LONDON.- The West ~ East – The Niall Hobhouse Collection realised £2,906,275 and was 92% sold by lot. The top lot was Bhawani Das, circa 1778-82, Great Indian Fruit Bat (Flying Fox), Pteropus giganteus which realised £168,500.

Andrew Waters, Director, The Private Collection and Country House Sale department stated: “Niall Hobhouse’s exceptional collection was widely admired. International clients responded to the fascinating variety of historical references presented so beautifully at Christie’s. The Company School pictures of great Indian fruit bats soared to extraordinary heights and set the scene for frenzied bidding throughout the sale. Niall Hobhouse is thrilled with the result. Further important Indian Art will be offered in the South Asian Modern + Contemporary Art sale on 11 June and The Private Collection and Country House Sale department look forward to the Simon Sainsbury sale on 18 June.”