Clars is now seeking consignments for our upcoming Winter Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Auction on November 16th. Schedule a private appointment with one of our Jewelry specialists and learn what your property is worth.

The market for signed and antique jewelry, as well as precious colored gemstones and timepieces is very strong. Schedule your private and confidential appointment now to speak to one of our Specialists to determine your jewelry’s auction potential.

“I seek the power of the rock, the magic of the water, the religion of the tree, the color of the wind, and the enigma of the horizon,” George Morrison (American, 1919–2000).

George Morrison was a Native American artist well known for his abstract paintings and landscapes. Morrison captured the American landscape and environment in vibrant multicolored paintings through the lens of the Chippewa tribe’s culture.

Morrison was born Wah Wah Teh Go Nay Ga Bo (Standing in the Northern Lights) in 1919 on the Grand Portage Indian Reservation, MN, a rural fishing village on the north shore of Lake Superior. He began drawing as a child while he was confined to a full-body cast after a surgery. He later attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, graduating in 1938.

After graduation, Morrison associated himself with a group of Abstract Expressionist painters in New York City. He graduated from New York’s Art Students League in 1946. There he would find critical acclaim, and eventually, as a Fulbright scholar, he studied and worked in Paris and Aix-en-Provence.

He began a teaching career at Cape Ann Art School in Massachusetts and continued to teach art and Native American studies at various institutions, such as the Rhode Island School of Design and University of Minnesota, throughout his life. While teaching Morrison also produced art and showed his work — primarily in the Midwestern United States.

Later in life, he would go on to receive several important commissions and continue his work on the Grand Portage Indian Reservation — creating prolifically assembled totemic sculptures and making horizon-line paintings. In 2022, a selection of five of his paintings were commemorated by the United States Postal Service as Forever Stamps.

Annie Leibovitz began her artistic career at the San Francisco Art Institute in the late 1960s, where she originally studied painting but was inspired to change her focus to photography. In 1970, Leibovitz began working as a staff photographer for Rolling Stone magazine, where she continued to photograph musicians such as John Lennon and Fleetwood Mac for 13 years.

In 1970, the then 21-year-old Leibovitz secured an interview with Jann Wenner, the founding editor of Rolling Stone. Impressed by her portfolio, Wenner entrusted her with her inaugural task, capturing photos of John Lennon in New York. The photograph to be offered at Clars’ Fall Modern + Contemporary Art Auction originates from the momentous session and effectively captures a portion of the lighthearted essence shared by the renowned couple. An image of Lennon by Leibovitz from this series graced the cover of Rolling Stone in January 1971, marking a pivotal juncture in the early journey of this significant photographer. She quickly gained recognition for her distinctive style of capturing candid and intimate moments with musicians and celebrities.

Nearly a decade after, on December 8, 1980, Leibovitz captured the iconic photo of a nude Lennon embracing a clothed Yoko. In taking this photo, Leibovitz became the final professional photographer to immortalize Lennon before his tragic shooting and death, which happened just five hours later. Her iconic photograph of John and Yoko is one of her most famous works from that era. Leibovitz’s photographs for Rolling Stone helped redefine the concept of celebrity portraiture and set a new standard for the magazine’s visual identity.

In 1983, Leibovitz started working with Vanity Fair magazine, and in 1991, she was the first woman to stage an exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London. In her personal life, Leibovitz was the long-time partner of writer and philosopher Susan Sontag and has three daughters.

Clars is excited to present The Collectors Auction on September 15th. This spectacular collection is overflowing with an impressive variety of art, jewelry, and furniture.

Asian Art

Asian Art will feature various distinguished private collections of Chinese, Himalayan, South Indian, and Southeast Asian religious works of art. One of the highlights is a Chinese Daoist painting of various religious figures.

Also, to be presented in this auction is an extensive collection of Chinese mixed metal ink boxes, silver accessories, and miniature decorative objects.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Furniture & Decorative Arts portion of the sale will be offering an extensive selection of fine objects, including contemporary furniture from an exclusive St. Helena winery, antique furniture and decorative arts from the 17th through 20th centuries, American carousel animals from Gustav Dentzel, Native American blankets and beadwork, and Indian and Middle Eastern decorative arts.

Fine Jewelry & Timepieces

The Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department is excited to offer a selection of diamond, colored gemstone and gold jewelry, in their upcoming September 15th sale. This sale features a variety of wardrobe staples to build up the foundation of your jewelry collection at accessible price points. To be featured in the sale are a nice selection of diamond jewelry, including a diamond and 14k white gold band, estimated at $1,200–$1,800, and a pair of diamond stud earrings, estimated at $1,200–$1,800.

