Ms. Meri Jaye was a renowned, San Francisco interior designer of passenger and cargo ships, as well as the corporate headquarters for American President Lines.

Ms. Jaye, who designed up on Lombard Street in San Francisco, CA, amassed a distinguished collection with a keen eye. She had a notable array of shipping related artwork, furnishings, ship models, and other artifacts related to the projects she worked on. Many of her pieces, acquired from reputable dealers in the 1960s and 1970s, haven’t been offered for sale in over 50 years. Property from the Meri Jaye estate will be offered in both The Maritime Sale on April 18th, and our Furniture, Art, Jewelry & Asian Auction on April 19th.

Pieces to be offered this April include a rare manuscript by Admiral Horatio Nelson, exquisite ship models, half-hull models, and unique nautical furnishings — like royal tiller yokes and ships’ tables. Among the treasures from her collection, we are thrilled to present a rare and breathtaking oil on canvas painting by the English-born American artist, Edward Moran (American/British, 1829–1901). Entitled New York Bay from the Battery, painted in 1871, this masterpiece is estimated to be valued between $20,000–$40,000. Moran began his artistic journey as an apprentice to landscape painter, Paul Weber in Philadelphia. He later established himself as a prominent marine artist in the United States, studying at the Royal Academy in London and setting up studios in Paris and New York City.

Arguably, Moran’s most significant contribution lies in his series of thirteen Marine History paintings, capturing pivotal moments in American maritime history. The featured work in our April sale provides a captivating glimpse of New York City’s harbor, with its intricate composition portraying two small boats navigating turbulent waves in the foreground, amidst a backdrop of numerous ships entering the harbor.

Another notable highlight from Ms. Jaye’s collection is a portrait miniature of Marie Antoinette by Pierre De Nolhac. It was published in London by Arthur L. Humphreys in 1905 and is valued between $600–$800. Other highlights include an HMS Bellerophon stern model in case with letter fragment stating that the model was made by a sailor on duty on the Bellerophon in 1815, estimated at $4,000–$6,000; and Don Quixote, printed by Don Joaquin Ibarra, estimated at $5,000–$7,000.

One of our featured artists this April is German-born American sculptor, Adolph Alexander Weinman. Weinman’s work embraces both the storied past of his influences and predecessors as well as the developing aesthetic of the modern era.

Weinman immigrated to the United States at age 14 and studied art at Cooper Union and the Art Students League of New York — where he was influenced by the work of Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Weinman later assisted several notable sculptors in their studios, including Daniel Chester French, the sculptor of the Lincoln Memorial monument in Washington, D.C. French’s impact on Weinman’s style is apparent in many of his public works, including his own statue of Lincoln at the Kentucky State Capitol, and in Neo-Classical decorative sculptures like Fountain of the Centaurs, located at the Missouri State Capitol.

Weinman is also known for his architectural sculptures, some of which grace the facades of the most prominent buildings in Washington, D.C. Weinman designed and sculpted the pediment scenes on both the National Archives Building and the Jefferson Memorial, with the latter featuring an iconic portrayal of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Weinman is remembered as a celebrated medalist as well. His designs on the Mercury dime and Walking Liberty half dollar circulated in the early 20th century and were later used on commemorative coins. Weinman’s skill in metallurgy can be seen in the bronze sculpture in the April sale, a nude female figure dancing with a hoop. The hoop motif was popular for bronze statuettes during the Art Deco period, but Weinman added his own Neo-Classical touch by making the figure nude — with great concentration on anatomy — as opposed to the flapper-like depictions of the era.

Frank’s Fisherman, located on San Francisco’s waterfront, was established in 1946 and began as a chandlery for the bay area’s commercial fishing fleet.

