LONDON.- Sotheby’s latest series of sales dedicated to Islamic, Orientalist, and Middle Eastern art delivered a strong and confident performance, underscoring sustained global demand for works rooted in these rich cultural traditions. Across the three auctions, the house achieved a combined total of £14.8 million ($20 million), marking its strongest season in this category since April 2023 and a notable 20 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

A season driven by global participation and standout objects

The flagship Arts of the Islamic World and India sale led the results, bringing in £11.2 million ($15.2 million), comfortably above expectations. Bidders from 25 countries participated, while the presale exhibition drew around 2,500 visitors—clear signs of the category’s growing international reach.

Momentum was particularly strong across the sale, with 64 percent of lots exceeding their high estimates. The results reflect not only competitive bidding but also increasing confidence among collectors seeking both historical depth and rarity.

A record-breaking scientific masterpiece

One of the defining moments of the sale came with a monumental brass astrolabe, an intricate scientific instrument commissioned for Aqa Afzal and crafted by Qaim Muhammad and Muhammad Muqim. The piece achieved £2.04 million, setting a new auction record for an astronomical instrument from the Islamic world.

More than a rare object, the astrolabe captured attention for its craftsmanship and historical importance, embodying the scientific sophistication of its time and drawing spirited competition from bidders.

Iznik pottery collections exceed expectations

Equally impressive was the performance of two long-held private collections of Iznik pottery, both of which had remained within families for over a century.

• The Ralph Brocklebank Collection soared to £994,560—more than triple its high estimate

• The Sir Alan Barlow Collection achieved £956,000, with every lot sold

Individual highlights included:

• A circa 1580 Iznik jug that surged to £230,400
• A polychrome dish from around 1590 that reached £256,000
• A rare rimless dish that brought £140,800

These results point to a renewed appreciation for Ottoman ceramics, particularly pieces with strong provenance and exceptional condition.

Strong demand for Indian paintings and manuscripts

The Indian section saw lively bidding throughout, with several works dramatically outperforming expectations:

• A Mughal painting of Emperor Jahangir teaching falconry sold for £384,000—more than five times its estimate

• A depiction of Krishna and Radha, attributed to Chokha, also achieved £384,000

• A 19th-century Company School album of watercolors realized £217,600

Manuscripts also proved highly sought after:

• A large Qur’an leaf in gold Kufic script reached £614,400
• A 16th-century illuminated Qur’an sold for £576,000

These results reinforce the enduring appeal of both courtly painting traditions and early Islamic manuscripts among collectors.

Modern Middle Eastern art sets new benchmarks

The Modern and Contemporary Middle East sale brought in £1.7 million ($2.2 million), with more than 60 percent of works surpassing their high estimates.

A standout moment came when Baya Mahieddine achieved a new auction record, as her untitled work sold for £217,600—seven times its estimate.

Other highlights included:

• Jewad Selim’s Nalini II at £307,200
• Mohammad Ehsai’s monumental work at £230,400
• Hassan Sharif achieving one of his highest prices at £64,000

The results suggest a deepening market for modern Middle Eastern artists, particularly those with strong institutional recognition.

Orientalist art sees renewed interest

The Orientalist sale contributed £1.9 million ($2.6 million), with several notable results:

• Halil Paşa set a new auction record at £537,600 for The Four Seasons
• Charles Robertson doubled expectations with The Wailing Wall at £332,800
• Richard Zommer achieved £96,000 for Madrasa in Turkestan

A market defined by depth and confidence

Taken together, the results highlight a market that is both resilient and increasingly sophisticated. From scientific instruments and ceramics to manuscripts and modern paintings, collectors demonstrated a clear appetite for works that combine rarity, historical significance, and strong provenance.

For Sotheby's, the season signals renewed momentum in categories that bridge art, history, and culture—suggesting that interest in the Islamic world and its artistic legacy continues to expand well beyond traditional collecting circles.