Turning to the remarkable furniture designs to be offered, this category will be headlined by a number of important pieces executed by Garry Knox Bennett (California, b. 1934). Bennett’s work has been exhibited at institutions including The Museum of Art & Design, The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the De Young Museum of San Francisco and The Montreal Museum of Art. To be offered at Clars on May 19^th, will be a console table, a dining table, an occasional table titled “Snake Shit 2,” and a lamp. Currently being appraised, the Bennett console table is anticipated to carry a $7,000-$9,000 estimate. (Please check back at www.clars.com for final estimates on the Bennett pieces).

At Clars May 2012 Decorative Arts and Furnishings sale, the firm represented important furniture offerings from the renowned and historic mansion of James C. Flood known as Linden Towers. Furnished in extravagance, Linden Towers, in the late 19^th century, was regarded as the most elaborate country manor in the country. Once again, coming to the May 2013 sale will be several pieces of furniture commissioned by James C. Flood for his revered estate. To be offered will be an overmantle mirror to be offered for $6,000-$8,000 and furniture which graced the ornate billiards room. The billiards room furnishings are being offered for $5,000-$7,000. Rounding out the furniture highlights will be works from the mid-century masters Charles and Ray Eames represented by a 670 and 671 lounge chair and ottoman as well as works by George Nelson for Herman Miller.
The Decorative Arts offerings will be equally impressive. Works by Jensen and Tiffany will take the Spotlight in sterling. From Tiffany & Co., a sterling centerpiece executed in the “Chrysanthemum” pattern will be offered for $20,000-$25,000.

Works by George Jensen include a five-piece hot beverage service including tray weighing in at eight pounds overall is estimated to sell for $15,000-$20,000.  There will also be two large Jensen centerpieces offered with estimates ranging from $8,000 to $20,000.

A stunning example of glass artist Dante Marioni’s work (American, b. 1964) entitled “Yellow Pair With Red Wrap,” measuring 29 inches high leads modern glass. Known for his ability to achieve a fine balance between austerity and exuberance, this work is being offered for $10,000-$20,000.

Turning to Arts & Crafts, a large three socket table lamp by master of the era, Dirk Van Erp was given personally by Van Erp to noted San Francisco jeweler and silversmith, Robert Schaezlein, as a wedding gift in 1915. The lamp had remained in the Schaezlein family until now and is expected to achieve $10,000-$15,000.

And for Bruce Lee fans, (traditional :李小龍; born Lee Jun-fan; 27 November 1940 – 20 July 1973) Lees’ first book, “Chinese Gung-Fu: The Philosophical Art of Self Defense,” both signed and inscribed to Felix Macias, a founding member of the Oakland JKD, 1963, is estimated to sell for $10,000-$20,000. This will be offered along with a large number of Hollywood Golden Age autographs including those of Shirley Temple, Spencer Tracey and Boris Karloff.

Of Special Note — Ethnographic Collection: On Saturday, May 18^th, Clars will be offering a large selection of ethnographic art deaccessioned from the DeYoung Museum of San Francisco and the Crocker Museum of Sacramento. Also to be offered along with this collection will be an 18^th century Fine Hawaiian Koa wood bowl, Calabash with indigenous repairs, that carries a $5,000-$7,000 estimate.

For complete information on Clars May 19, 2013 Decorative Arts and Furnishings Auction, please visit www.clars.com, call (510) 428-0100 or email: info@clars.com. A complete catalog of all lots to be offered will be available online one week prior to the sale.

Previews for this sale will be Friday, May 17^th, from 1pm to 6pm and beginning at 9am on both Saturday, May 18^th  and Sunday, May 19^th.

Bidding for Clars auctions is available in person, by phone, absentee and live online @ www.clars.com, and through www.liveauctioneers.com and http://www.artfact.com. Clars Auction Gallery is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609.

Follow Clars on Facebook and Twitter!

