Following the success of the global tour, specially designed New York exhibition, and a marathon 12 hour auction, ‘Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence’ achieved $109,271,875, with 93 per cent sold by lot and 92 per cent sold by value, establishing the highest total for any auction of Indian art and Mughal objects, and the second highest auction total for a private jewelry collection. The sale was presented in partnership between Christie’s market-leading jewelry department and World Art department along with the independent art advisory firm The Fine Art Group.
William Robinson, International Head of World Art, Christie’s, notes, “This incredible collection traced the history of Mughal jewels and objects to present day. From exceptional daggers worn by the elite Nobles and Royal families of India to important jewels inspired by Indian tradition and architecture, the auction of this notable collection represented a significant cultural moment for Indian and Islamic art. We are delighted with the strong results witnessed across the category with records set for an Indian jade, dagger, sword, and huqqa, which showcase the global appetite for masterpiece-quality works.”
From next year, works of art from this encyclopedic collection, which includes over 6,000 objects, will be shown at a new museum space in Paris.
