Folk, classical Indian art at Saffronart’s upcoming auctions

The ‘Classical Indian Art’ and ‘Living Traditions: Folk and Tribal Art’ auctions, scheduled to be held from April 10-12, will focus on India’s court, colonial and indigenous art forms.

A 20th century bronze sculpture which shall be part of the auction.

Medieval stone sculptures of Vishnu, rare Patna school paintings, and an impressive collection of folk and tribal Indian art will be up for auction at two of Saffronart’s upcoming sales this month.

The ‘Classical Indian Art’ and ‘Living Traditions: Folk and Tribal Art’ auctions, scheduled to be held from April 10-12, will focus on India’s court, colonial and indigenous art forms.

They will feature artworks whose visual appeal harks back to traditions which are centuries old, the auction house said. The Classical Indian Art auction will have 88 lots on offer, spanning a variety of sculptures, miniature paintings, Company School paintings and rare books.

Vamana Vishnu, which dates back to the 10th century.

Among the medieval stone sculptures are two exceptional renditions of Vishnu, ‘The Vamana’ and a ‘Head of Vishnu’. Estimated at Rs 30-50 lakhs, and Rs 15-20 lakhs respectively, the sculptures have an exquisite quality of carving rarely matched.

The Company School paintings, made in British India between the late 1700s and early 1800s, document local customs, flora and fauna. Auction highlights include works by Patna artists Hulas Lal and his descendant, Bani Lal, who were masters of the Company School style.

Paintings by both artists were the subject of English art historian Mildred Archer’s ‘Patna Painting’, an essay on Company School paintings with select examples of this style. Leading the category of rare books is Ordhendra Chandra Gangoly’s rare publication from 1926 which features select examples of Rajput painting.

Estimated between Rs 2-2.5 lakhs, the book is numbered “70” from a limited edition of 210 copies, and is presented in a portfolio box.

“The exquisite miniatures and exceptionally carved sculptures in the ‘Classical Indian Art’ auction are complemented by a selection of rare books on art. These books underscore the scholarship that was crucial in providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of antiquities from the subcontinent.

Among the medieval stone sculptures are two exceptional renditions of Vishnu, ‘The Vamana’ and a ‘Head of Vishnu’. Estimated at Rs 30-50 lakhs, and Rs 15-20 lakhs respectively, the sculptures have an exquisite quality of carving rarely matched.

The Company School paintings, made in British India between the late 1700s and early 1800s, document local customs, flora and fauna. Auction highlights include works by Patna artists Hulas Lal and his descendant, Bani Lal, who were masters of the Company School style.

Camel Rider, attributable to Bani Lal, from Patna, 1880.

Paintings by both artists were the subject of English art historian Mildred Archer’s ‘Patna Painting’, an essay on Company School paintings with select examples of this style. Leading the category of rare books is Ordhendra Chandra Gangoly’s rare publication from 1926 which features select examples of Rajput painting.

Estimated between Rs 2-2.5 lakhs, the book is numbered “70” from a limited edition of 210 copies, and is presented in a portfolio box.

“The exquisite miniatures and exceptionally carved sculptures in the ‘Classical Indian Art’ auction are complemented by a selection of rare books on art. These books underscore the scholarship that was crucial in providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of antiquities from the subcontinent.

Gond artist Jangarh Singh Shyam’s 1997 untitled work (Rs 60,000-80,000); two Maisandaya bull masks from Karnataka or Kerala (Rs 2.5-3 lakhs each); a 19th century Pilichamundi mask from Karnataka or Kerala (Rs 3-4 lakhs); a 20th century Banta mask from Karnataka or Kerala (Rs 4.5-5.5 lakhs); and a painting by Warli artist Jivya Soma Mashe (Rs 70,000-90,000), will also be on offer.

“‘Living Traditions’ is a celebration of tradition and craftsmanship. We wanted to include a range of art forms from across India which showcase the depth and diversity of imagination and skill.