The first of these exquisite rings is set with a 12.8 x 17.7 x 6.22mm lavender jade oval cabochon and is being offered with an estimate of $18,000 to $25,000. The second example is highlighted by a 6.7 x 10.7 x 3.3mm green jade oval cabochon. It will be offered with an estimate of $12,000 to $16,000. Both of these offerings include Mason-Kay Jadeite Authenticity Reports; Conclusion: Natural Jadeite Jade – No Polymer Detected ‘A’ jade.

In addition to the fine jadeite pieces, a small collection of jewelry by award-winning designer Paula Crevoshay will be offered. Known as the “Queen of Color,” her jewelry is original and one-of-a-kind. Among the pieces to be offered is a very sophisticated ring that clearly reveals Crevoshay’s mastery of color. This ring features a Tahitian cultured pearl, diamonds and tourmalines and is estimated to achieve $9,000 to $12,000. A stunning pair of purple, sapphire, amethyst and cultured pearl drop pendant earrings is being offered for $8,000 to $12,000 and an exotic amethyst and moonstone brooch/ pendant/ enhancer combination in 18K yellow gold with a detachable amethyst drop is estimated to sell for $6,000 to $9,000.

About Paula Crevoshay: Paula Crevoshay graduated with honors from VCU in Richmond Virginia and won a full scholarship to the University Of Wisconsin where she earned her Master of Arts degree. She married Fulbright Scholar, George Crevoshay, and moved to India and was given two one-woman shows of her paintings and sculptures. The British Council of the Arts collected several of these works. After being inspired by the antiquity of Asia, she returned to America and launched her first collection of one-of-a-kind art jewels. Combining the disciplines of fine art, gemology and history with jewelry making transformed Crevoshay into a fresh, unique talent.  Her artistic jewels began to win patrons and recognition, awards and achievements taking her as a jeweler, very quickly to the fore front of modern design. Her work has been shown at the Smithsonian Institute, at the GIA and the Carnegie Museum, among others and can be found in many important public and private collections.

For complete information on Clars May 19, 2013 Fine Jewelry Auction and to register to bid, please visit www.clars.com, call (510) 428-0100 or email: info@clars.com. A complete catalog of all lots to be offered will be available online one week prior to the sale.

Previews for this sale will be Friday, May 17^th , from 1pm to 6pm and beginning at 9am on both Saturday, May 18^th    and Sunday, May 19^th.

Bidding for Clars auctions is available in person, by phone, absentee and live online @ www.clars.com, and through www.liveauctioneers.com and http://www.artfact.com. Clars Auction Gallery is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609.

Follow Clars on Facebook and Twitter!

Born in Rabou, France in 1890. Gay arrived in the United States in 1901 and settled in Oakland, California. While in the area, he met fellow artist, Selden Connor Gile (1877-1947). Gile was a major force in founding the group of artists in the area known as The Society of Six which soon included Gay, as well as Maurice Logan, William Clapp, Bernard Von Eichman, and Louis Siegriest. The Six chose to depart from the dominant Tonalist influences of late 19^th century and early 20^th century and preferred the bright colors of Impressionism, Fauvism, and Cubism. The painting Green and Pink Hills (1932) is a beautiful example of Gile’s work and will also be offered at $15,000-20,000.

In 1919, August Gay relocated to Monterey, California, although he remained an active member of The Six and exhibited regularly with them in Oakland until 1926. While in Monterey, he shared a studio with fellow artist, Clayton S. Price, in the former French Hotel now known as the Robert Louis Stevenson House, or, as it is commonly referred to, The Stevenson House. Gay’s Impressionistic painting bearing this title will also be featured in Clars’ May 19^th sale with an estimate of $20,000-30,000.

