LONDON.- Christie’s auction of The Mary and Cheney Cowles Collection of Indian Painting and Calligraphy totalled £5,278,882/ $7,121,212/ €6,086,551, over 3 times the pre-sale estimate. The collection was 100% sold, attracting registrants from 21 countries, with 14% of bidders new to Christie’s. Telling stories of emperors, poetry, love, faith, and daily life across India and the Islamic world, this private collection of these celebrated Seattle-based collectors was keenly anticipated from announcement. Following the record-breaking results of the Exceptional Paintings from the Personal Collection of Prince & Princess Sadruddin Aga Khan in October 2025, these results build on the strength of demand for important works from this category.

The star lot was A Courtier Holding a Book, the painting ascribed to Manohar, Mughal India, early 17th century; the calligraphy signed 'Abdullah Al-Husayni, Mughal India, dated AH 1017 / 1608-9 AD which sparked fiercely competitive bidding, selling for £571,500 over seven times the pre-sale estimate (estimate: £80,000-120,000). A highlight of Islamic and Indian Art Week in London, this collection will be followed by Christie’s biannual sale of Art from the Islamic and Indian Worlds, including Oriental Rugs and Carpets on 30 April.

Sara Plumbly, Christie’s International Head of Islamic and Indian Art commented: “We are thrilled with today's results which are a true testament to the rigour and passion that has underpinned Mary and Cheney Cowles’ approach to collecting. Guided by a commitment to artistic excellence and historical significance, they have consistently celebrated works that unite literary, painterly and calligraphic traditions, as the 84 lots in this sale illustrated. Ahead of the fiercely competitive bidding, online, on the phone and in a busy saleroom, the collection sparked excitement and widespread appreciation and anticipation. It has been a real pleasure to share the Cowles’ wonderful collection with collectors, academics and enthusiasts.”