Aga Khan’s Personal Treasures Hit the Auction Block

The upcoming auction of Aga Khan’s personal treasures promises to captivate art enthusiasts and collectors alike. Scheduled for October 28, this event at Christie’s London will showcase a rare collection of over 90 artworks, reflecting a rich heritage of Indian, Iranian, and Ottoman art.

Aga Khan’s Treasures: A Historical Legacy

The collection, curated by Prince Sadruddin and Princess Catherine Aga Khan, spans acquisitions from the 1960s to the early 2000s. Prince Sadruddin, a prominent figure born in France in 1933, served as the head of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees for twelve years. His passion for art blossomed during his education at Harvard, where he was mentored by art historian Stuart Cary Welch Jr.

Prince Sadruddin was the grandson of Sultan Sir Mohammad Shah, the 48th hereditary imam of the Nizari Isma’ili community, known for their historical influence across diverse regions, from Persia to South Asia.

Artworks and Their Significance

The auction features estimates ranging from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand pounds. Notable pieces include:

• Lot 28: A portrait of an early 17th-century Mughal prince, framed within the mid-17th-century Shah Jahan Album.
• Lot 23: A portrait of Shah Abu’l Ma’ali, a significant representation of the era’s cultural mobility.
• Lot 77: A Youth with a Cup and Bottle, signed by renowned Safavid artist Reza Abbasi.

These artworks not only represent the artistic achievements of their time but also reflect the rich tapestry of cultural exchange that characterized the historical periods they stem from.

Location and Viewing Details

The auction will take place at Christie’s, located at 8 King Street, St James’s, London. Interested bidders can preview the collection before the auction:

• October 24 and 27: Viewing from 9 AM to 5 PM
• October 25 and 26: Viewing from 12 PM to 5 PM

This event serves not only as a commercial auction but also as a celebration of cultural heritage, enabling collectors to acquire pieces that echo the life and aesthetic vision of the Aga Khan family.

Conclusion

As the auction date approaches, anticipation builds around the personal treasures of Aga Khan. The pieces represent an intersection of historical significance and artistic merit, embodying the legacy of a family deeply entwined with cultural preservation and global influence.