The sale will also include a colorful gemstone selection, including a tanzanite, diamond and silver necklace, estimated at $2,000–$3,000, and a pair of emerald, diamond and platinum-topped 18k gold ear clips, estimated at $1,000–$1,500.

Other wearable pieces that will highlight your everyday life include items from makers Seaman Schepps, in a gem-set and 18k gold, ‘Chessman,’ brooch, estimated at $1,500–$2,500, and an enamel and 18k gold bracelet, by Buccellati, estimated at $10,000–$15,000.

Fine Art

This September at Clars we are excited to offer an original print by French-American naturalist, John James Audubon. Audubon is well known for his illustrations of the birds of North America. The featured engraving is titled Canvas Backed Ducks and dates to 1836.

Also included in our sale are an oil on canvas painting by Thomas Virgil Troyon Hill Jr., depicting California’s Yosemite Valley, and a still-life oil on canvas painting by Luigi Lucioni.

Clars’ Fine Art department is excited to present our Fall Modern + Contemporary Art Auction on September 14th. The sale will offer an array of artworks spanning movements and decades, with notable works for all collectors.

An important highlight to be offered in this sale is an oil on canvas by French artist Henry Moret (French, 1856–1913) titled Maisons à Volendam, Hollande. Moret, while trained in the Neo-Classical and Orientalist style at the École National des Beaux-Arts, took much inspiration from Impressionist artists and painted the Western European countryside and Coastlines, incorporating vibrant tones of blue, green, and peachy orange. This work, completed in 1900, is a strong example of his bold palette choices and forceful and short brushstrokes, a style he credited much to Claude Monet. This painting will be offered at $50,000–$70,000.

Also to be featured in our Fall Modern + Contemporary Art Auction are two large-scale prints by American artist Robert Longo (American, b. 1953). Longo, who has also worked in film and sculpture, is most known for his drawings and prints in the Men in the Cities series. These images depict models in stark black and white formal attire whose contorted poses convey dancing, fighting, or other active and sometimes violent movements. Longo created these images by blowing up photographs of his friends to a larger-than-life scale and tracing his subjects to paper. These iconic artworks have appeared in film and television series including American Psycho and Inventing Anna. Clars will be offering both James and Tillman at $15,000–$20,000 each.

Yet another notable print to be offered is Andy Warhol’s (American, 1928–1987) Sitting Bull — a print originally intended for the Cowboys and Indians suite completed in 1986. The print, valued at $40,000–$60,000, displays the iconic portrait of Sitting Bull, derived from an archival photo of the Sioux Chief. Warhol of course adds a flare of dramatized color in his Pop Art style to blend the understanding of historical and modern-day imagery.

The sale will also offer numerous photographs by renowned artists such as Diane Arbus, Annie Leibovitz, and David LaChapelle. One notable work in this category is a photograph by American artist and writer Peter Beard (American, 1938–2020), most known for his images of Africa. Beard’s book The End of the Game, first published in 1965, documented the issues of starvation and poaching facing wildlife in Kenya, and brought the artist international attention. The photograph in our September sale titled Fayel Tall depicts Kenyan model Fayel Tall posing in a mudcloth-style skirt covered in geometric designs. An inscription on the left of the photograph quotes a passage from The End of the Game describing a beautiful woman. The unique photograph will be auctioned off for $20,000–$40,000.

This sale will also offer additional important works by renowned artists such as Nguyễn Tư Nghiêm, Hunt Slonem, George Morrison, and Ruth Asawa, among others.

In our continuous efforts to make your bidding experience as seamless as possible we are delighted to announce our new and improved Clars app.

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Clars is thrilled to host our Summer Fine Jewelry and Timepieces Auction on Thursday, August 10th, beginning at 1 PM PDT. The sale includes a fine selection of colored diamonds, diamonds, colored gemstones, antique and signed jewelry, and timepieces.

The sale is highlighted by important colored diamonds and diamonds, including a 4.00 carat fancy yellow, internally flawless diamond, diamond, and 14k white gold ring, estimated at $50,000–$70,000; a pair of fancy intense yellow diamond, diamond, and 14k white gold earrings, estimated at $20,000–$40,000; a diamond and 18k white gold bracelet, estimated at $8,000–$12,000; a pair of diamond and 14k gold earrings, estimated at $2,000–$4,000; and a 2.47 carats diamond and 14k gold ring, estimated at $4,000–$6,000.

