harvard Museum, “Todi Ragini evokes both tenderness and sadness, and is commonly represented by a young heroine (nayika) in a forest separated from her lover.”

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