For nearly five decades, Frank’s Fisherman was a cornerstone of Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA. Founded in 1946, the store transformed under the ownership of 4th generation San Franciscan brothers, Ken and Ron Brown, who purchased the store in 1977. From then on, Ken and Ron began what became a lifelong passion for researching, collecting and selling maritime antiques. With a mission of maintaining a sense of history, the brothers remained an integral part of the Wharf for 47 years, focusing on important 18th and 19th century maritime and scientific antiques.

Renowned for their expertise, the brothers were a trusted resource for museums and private collectors alike. Their recent closure in February 2024 marked the end of an era, but their legacy lives on in their remarkable collection. The store featured an unusual mix of artifacts, making Frank’s Fisherman the destination spot on Fisherman’s Wharf for collectors and travelers from around the world. Clars is honored to present a curated selection from the Frank’s Fisherman collection in The Maritime Sale on April 18th.

Highlights include an American carved eagle from New Hampshire, estimated at $4,000–$6,000; a Japanese silk and metallic thread commemorative embroidery of the U.S.S. Chattanooga, estimated at $2,500–$3,500; a waterline ship model of the Elin Maria in case, estimated at $6,000–$8,000; and a magnificent scratch-built paddle wheel steamship model of the ‘California,’ crafted by Tom Fordham (d. 2004) at a scale of ¼″ + 1′, estimated at $6,000–$8,000.

The Maritime Sale will also include a small collection of amusement park collectibles, featuring two iconic items from the legendary San Francisco’s Playland at the Beach: an elephant animatronic character supporting a globe, and a whimsical larger-than-life paper mache head of a man/boy with large ears.

Clars is excited to present The Maritime Sale — featuring the collection of Frank’s Fisherman, the estate of Meri Jaye and Playland at the Beach — on April 18th, our Furniture, Art, Jewelry & Asian Auction — featuring the Estate of Harvey Clar on April 19th, and our Warehouse Auction on April 20th.

The Maritime Sale

This April, Clars is hosting a Maritime Sale that will include a multitude of art and décor from celebrated nautical interior designer, Meri Jaye as well as memorabilia and artifacts from the historic marine collectibles shop, Frank’s Fisherman, a San Francisco landmark that was converted from a fishing supplier in the 1970s.

This sprawling collection includes fine paintings from the Atlantic to the Pacific, stunningly crafted model ships, authentic relics from functioning boats, and much more that is sure to draw the enthusiasm of marine collectors. This auction also extends beyond these two extraordinary collections. Additional estates and collections, including vintage fixtures from the beloved San Francisco landmark Playland at the Beach, will also be offered.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

Our April 19th auction features a remarkable collection from the estate of Harvey Clar, the gallery’s founder. Mr. Clar’s collection includes exquisite Lalique pieces, fine porcelain, marble, and bronze sculptures. The estate of Meri Jaye of Nob Hill, San Francisco, also contributes to this sale. Her collection boasts a coveted 1780 edition of Don Quixote, printed by Don Joaquin Ibarra, and a deluxe copy edition of Tales of Mystery and Imagination by Edgar Allan Poe, signed by illustrator Arthur Rackham.

The auction further presents a selection of indigenous art from other estates, including Native American beadwork, Hopi kachinas, and Inuit figures. Rounding out this diverse auction is a collection of antique furniture in Regency and Georgian periods, including miniature cabinets, and brass-bound writing boxes.

Fine Art

This month at Clars, we are pleased to present a number of works by well-known and up-and-coming artists. Featured in our April sale is a bronze sculpture by German-born American sculptor, Adolph Alexander Weinman. Weinman received his arts education at Cooper Union and later at the Art Students League of New York, after which he became a member of the National Sculpture Society and served as its president. He is most known for his architectural sculpture, as well as portrayals of American presidents. His most acclaimed works include a bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln at the Kentucky State Capitol, the Fountain of the Centaurs at the Missouri State Capitol, his work on Pennsylvania Station in New York, and the pediments of the National Archive Building and the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. The piece in our April sale is a nude female figure dancing with a hoop, set atop a marble base. The sculpture masterfully evokes movement and displays the influence of the Art Deco style that was flourishing in 1922 when the sculpture was cast.

