Auction Alert: India-Inspired Sale at Sotheby's

Indian designs are going everywhere. From the ramp to the redcarpet and now to international auction houses. Indian inspirations will power Sotheby's forthcoming auction 'Inspired by India', which will offer contemporary designs, photographs, textiles, ceramics, jewellery and furniture from May 8-15 in London, the auction house said Wednesday.

The showcase-cum-auction will feature established designers such as Alice Cicolini, Rahul Kumar and Sabyasachi Mukherjee. The event also features up-and-coming artists like Els Woldhek and Pia Wustenberg, all of whom have been inspired by the culture, colours and crafts of India.

Their work will demonstrate how traditional Indian skills can be incorporated into lively contemporary international work full of excitement and surprise.

The exhibition has been curated by tastemaker Janice Blackburn and designed by Tricia Guild of Designers' Guild.

What will go on sale
Commenting on 'Inspired by India', Blackburn said: "The crafts we associate with India - weaving, embroidery, metal work and enamelling - are sadly disappearing. The way to preserve these wonderful techniques is to move them forward with well-designed products, which combine traditional skills in a contemporary way without sacrificing their historical context."

"All the designers I have selected share a passion for India and have produced work which is a successful marriage between the best of fine, original design without compromising on the rich tradition of India's hand-making processes," she added.

The selling exhibition will feature a unique collection of shawls by Christina Kim, of the iconic fashion brand, Dosa.

For more than two decades Christina had researched artisan-made materials and traditions. Pioneering textile designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee's wedding saris, and a range of specially-commissioned shawls and headbands will be showcased at the exhibition and subsequently opened for sale.

Alice Cicolini's jewellery enamelled in Jaipur by one of the last remaining master enamellers and set with precious and semi-precious stones will be an auction highlight.

Wrap, India's first contemporary luxury design company, which takes its name from the ancient 'wrapping technique' used to make royal thrones in 17th century Jaipur, will showcase wood furniture wrapped in gold and silver.

Delhi-based potter Rahul Kumar's 'Inspired by India' pots in red clay, Milan-based Luisa Cevesa's bags and table accessories incorporating sari fabrics sourced from villages will feature in the indigenous ethnic section.

Photographer Gita Pandit's often humorous observations of contemporary Indian life will vie for attention with a collection of vintage Bollywood film posters from Indian Hippy in Mumbai.