Indian masterpiece under the hammer in the UK

A bold and vibrant masterpiece is tipped to become the most valuable modern Indian work of art ever offered at auction when it goes under the hammer in Britain.

Saurashtra, 1983, by Syed Haider Raza, is set to fetch £1.3 million to £1.8 million when it leads Christie's South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art Sale in London.

Christie's said this would make it "the most valuable modern Indian work of art ever offered at auction". The large scale painting by "one of India's leading modern masters" belongs to a key period in Raza's career when he began to integrate vital elements of his Indian childhood and cultural heritage into his paintings.

Yamini Mehta, Christie's London senior specialist and director, South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art, said: "We are incredibly thrilled and honoured to be offering this exciting work, Saurashtra by Syed Haider Raza at Christie's London on June 10."