While working on Water, Sand and Patterns at his studio, a prominent Monterey resident, Mr. Carlos Sheldon Stanley, was admiring Gay’s work. Mr. Stanley was the hotel manager of the Hotel Del Monte in Monterey. Known by many as “the World’s Greatest Innkeeper,” Mr. Stanley managed the Hotel Del Monte from 1915 to 1942 in which time he was a major supporter of local artists, such as Gay, and had numerous art exhibitions at the hotel.  Gay noticed Stanley’s interest in Water, Sand and Patterns where he then took it right off the easel and gave it to Mr. Stanley. This very rare and unseen painting stayed in the Stanley family until 2000 where it then changed hands to the current, Pacific Grove owner.

Coming from August Gay’s studio mate, Clayton Sumner Price (American, 1874-1950), will be, Horses at Watering Hole, circa 1930-1933, which is estimated at $8,000-$12,000 and is being sold to Benefit the Art Acquisitions Fund of the Seattle Art Museum.

Other important California paintings to be featured in Clars’ May 19^th  auction will be Eucalyptus, a large and vibrant landscape of light and color by Plein-Air Impressionist artist, Maurice Braun (1877-1941) at $20,000-30,000, as well as Bridal Veil Falls, Yosemite, a dramatically powerful painting by Hermann Herzog (American/German, 1831-1932) estimated at $25,000-30,000. One other work well worth mentioning is a mesmerizing painting titled, Northern Lights, by Alaskan artist, Sydney Mortimer Laurence (1865-1940) being offered at $25,000-30,000 is yet another addition to the impressive list of fine art pieces that will be offered.
Rounding up our impressive American offerings are three pivotal paintings by legendary artist LeRoy Neiman (American, 1921-2012). Neiman, who passed away last June at the age of 91, is known for his colorful depictions of 20th century American and global culture—from celebrities to jazz musicians, Playboy bunnies to politicians, horse races to the Olympics, Neiman’s passion for capturing the spirit of the 20th century had no limit. The three offerings give a glimpse of this amazing artists range and his global presence starting with the earliest piece, a 1969 oil on board entitled, Longchamp. Depicting jockeys atop their lustrously colored horses, Neiman gives us a glimpse into the world famous Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, France. This painting will surely gallop away at an estimate of $30,000 to $50,000.

Jumping a few decades and a continent is the brightly colored 1982 painting, Finish at Indy, being offered at $30,000-$50,000. This painting captures the greatest and closest finish in Indy 500 history to that point, as Neiman’s brilliant pallet depicts Gordan Johncock  inching ahead of Rick Mears by a mere .16 second margin to clench the championship. And finally, Neiman’s third and final offering takes us to the final continent, India, with his intensely colored painting Himalayan Ascent, 1983, also being offered at $30,000-$50,000.

Coming to the sale with the same estimate ($30,000-$50,000) is The Brook,  an oil on canvas (one of two) by George Inness (1825-1894), one of America’s most notable landscape painters. Strongly influenced by works of the old masters, this work reflects his mastery of tonalism. From Walter Farndon (America, 1876-1964) will be Northern Water, an oil on canvas, estimated to achieve $10,000-$20,000 followed by the color offset lithograph, Shipboard Girl,” 1965, by Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923-1997) which has an estimate of $15,000-$25,000.

Topping the American Southwest offerings will be Searching for Strays by Melvin Charles Warren (1920-1995) (estimate $15,000-$20,000) along with

the oil on canvas entitled Taos Chapel by Anna Katherine Skeele (1896-1963) offered at $10,000-$15,000 followed by Into the Wild Rivers, 1997, coming to the sale with an estimate of $8,000-$12,000.

And for the Peanuts enthusiasts, we are also pleased to be offering two original cartoon strips by Charles Schulz (1922-2000) that come from a prominent Piedmont California collection.

While impressive American works will dominate this auction, it will be a European work of particular importance that will fuel robust national and international bidding.  From Carl Olof Larsson (Swedish, 1853-1919), regarded as one of Sweden’s greatest artist, will be his watercolor Spring Garden which is being offered for $70,000-$90,000. Also from Europe will be La Jeune Maman, 1941, and oil on board by Antoni Clave’ (Spanish, 1913-2005) which carries an estimate of $20,000-$30,000 and Midori No Mamida (Portfolio of five), 1971-74, color woodcuts, by Friedensreich Hundertwasser (Austrian, 1928-2000) is estimated at $15,000-$25,000.

