The Asian Works of Art Auction, featuring a curated selection of Chinese and Japanese works, will take place at Clars Auctions on February 19th, 2PM PST.

Highlights include an elegant 18th-century Japanese Kakiemon lidded potpourri vase estimated at $4,000–$6,000, and a Chinese Ming dynasty bronze seated figure of Guanyin estimated at $2,000–$4,000.

The auction also presents an important private San Francisco collection of Chinese ceramics and bronze sculptures spanning the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Notable works include Ming dynasty Buddhist bronze figures of Guanyin and Akshobhya Buddha, a Wanli mark and period blue-and white ‘dragon’ box, a late Ming dynasty Dehua figure of Wenchang, and a rare Chinese ceremonial jade axe blade dating to the Western Zhou dynasty.

Clars Auctions is pleased to announce highlights of its Important Fine Art Auction taking place on February 19th, featuring a dynamic selection of postwar, modern, and contemporary works alongside important American prints.

Highlights include a monumental mixed-media canvas by Abstract Expressionist Conrad Marca- Relli, Untitled (circa 1970s), estimated at $15,000–$20,000; Richard Diebenkorn’s vibrant aquatint with drypoint, Folsom Street Variations III (Primaries) (1986), estimated at $12,000–$18,000; and Richard Pettibone’s incisive Pop Art reinterpretation, Andy Warhol Brillo Box (1964) (1967), also estimated at $12,000–$18,000. Additional highlights include California Impressionist works by Granville Redmond and Charles P. Reiffel, as well as notable works by Ellsworth Kelly, Victor Vasarely, Edward S. Curtis, Anthony Quinn, and John James Audubon. Together, these works underscore the breadth and quality of the auction, offering collectors opportunities across multiple movements, media, and price points.

Featured in the auction is Richard Pettibone (American, 1938–2024), a pivotal conceptual Pop artist known for re-creating iconic works of his contemporaries in miniature. Drawing from the Dada tradition of Marcel Duchamp, Pettibone appropriated widely recognized images — such as Andy Warhol’s Marilyn screenprints and Roy Lichtenstein’s comic-strip paintings — in works he described as both homage and critique. His Andy Warhol Brillo Box (1964), created in 1967 after Warhol’s famed facsimile boxes, exemplifies Pettibone’s recursive approach to mass-produced imagery, raising enduring questions about authorship, value, and consumer culture in postwar American art.

Another major focus of the auction is an extensive group of paintings by Margaret Keane (American, 1927–2022), spanning the early 1960s. Keane is internationally renowned for her iconic depictions of wide-eyed figures and for her remarkable personal and artistic story. During her marriage, her former husband Walter Keane falsely claimed authorship of her work, a claim later disproven in a landmark courtroom “paint-off” following their divorce. Keane was ultimately recognized as the true creator of the famed “Big Eyes” paintings. Her influence extends across fine art and popular culture, and her life inspired the 2014 film Big Eyes, directed by Tim Burton and starring Amy Adams. Four paintings by Keane are offered in the February auction, with estimates ranging from $6,000–$9,000 to $10,000–$15,000.

San Francisco’s Old Guard Elegance Continues at Clars Auctions on February 20th.

Our February 20th Auction will present an exceptional selection from the Emmy & Dolph Andrews Estate, following the high-profile Christie’s New York sale that first brought national attention to this storied San Francisco collection. Together, these offerings represent one of the most significant private estates to come to market in recent years — an authentic reflection of the Old Guard elegance that defined San Francisco society for generations.

Emily Taylor Andrews and Adolphus “Dolph” Andrews Jr. were pillars of the city’s cultural and social life. Descendants of California pioneers and members of a prominent local family, the Andrewses embodied a tradition of stewardship, philanthropy, and connoisseurship; notably, the family’s legacy includes service as trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF).

For decades, the Andrewses lived and entertained in their private San Francisco residence — interiors shaped by legendary designers Michael Taylor and Anthony Hail, whose work reinforced the couple’s passion for European classicism and layered historic interiors. Every object chosen resulted in a collection that feels both deeply personal and museum-worthy.

The upcoming Clars offering continues this narrative, presenting works drawn directly from these storied interiors. Highlights include a Continental hand-colored print diorama; a set of eight 18th-century Staffordshire pottery stirrup cups; and an English silver-mounted coconut cup from the 19th century.