A second highlight in our sale is a 1915 edition of volume ten of The North American Indian, a book and portfolio by American photographer, Edward Sheriff Curtis. Curtis is widely known for his depictions of the American West and Native American people, including important figures like Geronimo, Princess Angeline, and Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce. In 1906, financier J.P. Morgan commissioned Curtis to produce the 20-volume series containing many of his photographs of the Native American peoples across the country. Volume 10 is centered on the Kwakiutl people of the Pacific Northwest, mainly based in British Columbia, Canada. The volume in our April sale contained 74 sepia-toned photogravure plates and is out of an edition of 500.

Another highlight is an oil on canvas painting by Icelandic-American artist, Louisa Matthiasdottir. Born in Reykjavik, Matthiasdottir studied art in Denmark and Paris before moving to New York City in the 1940s. She studied there under Hans Hoffmann and Robert De Nico, Sr., and exhibited often in New York and other major east coast cities. She is known for her landscapes and cityscapes depicting Iceland, with a focus on the light, agriculture, and colorful architecture of the towns. Her work is included in collections at the Hirschhorn Museum in Washington, D.C., the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Reykjavik Art Museum.

Along with these exciting items, we will also present a large oil on canvas painting by Deladier Almeida, a painting by Karl Albert Buehr, sculptures by Beniamino Bufano, a mixed media piece by Sam Gilliam, and much more.

Asian Art

A standout piece from the April 19th auction is a hanging scroll calligraphy by Yu Youren, a master revered for his exceptional skill in calligraphy — particularly in cursive script. Yu Youren is celebrated for pioneering the “Standard Cursive Script,” earning him accolades as the “Contemporary Sage of Cursive” and “Modern Saint of Calligraphy.” This calligraphy came from the collection of Huang Siufeng (1892–1975), who held a prominent position at the Central Bank of China during the late 1930s. It was acquired at auction in Seattle where Huang Siufeng lived for many years.

Accompanying this masterpiece is a Chinese famille rose blue ground bowl, with a blue background and adorned with bird and floral motifs. It also features a dragon in the interior. This exquisite piece, featuring the Guangxu six-character mark, showcases the refined porcelain artistry of the late Qing dynasty period.

Next is a Japanese six-panel folding screen, illustrating morning glories, measuring 36″ high by 102″ wide. This screen exemplifies the Japanese aesthetic of capturing the fleeting beauty of nature, rendered in delicate detail and vibrant hues.

Completing our highlights is a Chinese landscape painting — executed in the splashed color technique — attributed to Zhang Daqian. This painting showcases Zhang Daqian’s mastery of ink and color on paper. Known for his innovative splashed ink technique, Zhang Daqian’s work is a bridge between traditional Chinese landscapes and modern abstract expression. This work is inscribed, dated, and adorned with two seals.

Fine Jewelry & Timepieces

The Fine Jewelry & Timepiece department is excited to offer a selection of diamond, colored gemstone, and gold jewelry in the upcoming April 19th sale. This sale features a variety of wardrobe staples to build up the foundation of your jewelry collection at accessible price points. Highlights include an opal, ruby, and gold pendant brooch, estimated at $2,000–$3,000; a pair of diamond and 14k gold earrings, estimated at $1,500–$2,500; and a gold link bracelet, estimated at $500–$700.

The Warehouse Auction

Clars’ April Warehouse Auction will feature a collection from the estate of Harvey Clar, the gallery’s founder, including Lladro, Boehm and Lalique figures. Antique and contemporary silver, porcelain, glass, fine books, carpets, furniture, mirrors and lighting will also be up for offer.

In addition, there will be an eclectic range of art, prints and photographs available. Each month we select paintings, prints, and sculptures in diverse styles from all over the world to offer with accessible estimates. The furniture section will offer antique, vintage and contemporary furniture, and decorative arts. The Asian Art Department presents a meticulously curated collection spanning Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, folding screens, and various decorative pieces. Meanwhile, the Jewelry department is thrilled to present an array of affordable items, including diamonds, silver and gold necklaces.