And finally, over 40 pieces of artwork from the Paul Thiebaud Gallery in San Francisco (CA) will be offered to benefit the Crocker Art Museum (Sacramento, CA). The featured artists from this collection include Frank Lobdell, Charels Eckart and Jeffrey Hester, among other notables.

For complete information on Clars May 19, 2013 Fine Art and Antiques Auction, please visit www.clars.com, call (510) 428-0100 or email: info@clars.com. A complete catalog of all lots to be offered will be available online one week prior to the sale.

Previews for this sale will be Friday, May 17^th, from 1pm to 6pm and beginning at 9am on both Saturday, May 18^th    and Sunday, May 19^th.

Bidding for Clars auctions is available in person, by phone, absentee and live online @ www.clars.com, and through www.liveauctioneers.com and http://www.artfact.com. Clars Auction Gallery is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609.

Follow Clars on Facebook and Twitter!

From the Arts & Crafts period, will be a Teco Art Pottery vase designed by Fritz Albert estimated to sell for $1,500 to $2,500. A mottled blue to violet drip glaze vase by Frederick Rhead (Santa Barbara) carries the same estimate. Exceptional works by Overbeck Pottery will be offered as well.

Turning to the highlights of Contemporary Studio examples to be offered is a very early and rare work from Gertrude and Otto Natzler is an earthenware bowl covered in a brown and turquoise “crater” glaze. This piece is being offered for $3,000 to $5,000. One of Robert Arneson’s earliest works, a studio earthenware “moon vase” is being offered for $2,000 to $4,000. Regarded as one of the most visionary figures in American pottery and glass, Glen Lukens will be represented with an organic turquoise crackle glaze studio bowl that is estimated at $2,000 to $4,000. In addition, six (6) glass lots from Lukens will also be offered.

From James Lovera will be the largest example of his work ever to be offered at auction. Measuring over 18.5”, this vase is done in volcanic and iridescent glazes. This work is being offered for $1,500 to $2,500.

Several works from Beatrice Wood will be offered. Among them is a group of four (4) ceramic pieces purchased directly from the artist by Elizabeth Wilbur Stewart, a lifelong friend of Wood. These ceramic pieces include a blue tumbler, raspberry tumbler, striped straight walled pot and a crackle glaze lidded vessel.

Among the other notable makers in the collection include Harrison McIntosh, Myrton Purkiss, Marquerite Wildenhain, Richard Fairbanks, Roy Walker, Laura Andreson, Jack Windsor and Manuel Jalanivich.

In addition to the important pottery to be offered is a circa 1889-1908 Faberge fine silver tray with exotic floral repousse. This exceptional piece is being offered for $4,000 to $6,000.

Clars December Decorative Arts and Furnishings Auction will be held Sunday, December 9th at 10am in conjunction with their Antiques and Fine Art Sale. A complete catalog of all lots to be offered will be available online one week prior to the sale.

Preview for this sale will be Friday, December 7th, from 1pm to 6pm and beginning at 9am on both Saturday, December 8th and Sunday, December 9th. For complete information lots to be offered, please visit www.clars.com, call (510) 428-0100 or email: info@clars.com.

Bidding for Clars auctions is available in person, by phone, absentee and live online @ www.clars.com, and through www.liveauctioneers.com. Clars Auction Gallery is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609.

Follow Clars on Facebook and Twitter!

