NEW YORK, NY.- Bonhams announced a stellar performance of a very important, previously unrecorded work by the master Indian artist Bagta (fl. 1761-1814) in the March 19 Indian, Himalayan & Southeast Asian Art auction. This remarkable work and cover lot to the sale sold for six times the high estimate claiming $302,500 (pre-sale estimate $30,000 - 50,000). The entire auction realized $3,203,225.

Edward Wilkinson, Bonhams department specialist, states about the sale, "It was truly incredible to witness the sale of this work come to fruition. Bringing in a lot of this caliber has proven to be not only a highlight of my career but also a highlight for Bonhams and for this 2012 Asia Week."

This portrait of the imposing figure of Rawat Gokal Das celebrating 'holi' with his consorts was consigned by a collector who bought the piece two decades ago for a modest a $125. Dated 1808 and measuring 16 x 22 inches this work is a rare representation of Bagta's larger scale depiction.

Bagta was featured in the landmark exhibition which opened at the Museum Rietberg, Zurich, and is currently on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York 'Wonder of the Age, Master Painters of India, 1100-1900.'