Also featured is an Asprey & Co. 18k gold-mounted bloodstone bowl, offered as part of a group, exemplifying luxury and impeccable craftsmanship. Another highlight is a refined French vermeil and banded agate handled desk set, 19th century, showcasing the Andrewses’ appreciation for elegant objects of daily use. Anchoring the selection is a powerful 18th-century Russian icon depicting the Resurrection of Christ and the Descent into Hell, reflecting the couple’s interest in sacred art and spiritual traditions.

Beyond the highlights, the broader Andrews Estate offered at Clars reflects the remarkable scope of the couple’s connoisseurship. The collection encompasses 17th through 19th century textiles, finely crafted English and French objects of vertu, and an array of Continental and English furniture reflecting classical European forms. Complementing these are luxury travel pieces, including Louis Vuitton monogram luggage sets and custom trunks, examples of the Andrewses’ cosmopolitan lifestyle and decades of international travel.

This offering presents collectors with a rare opportunity to acquire pieces from a private San Francisco collection shaped by institutional-level taste, historic interiors, and a lineage deeply woven into California’s cultural history. As the next chapter following the Christie’s New York sale, Clars’ offering on February 20th affirms the lasting significance of the Emmy & Dolph Andrews Estate — where legacy, design, and connoisseurship converge.

The February 20th Gallery Auction will present an accessible and diverse selection of furniture and decorative arts, jewelry, and fine art for both seasoned and emerging collectors.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The sale includes property from the Estate of Emily Taylor Andrews and Adolphus “Dolph” Andrews Jr., prominent figures in San Francisco’s cultural and social life. Descendants of California pioneers and members of a distinguished local family, the Andrews exemplified a tradition of stewardship, philanthropy, and connoisseurship, including service as trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.

Highlights from the estate include a Continental hand-colored print diorama; a set of eight 18th century Staffordshire pottery stirrup cups; an English 19th-century silver-mounted coconut cup; an Asprey & Co. 18k gold-mounted bloodstone bowl; a refined 19th-century French vermeil and banded agate desk set; and an important 18th-century Russian icon depicting the Resurrection of Christ and the Descent into Hell.

Additional offerings from the Andrews estate include objets de vertu, militaria such as a Civil War infantry drum, fine textiles ranging from 17th-century Baroque to Art Deco, and luxury luggage by Louis Vuitton and Fortnum & Mason.

Further highlights of the Gallery Auction include a Tiffany Studios Acorn lamp, an extensive collection of sterling silver including examples by Tiffany & Co., modern and contemporary furniture and decorative arts, and a wide range of American, English, and Continental antiques.

Fine Jewelry & Watches

In addition, the jewelry section of the Gallery Auction will be offering jade pendants and Bangles — featuring lavender jade and ice jade examples — with estimates ranging from $600 to $2,000.

The Warehouse Auction: February 21st

On Saturday, February 21st, Clars Auctions will host its Warehouse Auction, presenting a broad and eclectic selection of property offered at accessible price points. The sale features a wide range of categories, including art, prints, photographs, modern and antique furniture, silver, porcelain, glass, fashion, and an array of decorative objects.

The Asian Art section offers Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, and folding screens, while the jewelry selection includes an appealing assortment of affordable diamond and silver necklaces. The auction is further complemented by a diverse offering of modern and antique furniture, home décor, and collectible toys, making the Warehouse Auction an inviting opportunity for collectors of all levels to discover distinctive and meaningful pieces.

Clars Auctions is pleased to announce its January 23rd Gallery Auction, presenting an exceptional selection of Furniture & Decorative Arts, Fine Art, Asian Works, Jewelry, and Watches. The auction brings together distinguished design, fine craftsmanship, and notable works by artists and artisans across cultures and periods, offering compelling opportunities for collectors and institutions alike.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Furniture & Decorative Arts department is led by a fine selection of Louis Majorelle furniture, including an elegant salon suite that exemplifies the refined artistry of the French Art Nouveau master. Also featured is a fine group of four Mira Nakashima tables, including rare burled oak examples estimated at $7,000–$10,000.

Additional highlights include a Philip and Kelvin LaVerne table estimated at $5,000–$7,000, a group of Chinese export 950-silver table articles estimated at $1,500–$2,000, and a large and early Meso American polychrome fresco fragment with an estimate of $10,000–$15,000.

Fine Art

The Fine Art selection offers a strong range of sculpture and paintings. Highlights include Running Cheetahs, a bronze sculpture by Loet Vanderveen (Dutch, 1921–2015), measuring 8 inches by 27 inches and estimated at $2,000–$4,000. Also featured is The Four Directions, an oil on canvas by Craig Tennant (American, born 1946), estimated at $3,000–$5,000. Completing the department highlights is Cactus 59 by Bibi Zogbe (Lebanese, 1890–1975), an oil on masonite, estimated at $8,000–$12,000.