]]> http://clars.com/index.php/clars-to-offer-collection-of-important-arts-crafts-pottery-and-contemporary-studio-pottery-at-their-december-decorative-arts-furnishings-auction/feed/ 0 http://clars.com/index.php/one-of-the-highest-selling-lots-of-our-november-2012-sale/ http://clars.com/index.php/one-of-the-highest-selling-lots-of-our-november-2012-sale/#comments Wed, 14 Nov 2012 22:42:08 +0000 Clars Auction Gallery http://clars.com/?p=2028

A Moment of Prayer
by Rudolf Johann Weisse (Swiss, 1846-1933)
Estimate: $40,000 to $60,000
Final price: $82,950
Setting a new world record for the artist on November 11, 2012
at Clars Auction Gallery, Oakland, California

Between the years of 1941 and 1970, Salvador Dali, best known for his surrealistic paintings, created designs for 39 pieces of intricately crafted fine jewelry. Before producing his own jewelry designs, Dali had first designed jewelry for Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel, spurring his own interest in the medium. One of Dali’s first individual works of jewelry created was a pair of “telephone” earrings, meant to represent the futility of Neville Chamberlain’s telephone conversations with Adolph Hitler in an attempt to avoid war.

Dali first commissioned Carlos Alemany of Alemany and Ertman, an Argentinean jeweler with a studio in New York City’s St. Regis Hotel to transform his 2-dimensional designs into 3-dimensional fantasy jewelry. Working closely with the jeweler, Dali even chose the specific stones that were to be set into the individual pieces. When Alemany passed away in 1993, Dali called on another friend, Henryk Kaston, to continue creating these special art jewels. Henryk Kaston had created a brooch for Metropolitan Opera star Rise Stevens to mark her role as “Carmen”. When Dali saw this brooch, he requested Henryk Kaston to continue the production of his jewelry designs. Kaston was formerly by trade a master violin bow maker and violinist at the Metropolitan Opera orchestra, who crafted violin bows for such musical luminaries as Jasha Heifetz and Isaac Stern.

Of these jewels, Salvador Dali wrote “Without an audience, without the presence of spectators, these jewels would not achieve the function for which they were created. The viewer is thus the final artist. His look, heart and mind with greater or lesser ability to understand the creator’s intention, imbue the jewels with life”. The gorgeous jewels offered in our December sale were fabricated by Henryk Kaston and include some of the most famous pieces from Dali’s jewel catalog.

Ruby lips with cultured pearl teeth brooch, modeled after Marilyn Monroe’s lips and a signature of Dali’s jewelry collection; he was reportedly obsessed with the late actress. Only 8 to 10 of these brooches were ever produced. Clars will be offering this brooch for $10,000 to $15,000. Of this brooch, Dali speculated “Poets of the ages, of all lands, write of ruby lips and teeth like pearls. It remained for Dali to translate this poetic cliché’ into a true surrealistic object.”

The Pomegranate Heart brooch of gold, rubies and diamonds. Dali wrote “The many-celled reddish pomegranate berry pulses with life. The slightly acidic flavor of the fruit is agreeable – as acidity stimulates human accomplishment.” This piece will be offered for $8,000 to $12,000.

The Honeycomb Heart brooch of gold, rubies and diamonds, and of which Dali reflected, “There’s a little bit of sweetness in the heart of every woman.” (Estimate: $4,000 to $6,000)

Tristan and Isolde brooch of gold, diamonds and garnet is reflective of Dali’s favorite opera and title by the artist “Filtre d’amour”. Mused Dali, “The heads are juxtaposed to form a goblet, which, in turn suggests the effluence of love possible between man and woman”. This brooch will be coming to the sale with a presale estimate of $4,000 to $6,000.

Previews, Events, Catalogue, and Bidding -

Previews for this two-day sale will be Friday, December 7, from 1pm to 6pm and beginning at 9am on both Saturday, December 8th and Sunday, December 9th.

For complete information and lots to be offered at Clars December 2012 Fine Art and Antiques Sale, please visit www.clars.com, call (510) 428-0100 or email: info@clars.com.

A complete catalog will be available at www.clars.com one week prior to the sale.