The sale will also feature a selection of exceptional colored gemstones, including a pair of Burma ruby and diamond earrings, estimated at $6,000–$8,000; a Burma ruby, diamond, and gold pendant necklace, estimated at $5,000–$7,000; and a very rare natural pearl, diamond, and platinum necklace, estimated at $6,000–$8,000.

Tiffany & Co. will be represented in a coral, diamond, and 18k gold brooch pendant, designed by Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., France, estimated at $1,000–$1,500; and a ruby, diamond, and 14k brooch and earrings suite, Tiffany & Co., estimated at $1,500–$2,500.

Also featured in this sale will be an antique Mughal diamond, enamel, gem-set, and high karat gold bracelet, estimated at $4,000–$6,000; and a diamond, cultured pearl, and platinum bracelet, estimated at $3,000–$5,000.

Our Design + Art + Fine Asian Art Auction on August 11th will showcase a wide range of treasures, including Design pieces by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, artwork by renowned artists such as Henrietta Berk and William Laven, and fine Asian jade, porcelain, glazed pottery, and paintings.

Design

The August 11th auction will include a nice selection of Design items. Highlights include a pair of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Slipper Lounge Chairs and Ottoman, estimated at $4,000–$6,000, and a T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Sofa, Model 1711, estimated at $4,000–$6,000. This rare sofa has the original upholstery and retains the Widdicomb label.

Robsjohn-Gibbings is perhaps most well-known for his work for Widdicomb, where he worked as a designer from 1943–1956. The softness and shapeliness of his designs for the company were a stark contrast to the rigidness of the Bauhaus aesthetic that was popular at the time. Largely inspired by the Classical world, Robsjohn-Gibbings was also recognized for his Klismos furniture (designed in collaboration with Susan and Eleftherios Saridis). He was largely inspired by Greek furniture and design.

Also on offer will be a set of four Mario Bellini Cab Chairs, valued conservatively at $2,000–$4,000, and a Charles and Ray Eames 670 and 671 lounge chair and ottoman, estimated at $3,000–$5,000.

The sale will feature a collection of pottery items, including examples by Marguerite Wildenhain. The collection belonged to Lorelei Brede who studied at Pond Farm with Wildenhain from 1960–1962. Afterwards, Brede opened a pottery studio and became a pottery instructor in her own right. Several pieces by Brede will be included in the auction alongside Windenhain’s works.

Other designers in the sale include Clyde Burt, Betty Feves, Paolo Soleri, Julian Watts, Ward Bennett, Daum, Burgun, and Schverer & Cie, among others.

Fine Art

Clars is pleased to be offering a painting by influential California artist, Henrietta Berk. A member of the Bay Area Figurative Movement, Berk and her peers dedicated much of their practice to restoring focus on human form and experience in an artistic landscape that was primarily concerned with modern abstraction and conceptual art.

As a student of Richard Diebenkorn, whose own work had shifted from abstract expressionism to figurative painting, Berk was introduced to his wife, psychologist Phyllis Deibenkorn, of whom she painted a portrait. Berk’s technique in painting this portrait does not completely eschew abstraction; Diebenkorn is rendered in broad, painterly brushstrokes with an impressionistic feel, bold color choices and a somewhat geometrical approach to the play of light and shadow on her face and hair. Berk’s portrait embodies the concurrence of traditional figurative art with innovative abstraction during the mid-20th century, creating an emotive and dynamic depiction of her subject.

Asian Art

The Fine Asian Art Auction will feature the following items sourced from various distinguished estates and private collection: a 17th century Chinese cloisonné enamel meiping vase, a Kangix period Chinese famille verte phoenix-tail vase, a collection of Chinese embroidered robes, various Tang dynasty sancai glazed pottery, a group of four Qing dynasty imperial edicts, and various archaic and later period jade carvings.

Jade, porcelain, glazed pottery, antique textiles, scrolls and paintings sourced from various distinguished estates and private collections will headline the Fine Asian Art Auction to be held on Friday, August 11th. Our inaugural Timed Asian Decorative Arts Auction will feature Chinese jade and hardstone carvings, Chinese ceramics, furniture items, Chinese scrolls, Japanese woodblocks, and works of art. Bids will be accepted 8/5–8/14.

One of the August 11th sale highlights is a Chinese cloisonné enameled gilt bronze meiping vase from the 17th century, with an estimate of $6,000–$9,000. The exterior is decorated with two registers of flower blossoms amidst leafy scrolls, all against a blue enameled ground and between vertical lappets. The upper section is further decorated with large ribbon roundels.

