A new auction platform dedicated to rare Indian masterpieces is set to enter the market with an unconventional approach. Volte Una, founded by art entrepreneur and gallerist Tushar Jiwarajka, will present a single work in each auction rather than a traditional multi-lot catalogue. The platform’s inaugural sale, scheduled for Sunday, 11 October 2026, will feature a 2002 acrylic on canvas by celebrated Indian modernist Tyeb Mehta.
A Different Auction Model
Volte Una has been conceived around the idea that exceptional works deserve focused attention. Instead of presenting dozens of lots in a single sale, the platform will offer one artwork or collectible at a time. According to the announcement, approximately 10 to 12 works will be presented annually, selected for their rarity, provenance and historical significance.
The platform’s scope extends beyond paintings and includes categories such as miniature art, ancient sculpture, historic jewellery and rare vintage automobiles with notable provenance. The emphasis remains on objects that appear infrequently in the market and are difficult for collectors to access.
Founder’s Background in Indian Art
Volte Una is the latest venture from Tushar Jiwarajka, founder and director of Volte Art Projects. Established in Mumbai in 2009, Volte Art Projects has developed a reputation for working with both contemporary artists and important modern masters. In recent years, the organisation expanded its operations to Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue cultural district, where it continues to stage exhibitions and large-scale art projects.
Jiwarajka has long focused on significant works by leading Indian artists including Tyeb Mehta, M.F. Husain, S.H. Raza, V.S. Gaitonde and F.N. Souza. His gallery has also collaborated with international contemporary artists and institutions across multiple regions.
The Inaugural Lot
The first Volte Una auction will centre on a 2002 painting by Tyeb Mehta (1925–2009), one of the most influential figures in post-Independence Indian art. Mehta’s works are widely recognised for their powerful figurative imagery, restrained colour palettes and distinctive use of diagonal forms. His paintings have consistently attracted strong interest from collectors and institutions worldwide.
According to Volte Una, works from this period of Mehta’s practice rarely appear at auction. The featured painting, titled Rickshaw Puller, belongs to a subject the artist revisited over several decades and is being presented as the sole lot of the inaugural sale.
Highlights of the First Auction
- One artwork presented as the sole lot of the sale
- Tyeb Mehta’s Rickshaw Puller (2002)
- Acrylic on canvas
- Auction date: 11 October 2026
- Focus on rarity, provenance and historical significance
Focus on Rare Collectibles
Volte Una states that its selection process prioritises works that may appear only once or twice over many years rather than pieces regularly found in auction catalogues. The platform is positioned at the upper end of the market, with low estimates beginning at approximately US$1 million.
The annual programme is expected to feature a carefully curated mix of artworks and collectible objects, reflecting broader narratives within Indian cultural history while appealing to established collectors.
New Fee Structure
Another distinguishing feature of the platform is its fee model.
Auction Terms
- Seller’s premium: 0%
- Buyer’s premium: 15% flat rate
- Estimated annual offerings: 10–12 lots
- Focus: Rare Indian masterpieces and exceptional collectibles
Volte Una says the structure is intended to provide clarity for both sellers and buyers while keeping attention on the object itself.
| Event | Details |
| Auction | Volte Una Inaugural Auction |
| Artist | Tyeb Mehta (1925–2009) |
| Format | One exceptional lot per auction |
| Opening Date | 11 October 2026 |
| Annual Selection | Approximately 10–12 works |
| Organiser | Volte Una |
| Founder | Tushar Jiwarajka |
| Entry / Registration | Registration via official website |
| Website | https://www.volte.auction |
Looking Ahead
The launch of Volte Una arrives at a time when interest in Indian modern art continues to attract global attention. By limiting each auction to a single lot, the platform proposes an alternative model that prioritises depth of engagement over volume. Whether the approach reshapes expectations in the high-value art market remains to be seen, but the inaugural Tyeb Mehta offering signals a focus on rarity and carefully selected works.
In a broader cultural context, the initiative highlights ongoing efforts to bring significant Indian artworks and collectibles into focused public view. For collectors, scholars and art enthusiasts, the format may offer a different way of engaging with works that rarely become available, while also contributing to wider conversations about preservation, provenance and the value of cultural heritage.
