Alexander Calder sculptures going up for sale at Christie's

NEW YORK (AP) — Christie's is offering a group of sculptures by Alexander Calder that were inspired by his visit to India in 1955.

The nine works will be part of a spring auction of 20th-century art on May 10.

Calder created the delicate sculptures after getting an invitation from the influential Sarabhai (sah-rahb-HY') family to their home in Ahmedabad (AHM'-dah-bahd).

The family had brought some of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century to visit India.

Christie's says it's the first time the group of Calder sculptures is coming to auction.

It includes "Sumac 17." The work evokes a tree with red foliage made of 22 parts. It's estimate to bring $4 million to $6 million.

Gira Sarabhai and her brother Gautam (GAH'-tuhm) founded the Calico Textile Museum in western India.