Indian Works of Art

A group of works with provenance to one of India’s oldest commercial art galleries, emerged at a Plakas (29% buyer’s premium) auction on May 21.

Collectors are looking for lesser-known artists beyond the top targets in a notably strong market

The cuerda seca (dry cord or kashi) technique of decorating tiles was developed in Central Asia during the latter part of the 14th century.

This Indo-Portuguese ivory inlaid rosewood side table had last been sold in 1950 when it was bought by the ceramicist Eric James Mellon (1925-2014) while an art student in London.

While May’s series of UK Asian art auctions lacks the overall focus of the Asian Art in London initiative in the autumn or the pomp of other spring events in New York or Hong Kong, it remains a key moment in the calendar.

A newly discovered prime period untitled work by Indian Modernist Akbar Padamsee (1928-2020) established a new house record for Roland Auctions in Glen Cove, New York, on March 28.

The primary draw to a sale at Roland Auctions (30% buyer’s premium) was a series of lots benefiting Columbia University.

Expect records to tumble in the market for Indian art and antiques in 2026.

A selection of upcoming auction highlights

Artist survived a shipwreck but then spent a decade creating portraits and views of the local landscape

This unusual 19th-century Indian enamel-on-copper footed bowl soared to 26 times its top estimate at Lindsay Burns (22% buyer’s premium) in Perth.

Latest sales suggest a wider collector base targeting history and topography