Bidding for Clars auctions is available in person, by phone, absentee and live online @ www.clars.com, and through www.liveauctioneers.com. Clars Auction Gallery is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609.

About Clars Auction Gallery

Clars Auction Gallery is one of the country’s leading auction houses for the consignment and sale of antiques and fine art. Their staff of experts and specialists cover all areas of collecting. Clars routinely achieves record prices and draws bidders and buyers from around the world.

Follow Clars on Facebook and Twitter!

Won Ju Lim has quickly gained international acclaim for her creation of evocative architectural forms that are illuminated by projected moving and still images, using cinematic spectacle to create animated monuments and landscapes. Through her use of color, shadows and light, she takes viewers on an imaginative journey evoking both fantasy and nostalgia.

In May Things to Come, Lim chose to focus on Hawaii with the premise that a visitors experience of Hawaii is, in part, a packaged commodity manufactured by a powerful tourism-industrial complex. The recognition of this aspect of Hawaii raises questions about the process of conveying, representing and remembering the essence of Hawaii. The materials used to create this work include aluminum foil and Plexiglass, papier-mache and colored glue sticks — the combination of which gives activity and vibrance to this piece.

In all of Won Ju Lim’s work, her inspiration comes from pop culture, films and worldwide urban experiences mixing them all together to create her “haunting” installations.

Public preview will be available Friday, October 5, from 1pm to 6pm and beginning at 9am on both Saturday, October 6 and Sunday, October 7. To schedule a private preview, please call the offices of Clars Auction Gallery at (510) 428-0100 or email info@clars.com

To view the installation video visit our YouTube Channel.

Bidding for Clars auctions is available in person, by phone, absentee and live online @ www.clars.com, and through www.liveauctioneers.com. Clars Auction Gallery is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609.

While the majority of the important and exceptional pieces to be offered are American and European, it may likely be an Asian offering that will take center stage. Coming to the sale with an estimate of $80,000 to $120,000 is a Chinese carved zitan hardwood table from the Qing dynasty. Clars has seen superb results in their Asian offerings over the past three years and presale interest in this piece indicates this trend continues.

Adding to the heft of the Asian category will be six (6) Huali chairs estimated at $9,000 to $15,000; a pair of Chinese pigment decorated pottery figures of guardians, Tang dynasty, estimated at $8,000 to $12,000 and a Chinese porcelain plate by Zhang Daqian (Chinese, 1899-1983) which carries the same estimate. In addition, Chinese carved gray sandstone fragments, Tang dynasty, will be offered as will a selection of Chinese jade and jadeite carvings and Chinese wooden scholar’s items executed in woods including zitan and huanghuali

THE SPECTACULAR JEWELS AND JEWELRY EXPECTED TO FETCH  $500,000

Clars’ fine and estate jewelry sales are known for featuring works from the best jewelry designers worldwide from the finest private estates. The key lot in the September offerings will be a classic Art Deco era diamond and cabochon ruby bracelet cabochon that is estimated at $55,000 to $65,000 followed by a beautifully executed diamond fringe necklace which carries an estimate of $45,000 to $55,000.

Offerings from a prominent San Francisco estate include a superb emerald cut diamond wedding ring set (Estimate: $18,000 to $25,000); a blue sapphire and diamond line bracelet with an estimate of $10,000-$15,000 and a diamond circle brooch with an estimate of $8,000-$12,000.  Also to be offered is a diamond line bracelet estimated at $15,000 to $20,000 and an aquamarine and diamond cocktail ring that is expected to earn $18,000 to $25,000.

Collectors of the finest from Tiffany will vie for the 3.37ct ruby and diamond 18K yellow gold ring expected to earn $7,000 to $10,000 followed by a pair of Tiffany post-style dangle earrings set with a total of 12 marquis cut diamonds. (Estimate: $5,000 to $7,000). From Van Cleef & Arpels will be a stunning yet very wearable blue sapphire and diamond brooch set in 18K yellow gold that is estimated at $4,000 to $6,000.

