Pair of Indian Erotic Paintings from a Kama Sutra Series

India, Orissa, 17th century.

Hand-painted on cloth canvas.

These have impeccable Provenance!

They were purchased by a Private Dallas Collector at Christie’s New York Auction on 19th September 2002. Sale Number 1115, Lot No. 251.

Christie’s operate a twice yearly auction of Southeast Asian Art & Antiquities in New York in the months of March and September.

The Lot was described as: “Two Erotic Paintings from a Karma Sutra Series.

India, Orissa, 17th Century.

Each in square format with yellow dotted borders and red background depicting couples in animated sexual poses; the reverse with painted sketches of couples against a dark green ground.

Each is approximately: 7 3/8 x 7 3/4 in. (18.8 x 19.7 cm) (2)”

They carried an Auction estimate of USD 2,500 to USD 3,500 and sold for USD 1,434 (including buyers premium).

The ‘buyer’ got a real bargain that day!!

Allowing for inflation alone this would be over $2,500 in today’s value and mid estimate it would be over $5,000.

The original Christie’s Lot No. is still marked in pencil on the matting.

The pair have been custom matted and framed under glass in a plain maple frame (probably by Christies).

It has substantially increased in value over the years as a RARE piece from a prestigious Collection and a RARE piece of Asian antiquity.