Asian Art

The Asian Art department presents a diverse and thoughtfully curated group of works spanning China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Chinese offerings include a famille rose porcelain plaque estimated at $1,000–$1,500, along with a set of four famille rose porcelain plaques estimated at $1,500–$2,500.

From Southeast Asia, highlights include a sandstone fragment of an Asura warrior estimated at $1,000–$1,500, a red sandstone figure of Buddha estimated at $3,000–$5,000, and an Indonesian stone frieze estimated at $1,000–$1,500. The department is further distinguished by a set of two Japanese silver doves with a bronze stand, estimated at $2,000–$4,000.

Fine Jewelry & Watches

The Fine Jewelry & Watches department features an attractive selection of fine and collectible pieces. Highlights include an aquamarine, diamond, and 18k gold necklace, estimated at $10,000–$20,000, offering both elegance and strong gemstone appeal.

Also included is a Spratling amethyst and silver necklace estimated at $1,000–$2,000, exemplifying mid-century modern design. Watch collectors will note an important 18k gold Bulova Accutron wristwatch from 1965, estimated at $4,000–$6,000, representing a landmark in horological innovation.

The Warehouse Auction: January 24th

On Saturday, January 24th, Clars Auctions will host its Warehouse Auction, presenting a broad and eclectic selection of property offered at accessible price points. The sale features a wide range of categories, including art, prints, photographs, modern and antique furniture, silver, porcelain, glass, fashion, and an array of decorative objects.

The Asian Art section offers Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, and folding screens, while the jewelry selection includes an appealing assortment of affordable diamond and silver necklaces. The auction is further complemented by a diverse offering of modern and antique furniture, home décor, and collectible toys, making the Warehouse Auction an inviting opportunity for collectors of all levels to discover distinctive and meaningful pieces.

As we reflect on an extraordinary year at Clars Auctions, we are delighted to share highlights from our 2025 season — a year defined by exceptional works, strong bidding across categories, and continued confidence from our global community of collectors.

We are especially pleased to report that Clars Auctions closed the fiscal year up 11%, a meaningful achievement that reflects both the strength of the market and the trust our clients place in us. We are deeply grateful for your participation and support, which made this success possible.

Fine Art

Fine Art led the year with outstanding performances by internationally celebrated artists. Our Modern + Contemporary Fine Art auctions achieved particularly strong results, including Marc Chagall’s Le dimanche (Sunday) (circa 1939), which realized $277,200, followed closely by L’Hiver: Procession de Noël – Les Quatre Saisons (1974) at $220,500. Another major highlight was Raimonds Staprans’ The Mid Summer Drop-Leaf Table (1993), which sold for $189,000, underscoring continued demand for postwar and contemporary masters.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

Furniture & Decorative Arts also enjoyed a banner year, with exceptional objects achieving impressive prices. Leading the category was a rare D’Angelico New York “New Yorker” Guitar, which brought $48,000, followed by an impressive pair of Sèvres-style porcelain gilt bronze mounted covered urns, selling for $44,100. A Larson Brothers Prairie State guitar rounded out the top results at $40,950, reflecting sustained collector enthusiasm for fine craftsmanship and design.

Fine Jewelry & Watches

In Jewelry, standout jewels and signed pieces commanded strong interest throughout the year. The top result was a spectacular Colombian emerald, seed pearl, diamond, and 18k gold necklace, which achieved $59,850. A diamond and platinum solitaire ring followed at $40,950, while a Tiffany & Co. Belle Époque natural saltwater pearl and diamond brooch realized $21,420, highlighting the enduring appeal of exceptional gemstones and historic design.

Asian Art

Asian Art proved to be another area of strength in 2025. Leading the category was a rare Chinese yellow-ground blue and white handled vase, which sold for $72,450. A lot of 10 Chinese famille rose bowls achieved $39,300, and a striking set of twelve Chinese 24k gold zodiac animal figures realized $37,800, reflecting continued international demand for fine Asian works of art.

A particularly noteworthy moment of the year was the presentation of Property from the Estate of Senator Dianne Feinstein, a landmark collection that drew worldwide attention to Clars Auctions. The sale generated strong national and international interest, affirming Clars’ expertise in stewarding historically significant estates and presenting them to a global audience with care, scholarship, and distinction.

