Two rare Indian paintings, which surfaced at auction after being found in an Auckland basement, have both sold for almost $120,000 each.
The distinctive works by India's first 'Pop' artist, Bhupen Khakhar, were put under the hammer last night by auction house Cordy's.
The Red Elephant and the Interior Of A Hindu House were bought by the same buyer - a local Indian gentleman present at the auction - for the all-up price of $119,595 each.
Auctioneer Andrew Grigg said it was fantastic the paintings were snapped up by a local, especially as there were determined bidders from the United States, London, India and the Arab Emirates.
![Interior of a Hindu House by Indian Pop Artist Bhupen Khakhar. Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/GP5IG5FCKROMLIMPEGYQIGBPOY.jpg?auth=0ec42f06eb04b690191e8286b0dc7b1871fe4ed23fe4aebeabd9e1bdbc4f62bd&width=16&height=17&quality=70&smart=true)