The opening of our November auction series on November 19th beginning 10 AM PST, The Estate of Michael Tilson Thomas, is a particularly meaningful presentation for Clars Auctions. Clars is honored and delighted to bring to market a selection of personal property from the estate of one of America’s most celebrated musical figures.

As an internationally acclaimed conductor, composer, and pianist, Michael Tilson Thomas enjoyed a distinguished career spanning more than five decades. His remarkable contributions to the world of classical music, particularly during his 25-year tenure as Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony, helped shape the cultural landscape of the Bay Area and established his influence on the international stage.

Beyond his extraordinary musical achievements, Tilson Thomas led a life enriched by art, design, travel, and a deep curiosity about the world around him. The objects offered in this auction provide a rare and personal glimpse into the interests, experiences, and aesthetic sensibilities that extended beyond the concert hall. From works of art and decorative objects to furnishings, musical accessories, and distinctive personal belongings, each piece offers a connection to the life of a remarkable artist and cultural visionary.

Among the highlights is Joop Sjollema’s (Dutch, 1900–1991) “Boris Godounov Chaliapine,” a striking 1932 lithographic poster estimated at $4,000–$6,000. Also featured is Leon Bakst’s (Russian, 1866–1924) “Dieu Bleu (Femme du Peuple),” 1911, executed in gouache, watercolor, and pencil on paper, estimated at $5,000–$7,000. Additional offerings include a 19th-century Chinese embroidered dragon robe fragment panel, estimated at $600–$900; a Jaeger-LeCoultre lacquered brass and glass Atmos clock, estimated at $400–$600; a music stand, estimated at $200–$300; and an Issey Miyake men’s mandarin collar blazer, estimated at $200–$300.

Also featured is a 19th century Hawaiian Polynesian tapa cloth. This antique tapa cloth was purchased by MTT in Hilo, HI at an antique shop in the 1980’s where it was said to have been part of the historic Robert Louis Stevenson collection. This lot includes a video of MTT with the tapa cloth describing how much he loved the piece and his hopes that it be in a collection that loves it as much as he did. In the video, he also states how it adorned his private bath and it has always been a special piece that he was truly in love with.

For Clars, presenting property from the personal life of Michael Tilson Thomas is an especially exciting opportunity to celebrate his extraordinary legacy in a different way. These offerings invite collectors and admirers alike to look beyond his celebrated career and discover some of the objects that surrounded and inspired him throughout his life.