Iranian artists have topped Bonham's' Modern & Contemporary Middle Eastern & South Asian Art auction in Dubai's Royal Mirage Hotel.

An untitled work by calligrapher and painter Mohammed Ehsai topped the sale fetching $132,000 against a pre-sale estimate of $110,000 - 130,000.

A work from Afshin Pirhashemi's BMW Series came next with $126,000 against a pre-sale estimate of $20,000 - 30,000.

Renowned sculptor Parviz Tanavoli and veteran painter Massoud Arabshahi ranked 4th and 7th respectively.

Bonham's international fine art auction house sold over 70% by lot on its Middle East art auction on Oct. 12. The auction achieved total sales of over $1,800,000 comfortably in line with estimates.

"I am very encouraged by the turn out at the sale which indicated return in confidence in the art market and in particular the market here in Dubai," Bonhams Chief Executive (UK & Europe) Mathew Girling said.

"I am optimistic that in 2010, we shall see the Dubai art market firmly back on the road to recovery."

Founded in 1793, Bonhams is one of the world's oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques, which offers sales through two major salerooms in London and a further seven throughout the UK.

Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Boston in the USA, as well as in Switzerland, France, Monaco, Australia, Hong Kong and Dubai.

Bonhams has an international network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 50 specialist areas.

TE/HGH