Another highlight in the auction is a large Chinese iron-red decorated ‘dragon’ charger. This charger has two energetic five-clawed dragons, amongst ruyi-clouds, which are chasing a precious flaming pearl heightened in gold. Two additional dragons are on the exterior walls engaged in the same pursuit. The charger has a Guangxu six-character mark in regular script and is of the Guangxu period. This lot is estimated at $2,000–$4,000.

A Chinese famille verte phoenix-tail vase, depicting an auspicious bird perching on wutong and flowering plum trees over a lotus pond with Mandarin ducks, will be featured in the sale as well. This lot is estimated at $5,000–$7,000.

Another interesting item in the sale is a large Chinese grisaille-decorated ‘figural’ vase, with a globular body that was skillfully painted with a fictional scene. The scene depicts a figure bowing to a seated official figure, surrounded by an additional nine figures. One side of the vase has an inscription echoing the painted scene, dated ‘renshen,’ corresponding to 1932. There are three painted seals and the slightly waisted long neck is decorated with geometric bands, ruyi-heads, and stylized lappets. The rim and some of the painted details are highlighted in gilt, and the recessed base bears an apocryphal ‘Kangxi yu zhi’ mark. The vase will be offered at an estimate of $4,000–$6,000.

Also up for auction is a Chinese embroidered lady’s turquoise-ground silk robe, estimated at $2,000–$4,000. The slender robe has a right side opening and a turquoise-green ground made of brightly colored silk floss. The robe is embroidered with pleasant flowering branches and butterflies. It’s lined with purple floral ribbon and wide black bands that are embroidered with a similar flower and butterfly theme.

Additional highlights of the sale include a Tang dynasty sancai glazed pottery horse, amphora vase, a group of four Qing dynasty imperial edicts, work by Zhu Qizhan, and various archaic and later period jade carvings.

Exploring Intimacy and Connection: Henrietta Berk’s Oil on Canvas Portrait of Phyllis Diebenkorn

In the illustrious realm of the Bay Area Figurative Movement, where artists sought to rekindle a connection with the human form, Henrietta Berk’s artistic prowess stood out as she delved into the intricacies of human emotion and intimacy. One of her most enigmatic works was an oil on canvas portrait of Phyllis Diebenkorn, the wife and muse of acclaimed artist Richard Diebenkorn. This captivating portrait not only immortalizes Phyllis but also offers a glimpse into the personal connections within the artistic community of the mid-20th century Bay Area.

In the 1950’s, the Bay Area Figurative Movement emerged as a reaction against the prevailing abstract expressionism. The movement emphasized figurative and representational art, and it sought to reconnect with the human form, exploring a more tangible and recognizable approach to artistic expression. Fueled by the desire to break away from abstract expressionism, artists like David Park, Wayne Thiebaud, Raimonds Staprans, James Weeks, and Richard Diebenkorn sought to reintroduce representational art — infusing it with an emotive and personal touch.

Henrietta Berk was an American painter known for her significant contributions to the Bay Area Figurative Movement. She was born in the San Francisco Bay Area and pursued her passion for art from an early age. Berk’s artistic journey was deeply intertwined with the movement and the artists who shaped it. She studied under the tutelage of Richard Diebenkorn at the California College of the Arts. She was a part of the “Bridge Generation” of the Bay Area Figurative movement, which included the artists: Nathan Oliveira, Theophilus Brown, Paul Wonner, and Frank Lobdell.

Phyllis Diebenkorn played an essential role in Richard’s life and work. As a muse and a pillar of support, she provided invaluable insight into Richard’s creative process. A frequent model in Richard’s work, she appears in many of his paintings and drawings. Through Berk’s lens, we get a glimpse of Phyllis as more than just a subject — her portrait reveals a woman of depth, grace, and secretive allure.

In Berk’s oil on canvas portrait of Phyllis, she captures an intimate and tender moment. The deft brushstrokes emphasize Phyllis’ ethereal presence. The interplay of light and shadow add a sense of mystery, inviting the viewer to delve deeper into the subject’s thoughts and emotions.

Berk’s portrait of Phyllis Diebenkorn not only serves as a testament to her artistic skill but also as a window into the lives of influential figures within the Bay Area Figurative Movement. The painting stands as a poignant reminder of the connection between art and personal relationships. Through this portrait, we are invited to explore the intimacy and emotions that underpin the relationships between artists and their muses, weaving a captivating tale of people who defined the Bay Area Figurative Movement.