In 2006, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Ancestral Fruit On A Siamese Twine (1998), offered in the Indian Contemporary Art by Sotheby's, which concluded on 22 September 2006 at New York, achieving a sale price of ₹33,07,680 ($72,000). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
Introduction
- Date of Birth
- 1974
- Place of Birth
- Bombay, Maharashtra, India
- State Country of Birth
- Maharashtra, India
Chronicled Highlights 161998 – 2011
Jitish Kallat was born in 1974 in Bombay, Maharashtra, India.
In 2008, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Canis Familiaris/ A Dog'S Life (1999), offered in the Contemporary Indian Art by Asta Guru, which concluded on 22 February 2008 at Online, achieving a sale price of ₹53,46,878 ($133,739). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
In 2004, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Departure (Status - Boarding) (2000), offered in the Modern Indian Paintings: Winter Online Auction by Saffronart, which concluded on 02 December 2004 at Online, achieving a sale price of ₹3,21,694 ($7,275). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
On 21 September 2001, made their debut in the Indian public auction market when Island Worship was presented as Lot in Indian Contemporary Fine Art , conducted by Saffronart in Los Angeles, USA. This auction marked the artist's first recorded appearance in the public auction market, establishing the earliest chapter of their auction history.
In 2001, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Great Anxiety Of The Tiny Toe (2001), offered in the Indian Contemporary Fine Art by Saffronart, which concluded on 21 September 2001 at Los Angeles, achieving a sale price of ₹1,05,622 ($2,200). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
In 2006, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled Specimen (2001), offered in the Contemporary: Spring Online Auction by Saffronart, which concluded on 16 March 2006 at Online, achieving a sale price of ₹18,92,000 ($42,603). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
In 2006, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Naked Skyline - Porous Air (2001), offered in the Asian Contemporary Art by Christie's, which concluded on 28 May 2006 at Hong Kong, achieving a sale price of ₹27,08,672.5 ($58,923). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
In 2003, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Pain-Pleasure-Pause-Proceed (2002), offered in the Winter Online Auction: Modern Indian Paintings by Saffronart, which concluded on 04 December 2003 at Online, achieving a sale price of ₹1,89,000 ($4,143). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
In 2026, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Anger at the Speed of Fright (2002), offered in the South Asian Modern + Contemporary Art by Christie's, which concluded on 25 March 2026 at New York, achieving a sale price of ₹2,02,85,251.53 ($215,900). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
In 2005, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Acid Drop (2003), offered in the Summer Online Auction: Modern and Contemporary Indian Art by Saffronart, which concluded on 12 May 2005 at Online, achieving a sale price of ₹10,87,900 ($25,125). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
In 2006, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Preface Bed Time Stories - I (2005), offered in the Indian and Southeast Asian Art: Including Modern Indian Paintings by Sotheby's, which concluded on 29 March 2006 at New York, achieving a sale price of ₹18,76,980 ($42,000). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
In 2006, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Rickshawpolis (The Dented Chairot) III (2005), offered in the Contemporary: Autumn Online Auction by Saffronart, which concluded on 07 September 2006 at Online, achieving a sale price of ₹28,46,250 ($61,741). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
Economics of Art
Record-high lots16
Public Auction Market (1987–2026) | Select Indicators
Annual Auction Sale Turnover
It aggregates all sales across global auction houses into yearly totals.
Analysis reflected in the chart:
The turnover graph highlights periods of strong growth, moments of market correction, and resilience during downturns. Peaks often align with landmark works coming to public auction, while troughs may indicate reduced supply or weaker demand. Over time, the curve illustrates the overall trajectory of Jitish Kallat’s public auction market presence.
Average Sale Price Per Lot
It smooths out fluctuations caused by the quantity of works offered and focuses on the Average Sale Price level per artwork.
Analysis reflected in the chart:
Rising average sale prices indicate growing collector confidence and a stronger willingness to pay higher amounts per work. Assuming the mix of mediums remains relatively stable over time, the proportion of works on paper typically priced lower than works on canvas adds important context to understanding these market movements.
Square Inch Rate Trend
This allows fair comparisons between smaller works and larger canvases.
Analysis reflected in the chart:
The Square Inch Rate shown in the graph combines various medium types such as canvas, paper, board, and others. Historically, works on canvas and board have broadly commanded higher prices compared to works on paper.
Research Centre
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