FINE ART, PHOTOGRAPHY AND SCULPTURE

The Fine art to be offered will span important photographs to exceptional European sculpture.

Highlighting the photography offerings will be two photographs by Irving Penn (American, 1917-2009) each with an estimate of $20,000 to $40,000. Penn is best known for his fashion photographs beginning with his 1950s series of the Paris collection. The first of the Penn offerings is the photograph entitled Rock Band (Big Brother and the Holding Company and the Grateful Dead) and the second being his Vionnet with Fan. (Provenance, Fahey/Klein Gallery, Los Angeles)

A portfolio of 15 gelatin silver prints entitled Big Shots by Garry Winogrand (American, 1928-1984) is estimated to sell for $30,000 to $50,000 with the highlight of the portfolio being the Marilyn Monroe Seven Year Itch photograph. (Provenance, Newspace Gallery, Los Angeles)

Among the other important photography will be Horst P. Horst’s  (German, 1906-1999) gelatin silver print entitled Round the Clock I, New York followed by Julius Shulman’s (American, 1910-2009) gelatin silver print entitled Frey House, Palm Springs, California, which is estimated to earn $10,000 to $20,000. (Provenance: from the private collection of Pierluigi Serraino, AIA. A noted California architectural writer as well as architect, Mr. Serraino wrote the book, “Julius Shulman – Modernism Rediscovered (Taschen Publications, 2001),” which was a collaboration with Mr. Shulman). Estimated to sell for $15,000 to $20,000 is the photograph entitled Martine Franck, Paris by Cartier-Bresson. There will also be a selection of unusual mid-19th century photographs, many by British photographer Francis Frith (1822-1898) – (Provenance: Museum of Fine Art, Houston, TX). Surfing fans will be interested to know that several lots of early surfing photographs of Malibu, Santa Monica Pier, Huntington Beach and many others from 1960 by LeRoy Grannis (Californian, 1917-2011), co-founder of Surfing Magazine and inductee into the Surfing Hall of Fame, will also be offered.

The outstanding work in the category of works on paper will be a framed graphite drawing on paper by Gustav Klimt (Austrian, 1862-1918). Entitled Kopf des ‘Wohlgerusteten Starken’, Ornament und verzweifelter, knieder, nackter Mann, this work has been assigned the presale estimate of $40,000 to $60,000.

The impressive offering of prints will include Orestia of Aeschylus, a lithograph from Francis Bacon that is estimated at $8,000 to $12,000 followed by Freeway Curve by Wayne Thiebaud (California, b.1920) which is expected to earn $7,000 to $9,000. Roy Lichtenstein’s lithograph and silkscreen entitled Study of Hands is estimated at $6,000 to $8,000 as is the color lithograph by Wassily Kandinsky entitled Lithographie Bleu.

American artists will headline the paintings category at Clars in September. Beginning with Maynard Dixon (American, 1875-1946), his gouache on paper entitled Defending His Bounty, 1934, is estimated at $25,000 to $45,000. Joseph Rusling Meeker’s (American, 1827-1889) oil on canvas, Near Bayou Plaquemine (Louisiana), 1880, is both signed and dated and carries an estimate of $15,000 to $20,000. From Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait (American, 1819-1905) will be his signed and dated Young Grouse, 1867. Originally purchased in the late 19th century in New York, this work has descended through the family to the current owner. (Estimate: $10,000 to $20,000) Rounding out the highlights of the paintings category will be an oil on board by Albert Bierstadt (American, 1830-1902) entitled Lake Scene, Niagara. (Estimate: $10,000 to $20,000)

As Clars attracts an international audience for their fine art sales, they routinely feature very fine 18th through 20th century sculptures and the September sale will be remarkable in this area.

