AstaGuru's 'Iconic Masters' Auction 2025: A Landmark Sale of India's Most Celebrated Modernists

AstaGuru unveils its 'Iconic Masters' Auction on July 29–30, 2025 - featuring a rare collection of modern Indian art legends like Husain, Raza, Bawa, Souza, and more.

A Rare Homage to Modern Indian Art's Finest

AstaGuru Auction House is set to present its prestigious 'Iconic Masters' Auction on July 29–30, 2025, showcasing a stellar ensemble of works by the titans of Indian modernism. From revered canvases to sculptural rarities, this thoughtfully curated sale pays homage to the geniuses who defined and redefined the contours of Indian art in the 20th century.

More than just an auction, this is a moment of cultural reverence. Many of the pieces making their auction debut are from private collections, making this one of the most exclusive offerings in recent memory. For collectors interested in understanding how online auctions are transforming traditional bidding, this sale represents a perfect blend of heritage and modern accessibility.

A Pantheon of Indian Masters

The catalogue reads like a who's who of modern Indian art. Featuring Jamini Roy, Nandalal Bose, F.N. Souza, S.H. Raza, M.F. Husain, Manjit Bawa, Ram Kumar, Krishen Khanna, Anjolie Ela Menon, Jogen Chowdhury, Bhupen Khakhar, and Akbar Padamsee, among others, each artwork bears the unmistakable stamp of legacy and innovation.

"These works are more than acquisitions, they are pieces of India's cultural DNA. The 'Iconic Masters' auction celebrates lineage, rarity, and artistic excellence, offering collectors a rare opportunity to become custodians of these timeless legacies." - Sneha Gautam, Director – Client Relations at AstaGuru.

This auction exemplifies the awakening of sleeping beauties in the art world, bringing forgotten masterpieces back into the spotlight for discerning collectors worldwide.

Auction Highlights: Masterpieces of Soul, Symbolism, and Scale

Manjit Bawa's Serene Cow 

Estimate: INR 3–4 Crores

Ganesh Pyne's Dreamlike Reverie 

Estimate: INR 20–30 Lakhs

Krishen Khanna's Signature Bandwallas (Lots 32, 44 & 89)

• Lot 32: A majestic jungle tiger—visceral, watchful.
• Estimate: INR 50–70 Lakhs
• Lot 44: A vibrant triptych of his iconic Bandwalla figures.
  Estimate: INR 1.2–1.6 Crores
• Lot 89 (Final Lot): Shyam Pratap Bhompu Wala, a monumental sculptural tribute to India's street musicians.
  Estimate: INR 40–60 Lakhs

K.K. Hebbar's Singular Sculpture 

Estimate: INR 1.2–1.8 Crores

Souza's Abstract Landscape

Estimate: INR 80 Lakhs – INR 1.5 Crores

Husain's Pandharpur Monochrome 

Estimate: INR 80 Lakhs – INR 1.2 Crores

Ram Kumar's Poetic Abstraction 

Estimate: INR 80 Lakhs – INR 1.2 Crores

Jogen Chowdhury's Scroll of Self 

Estimate: Unlisted

Works by Nandalal Bose & Thota Vaikuntam

• A series of Bose works once owned by fellow artist E. Kumaril Swamy reflect the Bengal School's spiritual depth.
• Lots 42, 50, and 65 bring forth Vaikuntam's bold, sensuous figures rooted in South Indian tradition.

Beyond Beauty: A Legacy Up for Grabs

Each lot in this landmark sale is more than a canvas or a sculpture, it is a repository of history, identity, and imagination. For collectors, this is not just an opportunity to acquire a prized artwork, it is a chance to become part of India's evolving artistic heritage.

With works never before offered at auction and masterworks from the private vaults of iconic artists, AstaGuru's 'Iconic Masters' Auction is poised to be a defining moment in the global appreciation of Indian modernism. This auction represents the same caliber of rare collectibles fetching record prices at international auctions.

For those seeking to understand the broader luxury market dynamics, this auction aligns with popular vintage collectibles gaining renewed attention among discerning collectors worldwide.

Investment Insight: This auction offers collectors an exceptional opportunity to acquire museum-quality pieces from India's most celebrated modernists. Similar to India's promising future in luxury collectibles, these artworks represent both cultural significance and strong investment potential.