This April, our auctions will feature a remarkable collection from the estate of Harvey Clar, the gallery’s founder. Mr. Clar’s collection includes exquisite Lalique pieces, fine porcelain, marble and bronze sculptures.

Clars in collaboration with exhibited.at is honored to present the visionary inaugural auction: Artists to Watch: California. This section will lead the Spring Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction held on March 21st, 2 PM PDT.

Founded by former Christie’s specialist Rodania Leong, exhibited.at focuses on art, community and innovation — empowering artists, curators, and galleries with the ability to archive their rich exhibition history while providing guidance on diverse art initiatives. Together with Clars — the exceptional art appraisers and auctioneers who have over fifty years of expertise in hosting Bay Area auctions — this collaboration harnesses the expertise of both exhibited.at and Clars whilst delving into the rich history and allure of California art.

California has long been a force for artistic innovation, and this auction aims to showcase the work of ten pioneering artists based in the Golden State. A few of the artists who will be featured in this inaugural sale are Gabe Weis and Alexa Arnold.

Gabe Weiss is a mixed media and NFT artist living in the Bay Area. The self-taught artist is inspired by street art and stoic philosophy and uses a stream-of-consciousness approach to his work to explore perceptions of reality. His physical and digital works are shown internationally. This past year, his work has been exhibited at the Venice Biennale, Picasso Museum, Seattle Art Fair, and various galleries throughout Asia and the United States. Gabe is committed to sustainability in his craft. By reusing older materials found around the house, such as cereal boxes, maps, and old dictionaries to create timeless works, he hopes his work inspires others to reuse materials as part of their art practice.

Alexis Arnold is a mixed media visual artist in Oakland, CA. Her artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Aspen Art Museum, Napa Valley Museum, Whatcom Museum, Beaux-Arts Mons Belgium, Atlanta Airport, Bergdorf Goodman, di Rosa, and The NY Hall of Science. Alexis’ work is included in the collections of SFMOMA, Meta, VCU, MediaMath, Costa Cruises, University of Pittsburgh, and others.

The history of art in California holds profound significance, reflecting a dynamic intersection of cultural, social, and environmental influences. As a beacon of creativity and innovation, California has been a canvas for diverse artistic movements — from the early 20th-century Bohemian enclaves to the rise of contemporary art hubs. The state’s artistic legacy truly encapsulates the spirit of experimentation and cultural diversity unique to California, its rich history nourishing the evolution of artistic expression and societal shifts, and the transformative power of the Californian landscape on the creative imagination.

With this inaugural auction, we take great pride in introducing ten esteemed artists who persistently enrich the tapestry of California art. Their work resonates with audiences and collectors worldwide, serving as pioneers in the evolution of artistic expression. We invite you to immerse yourself in this presentation, offering an opportunity to discover, connect, and support those instrumental in shaping the lasting legacy of California’s art history.

Join us in celebrating their creativity, innovation, and enduring impact! For more information or any questions, please reach out to [email protected] and [email protected].

This March we are excited to present several very special works in our Spring Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction.

We are privileged and honored to present a very important work by 1991 National Artist of the Philippines, Hernando Ruiz Ocampo. Ocampo stands as an iconic artist in the Philippines, being a leader of modernist painting in the country during the first half of the twentieth century. The monumental work by Ocampo in our March sale, one of only two made by the artist in this size, is titled Mga Kiti, which can be taken as a reference to either duck embryos or mosquito larvae. Dating to 1978, the scroll-like painting, done in acrylic paint on Tetoron fabric, showcases a repeating pattern of similar forms that echo human figures, the bodies of birds, lotus pods, and cellular structures.

