An Auction to revisit the Raj era

As the British quit India in 1947, they left behind about two centuries worth of entities, most of which currently lay with either private collectors or museums. An art purchasing platform, StoryLTD, is currently hosting an online auction that’s put some of these historical memorabilia on sale.

Over 80 lots containing rare books, maps and photographs were put on display online for the auction that began yesterday. Some of the books on auction date back to the mid 1700s, around the time the East India Company gained foothold in the sub continent.

“One object up for auction is a map dating 1665, by Dutch cartographer Joan Blaeu, titled Asia Noviter Delineata,” informs Minal Vazirani, co-owner of Saffron Art, Story LTD’s parent company. “It’s a spectacular example of Blaeu’s decorative map of Asia in full colour.”

Another lucrative book on display — and possibly an object with the highest asking price — is The Coronation Durbar, Delhi, 1903, of His Majesty King Edward VII. “The book features red Moroccan binding with elaborate girl bordering and lettering,” says Minal. “It also features an impressive account of Lord Curzon’s Durbar that was called to commemorate the accession of Edward VII. Presented in an ornate wooden box with silk lining, the book is estimated to be somewhere between Rs 7 and Rs 8 lakhs.”

Question her on the inclusion of maps in this auction, in addition to books and pictures, and Minal mentions how the items have a wider appeal to connoisseurs. “Books, maps and photographs have featured as important areas for collecting globally, as they reflect history, socio-political movements, and archived knowledge,” she explains. “These items have a broad collector appeal, and are now beginning to garner a wider interest in India too. By holding dedicated auctions in these categories, we try to make a slice of history available to collectors.”

With lot prices starting at Rs 14,000, StoryLTD believes they can gain wider audience for the memorabilia. “The target audience for this auction are largely historians, aesthetes and collectors, as well as bibliophiles architects and decorators, who can have the old maps and vintage photographs adorn their walls,” says Minal.

The auction is being held currently on www.storyltd.com