The Asian and European Works of Art Evening View opens from 6-8pm on Monday 20th May at Olympia Auctions
During the Evening View Arthur Millner, specialist in Islamic, Indian and South East Asian Works of Art gives a Talk about the highlights of the forthcoming Asian Works of Art Auction, starting at 7pm.
He explores the diversity of influences and styles in the vast territories stretching from the Eastern Mediterranean to the Chinese border including the strong influence from the earlier centuries of Buddhism in the Indian subcontinent, looking at sculpture in the auction which dates back to 13th century. He will also look at the iconography of Jainism, early bronzes of which will also be coming to sale.
Large painted cloth hangings, known as picchavai were produced in Nathdwara in Rajasthan, Western India, to be displayed during annual Hindu festivals celebrating the particular form of the cult of Krishna in the region where he is known as Sri Nath Ji. The sale includes a superb group which have been consigned by a retired London couple who used to run an art gallery in Hong Kong in the 1960s-1980s. Arthur shows us the highlights in this group.
Finally, Arthur discusses a large collection of interesting Indian manuscripts and paintings, some dating back to the 17th century, consigned by the descendant of a family who had to leave Lahore during the partition and came to settle in the UK.
Drinks and nibbles are served and the evening View ends at 8pm. Visitors are welcome to browse, ask the specialists questions and register for bidding in advance of the Asian Works of Art Auction on the 22nd as well as the European Works of Art Auction 23rd May.