'It offers speed, convenience and secure access to customers who are often on the move,' he said.

Describing the application, he said it was 'equipped with a special function which allowed users to keep track of auction progress with information on current bid amounts and bid histories'.

'Since this function gets updated every 15 minutes, it gives users access to the latest information about the bid history, allowing real time information updates from the auction. Users can also check auction results after the auction has closed. In addition, a colour-coded bid status indicator lets the users know if they hold the leading bid,' Vazirani said.

The mobile bid facility, Vazirani explained, also gave bidders access to auction catalogues on the cellphone.

'All that they need to do is to register with Saffronart. Even if they are not bidding, they can simply download the application and watch the auction on their phone.

'Users can preview the entire auction catalogue, including a lot of details such as size, surface, medium and estimates, and view the images. The entire catalogue along with the images in small and large sizes is available on cellphone,' he said.

The mobile bidding service targeted those constantly on the move, he said.

'The focus is the high-end audience which frequently travels and is eager to acquire the best art and jewellery in the world, no matter where they are. The client profile of Indian art and artefacts is changing with more international buyers pitching for Indian art,' he said.

Saffronart is believed to be India's largest online auction house of modern and contemporary art.

(Madhushree Chatterjee can be contacted at madhu.c@ians.in)