Islamic and Indian Art

The varied and rich artistic traditions of the Islamic and Indian worlds continue to fascinate a global network of collectors and institutions. Christie’s biannual auctions bring together 1,500 years of art in a region extending from Spain to Malaysia, with a particular focus on the Arab lands, Safavid and Qajar Iran, and the Ottoman Empire. The sales also include works from across the Indian subcontinent made under the influence of Muslim rulers, such as the Mughals and their successors. A shared visual language spans across media, encompassing ceramics, manuscripts, paintings, metalwork, textiles and calligraphy.

Christie’s hold several auction records, including for the most valuable Islamic manuscript sold at auction, realised for a monumental Mamluk Qur’an copied for Sultan Qaytbay. The combined total of the 2019 Maharajas and Mughal Magnificence sale continues to be the highest for a single auction in the category. These results are the product of the dedication of our team in London and globally, who are always ready to discuss buying and selling at Christie’s, or to offer a free and confidential valuation.