Another featured work is a life-size ceramic kimono by American sculptor, Karen LaMonte. LaMonte is known for her sculptures of garments which appear to be draped over a human form but stand alone as if moving on their own. LaMonte works in glass, bronze, and ceramic, and the child’s kimono in our March sale is made of ceramic with a light blue celadon glaze.

Another sculpture highlight in the March sale is a bronze by Eric Goulder, titled The Woman. This figural piece depicts a nude woman seated while raising a hand to her mouth — a look of surprise on her face. The nearly life-size sculpture is formed in a highly realistic style displaying musculature and hair texture, as well as emotion and body language.

Moving on to our selection of paintings this March, we are pleased to offer two works by Bay Area Figurative Movement member, Henrietta Berk. Berk is celebrated for her emotive use of color and the strong element of movement in her painting. She often utilizes an impasto painting technique, which we see in both pieces in the March auction. One painting, titled Spanish Landscape, depicts a starkly lit town with a blazing orange sky over green fields and scattered buildings. The second piece, an untitled figurative painting, shows a young woman and man seated and talking in the grass. Speculation of this work and other similar pieces by Berk alleges that the couple is modeled after President John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

Another standout in the March auction is a large oil on canvas by Latvian-American painter, Raimonds Staprans. Staprans built a large following while practicing in San Francisco during the second half of the 20th century. He is known for bold color and painterly brushwork, often focusing on architectural landscapes and still lifes. The painting at Clars this month is a rare figural work depicting a female nude. Staprans maintains his signature bold color and audacious painting technique in his exploration of the human figure.

Also included this March are large paintings by Enrico Donati and Hunt Slonem, a work on paper and print by Bay Area artist Joan Brown, and much more.

Clars is pleased to offer one of the most extensive contemporary glass collections in Northern California as part of a prominent Bay Area estate on Thursday, March 21st in our Spring Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction.

The couple were tireless and passionate about the art of glass blowing, and spent over three decades acquiring important pieces. They were known nationally as top tier collectors. From this collection, Clars will be offering iconic pieces from several artists, including Dale Chihuly, Dan Dailey, Therman Statom, David Salvadore, and Joel Phillip Myers.

Clars is excited to present the Spring Luxury Jewels & Timepieces Auction on Thursday, March 21st, commencing at 9:30 AM PDT.

This sale features an exquisite array of diamonds, colored gemstones, antique jewelry, signed pieces, and timepieces — showcasing renowned makers such as Bulgari, Cartier, Tiffany, David Webb, Rolex, and Patek Philippe.

The auction’s spotlight shines on chic designs from esteemed makers such as Bulgari — featuring a captivating gemstone and 18k gold ‘Passo Doppio’ necklace — with an estimated value of $6,000–$8,000. David Webb is represented by an enticing pair of coral, diamond, emerald, and 18k gold ear clips, estimated at $10,000–$15,000. Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger is also featured in the auction with a stunning pair of diamond, 18k gold, and platinum earrings, expected to fetch $10,000–$15,000.

Complementing these remarkable pieces, a handpicked selection of exceptional diamond and colored gemstones will be offered in the sale. These highlights include a No Heat Burma ruby, diamond, and 14k bi-color gold ring, estimated at $5,000–$7,000; an opal, diamond, and 18k gold necklace and earring set, valued at $4,000–$6,000; a Paraíba-type tourmaline, diamond, and 18k white gold ring, estimated at $5,000–$7,000; a natural jadeite, diamond, and platinum ring, estimated at $2,000–$3,000; and a dazzling diamond and 14k white gold ring, estimated at $20,000–$30,000.

An exquisite selection of timepieces to be offered in this sale is led by a Rolex stainless steel wristwatch, Submariner, Ref. 5513, estimated at $7,000–$9,000; a Patek Philippe 18k pink gold ‘Top Hat’ wristwatch, Ref. 1450, anticipated to fetch $7,000–$9,000; and a Jaeger-LeCoultre 18k gold ‘Reverso Grande Taille’ wristwatch, estimated at $4,500–$5,500.

