Warhol print surprises at auction

The portrait of Mao Zedong by Andy Warhol, with two bullet holes put there by 'Easy Rider' star Dennis Hopper. Photo/Christie's Images Ltd. 2010/AP.

The 1972 print of a bright blue Mao Zedong with green lips was among 300 items from Hopper's estate offered at Christie's auction house in New York.

The director and star of Easy Rider died last year.

Christie's says the "Mao" print that sold on Tuesday contained two bullet holes. It happened during a wild night when Hopper mistook the portrait for Mao himself and shot at it.

Hopper showed the punctures to Warhol, and the pair agreed to call the work a collaboration.

The sale price included the auction house's commission.

The pre-sale estimate for the print was $US20,000 to $US30,000. Christie's did not identify the buyer.