Christie’s Hosts Contemporary Art and Watch Auction

The auction house celebrates its 250th year in operation on October 18 in Dubai

Keeping art enthusiasts within the region on their toes, Christie’s promises a standout collection of Modern and Contemporary art sale on October 18 at Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

Standouts of the Modern and Contemporary Art sale include Iranian masterpieces from the Saqqakhaneh period, a key moment that shaped the future of Iranian modern and contemporary art. Among the pluralist veins that define Iranian modernism Saqqakhaneh was one of its earliest manifestations. The art critic Karim Emami coined the term for this culturally specific art movement in 1963. The motifs reminded him of Islamic iconography and objects adorning public water fountain structures, known as saqqakhanehs, found mostly in bazaars. The Saqqakhaneh movement arose from a need to counter the direct imitation of western idioms and resulted in the creation of an art that was rooted in local popular culture, both secular and religious and, in certain cases, inspired by the art of the pre-Islamic era. In their work, the West as a model was not imitated but fully assimilated.

In addition to the art auction, Christie’s Dubai is also giving attendees the opportunity to participate in their ‘Important Watches’ auction. For the first time, this sale will feature a Vintage Rolex Daytona with an exceptional 6262 tropical dial, as well as a Daytona Paul Newman 6239 and Panda 6263. Buyers will also have the opportunity to participate in the Nautilus 40 special auction, with 10 lots offered in Dubai.

Christie’s Dubai Contemporary Art & Important Watch Auction will take place at Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel on October 18. For further information on the auction click here.