This March at Clars, we are privileged and honored to present a very important work by 1991 National Artist of the Philippines, Hernando Ruiz Ocampo.

Ocampo stands as an iconic artist in the Philippines, being a leader of modernist painting in the country during the first half of the twentieth century. As a painter who ushered in an era of creative exploration in the country, Ocampo developed a singular style that expressed the Filipino experience through emotive color, form, and abstraction.

Ocampo was born and raised in greater Manila in 1911 and studied both law and writing — becoming an accomplished poet and fiction writer before approaching the visual arts. His early painting career is marked by experimentation with modes of expression, including a series titled Luetica, for which his visceral depictions of human mortality earned him strong reactions upon exhibition.

After the devastation of World War II in the Philippines, progressive artists worked to reflect the hardships and realities of life. Ocampo and his colleagues, including fellow National Artists Vicente S. Manansala and Cesar Legaspi, inaugurated a movement of distinctly Filipino Neo-Realism, combining modernist abstraction with figurative subject matter.

Neo-Realists took their inspiration from the struggles of workers, family life, poverty, and the local landscape. Although one can detect the influence of prior and concurrent movements in Europe and the United States — including Cubism and Vorticism as well as Social Realism — the Neo-Realists’ work was categorically unique in its blend of the Filipino experience with modernist aesthetics. Out of the many talented artists in his circle, Ocampo favored the freedom that abstraction afforded him in his work; and as he gained confidence in his practice, it became more symbolic and less objective in nature.

Ocampo continued to delve further into abstraction as his career progressed. His close peer, Cesar Legaspi, was quoted speaking about Ocampo’s creative evolution, stating, “I think the impact of those paintings was needed then as the controversy between the moderns and the conservatives was going full blast and we had to have some kind of exemplar as to how far and how powerful a new kind of art could be.”

While Ocampo did create paintings that used abstraction while still forming a recognizable scene, such as the landscape Reaching for the Moon and the mother and child figures in Break of Day, his most well-known pieces are those that allow for open interpretation and push viewers to investigate their own subconscious. Here, the painter relies on formal elements to create a sensory experience. The principles of color and shape were fundamental to Ocampo’s work in the later years of his career. One can identify his personal connection to the color orange in many of his works, and he uses amorphous and organic shapes like tiles to form imposing structures — painstakingly faceted with vivid tones to achieve depth and form.

The monumental work by Ocampo in our March sale, one of only two made by the artist in this size, is titled Mga Kiti, which can be taken as a reference to either duck embryos or mosquito larvae. Dating to 1978, the scroll-like painting, done in acrylic paint on Tetoron fabric, showcases a repeating pattern of similar forms that echo human figures, the bodies of birds, lotus pods, and cellular structures. The background — painted a deep red that graduates into lighter crimson — recalls blood, with the small circles sprinkled throughout suggesting blood cells. Yellow linework traces throughout the length of the painting in a style reminiscent of batik, a medium originating in the neighboring country of Indonesia, and further separates the areas of red, black, and orange like cells dividing.

The lines and colors seem to undulate, expand, and contract — like compartments of breathing lungs. Like in much of his previous work, Ocampo utilizes color, specifically in the spectrum of orange, and creates a mosaic-like composition. Although the piece was commissioned by patron, Ginny Jacinto, the idea of regeneration may have been close to Ocampo’s own heart during its creation; the artist was in his late sixties and dealing with multiple health issues. Mga Kiti was Ocampo’s final painting before his death in December of 1978. Its themes of renewal, movement, and creation seem to be a summation of his work — the balance between figuration and abstraction, and a pure expression of life itself. Mga Kiti serves as a grand testament to Ocampo’s talents as a master of his craft both in formal composition, with his uncanny ability to evoke tactility and sensoriality, and as a translator of ideas, emotion, and the creative force from which all art originates.