Christie's London to auction the Mary and Cheney Cowles Collection of Indian and Islamic Art

Telling stories of emperors, poetry, love, faith, and daily life across India and the Islamic world, The Mary and Cheney Cowles Collection of Indian Painting and Calligraphy will be auctioned at Christie's headquarters, in London, on 28 April 2026. Seattle-based collectors, the Cowles assembled one of the most distinguished private collections of East Asian painting and calligraphy in the Western World formed over more than four decades of dedicated study and connoisseurship. Comprising eighty‐six lots, this portion of their collection stands as a testament to their passion and rigour, which has benefited many people to date through generous philanthropic gifts to public institutions. Estimates range from works offered without reserve up to £180,000, providing opportunities for new and existing buyers across price points. Sara Plumbly, Christie's International Head of Islamic and Indian Art commented: “Guided by a commitment to artistic excellence and historical significance