In European works, a 19th century bronze by Louis Ernest Barrias (French, 1841-1905) comes into the sale with an estimate of $20,000 to $40,000. Entitled Nature Revealing Herself to Science, this exceptional work measures 22.25 inches high. From Italian sculptor Emilio Fiaschi (1858-1941), his marble sculpture entitles Napolean Bonaparte measures 44.5 inches high and carries an impressive estimate of $10,000 to $20,000.

From 20th century American sculptors, Tom Otterness (b. 1952) will be represented by his bronze entitled Cup and Spoon, 1986, which is estimated at $7,000 to $9,000. From California specifically, Fletcher Benton’s (b. 1931) painted steel sculpture, Untitled #90, 1980, measures over 42 inches high and is expected to sell for $5,000 to $7,000.  Carrying the same estimate is Hedgehog, a stone sculpture (one of 2 to be offered) by Beniamino Bufano (1898-1970). And finally, three stunning bronze sculptures by American West artist Edward Fraughton (American, b.1939), including “Vaquero,” a dynamic sculpture of a cowboy and horse, are estimated at $4,000 – $6,000.

IMPORTANT DECORATIVE ARTS AND FURNISHINGS

A rare gold quartz presentation walking stick executed by Shreve & Co., San Francisco, dates to the late 19th/early 20th centuries. Rare, as it is one of the few produced by this renowned San Francisco jewelry company, the entire top is set with a ring of gold quartz cabochons. The cane was presented by J.H. Neff (1840-1916), then President of the California Miners’ Association to Edward Coleman (1830-1913), co-founder and President of the Idaho Mining Company and Vice President of the Nevada County Railroad. This exquisite and historic lot is expected to earn $10,000 to $15,000. (Note: In 2006, Clars set a record for gold quartz canes at auction selling a rare presentation walking stick for $49,725.)

Carrying an estimate of twice this is a circa 1915 Russian Kovsh. Carved entirely from a single piece of Siberian nephrite, the handle is gold finish over sterling with the fasteners on the handle being garnet cabochons. The handle itself is executed with enameled decorative pieces. (Estimate: $20,000 to $30,000)

A very rare Tiffany Studios peacock plate, circa 1896, has been conservatively estimated at  $4,000 to $6,000 and a Continental wood carved and polychrome decorated sculpture of the Madonna, 19th century, is estimated to sell for $3,000 to $5,000. A beautiful Art Deco Gabriel Argy Rousseau table lamp will be sought after by this genre of collectors and is estimated to bring $10,000 to $20,000.

The September sale will also offer an incredible selection of sterling. Topping the list is a Dominic and Haff service for 18, 12 pieces per setting, in the Old English pattern which is estimated at $9,000 to $12,000. A Gorham service for 12 in the Florentine pattern is expected to earn $8,000 to $12,000.

Turning to furniture, the offerings will span historic to modern. On the modern side, the highlight will be a pair of Vladimir Kagan side chairs, circa 1950, with a high estimate of $4,000. From Charles Hollis Jones will be a stunning Metric dining table. Stepping back a century, an early 19th century Swedish Neoclassical polychrome decorated tilt top tea table depicting two different classical scenes on either side carries an estimate of $3,000 to $5,000. Going back even further, a late 18th century Austrian Neoclassical polychrome decorated folding table is expected to earn $4,000 to $6,000. Another offering of importance will be a circa 1790 George III fall front desk also estimated at $4,000 to $6,000.

Rounding out the highlights of this category are two 19th century rugs .The first is an antique Tabriz rug estimated at $12,000 to $15,000 followed by a Ferahan Sarouk palace size rug, circa 1875.

For complete information and lots to be offered at Clars September 8 and 9, 2012 Fine Art and Antiques Sale, please visit www.clars.com, call (510) 428-0100 or email: info@clars.com.

Previews for Clars spectacular September sale will be held Friday, September 8th from 1pm to 6pm and 9am each auction day. A complete catalog will be available online one week prior to the sale.

Bidding for Clars auctions is available in person, by phone, absentee and live online @ www.clars.com, and through www.liveauctioneers.com. Clars Auction Gallery is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609.