As we look ahead to 2026, we are excited to continue bringing exceptional property to market and to building on the momentum of this past year. We look forward to welcoming you to our upcoming auctions and to sharing many more successes together. On behalf of the entire team at Clars Auctions, we thank you for being part of our journey and wish you a joyful, healthy, and prosperous New Year.

Clars’ Important Holiday Fine Art Auction on December 18th presents an exceptional selection of artworks by celebrated artists working across a wide range of periods and styles.

Among the premier highlights is an oil on canvas by Bay Area favorite, Raimonds Staprans (American/Latvian, b. 1926), an artist with whom Clars has consistently achieved strong results. Staprans is renowned for his vivid palette and distinctive use of line — qualities that are fully evident in Still Life with the Ugly Hockney Vase #2. The off-white vase rests on a similarly colored surface set against a striking red ground, while delicate lines in orange, violet, and sky blue trace the object’s edges and heighten its dimensionality. Selected for the cover of the 2006 exhibition catalog for Staprans’ retrospective at the Latvian National Museum, the painting exemplifies the artist’s ability to reinvigorate traditional still-life subjects through bold color and decisive brushwork. This work is estimated at $150,000–$200,000.

Another major feature of the December sale is a mixed-media work on canvas by Los Angeles based artist Mark Bradford (American, b. 1961). Bradford’s practice is deeply informed by his upbringing in South Los Angeles and by his explorations of race, gender, and identity — as well as the influence of his mother’s hair salon — where he worked after high school. Many of his materials originate in that environment, including hair dye and the end papers used in perm treatments. The December offering, painted in soft green hues, is layered with sheets of end paper in various states of translucency, some singed to a deep brown. The staggered layers create surprising depth and texture across the surface. Bradford’s work is widely admired and held in prominent collections, and he has received national recognition, including his inclusion in Time Magazine’s 2021 list of the most influential people and the National Medal of Arts in 2023. This untitled piece carries an estimate of $20,000–$30,000.

A further highlight is a ceramic plate by Spanish modernist Pablo Picasso (1881–1973), titled Visage de Femme and dating to 1953 during his collaboration with the Madoura Pottery studio in Vallauris, France. Picasso’s ceramics remain highly desirable as accessible, yet significant examples of his contributions to twentieth-century art. This piece features the Cubist depiction of a woman’s face, rendered in white, cyan, and blue on a black ground, with a bold white line forming the nose above a slight smile and a beaded necklace. The plate is estimated at $15,000–$20,000.

These marquee offerings are joined by additional works from artists such as Granville Redmond, Wayne Thiebaud, Jules Tavernier, Maynard Dixon, Thomas Hart Benton, and many more.

Clars Auctions is pleased to announce our upcoming December Gallery Auction on Friday, December 19th, 9:30 AM PST. This exciting event will feature a diverse selection of fine art, jewelry, sterling silver, furniture, decorative arts, and carpets.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

In Furniture & Decorative Arts, the auction presents fine Continental and French furnishings, Talavera and majolica pottery, and sterling silver, including a distinguished six-piece International sterling silver tea and coffee service engraved with the Krusi family crest, estimated at $8,000–$10,000.

Also featured is a rare and important Florentine early polychrome cassone, to be offered at $6,000–$8,000, alongside a partial service of Wallace sterling flatware in the Discovery pattern, estimated at $3,500–$4,500. Additional silver highlights include a five-piece English Chester tea service by various makers, including William Norton and dating to the early twentieth century, estimated at $3,500–$5,500; a lot of silver comprising a set of twelve plus six spoons and six small spoons, estimated at $2,500–$3,500; a Mexican mid-century sterling teapot on stand by Carmen Beckmann, estimated at $2,500–$3,500; and a Gorham Greenbrier pattern sterling flatware service estimated at $2,000–$3,000.

These notable offerings join a standout Tiffany & Co. nine-tube tall case clock, along with contemporary art glass, Pacific Northwest and Native American rugs, baskets, pottery, and a beaded bandolier. Historic pieces such as coins, signed photographs of Theodore Roosevelt, and an early American flag further enhance the depth of this sale.

Fine Jewelry & Watches

The Fine Jewelry & Watches department will present a broad and distinguished collection of jadeite jewelry spanning multiple styles, colors, and price points, ranging from accessible pieces to exceptional examples of fine craftsmanship. Highlights include several Fei Cui grade A selections, such as a jade, ruby, and 18k gold ring estimated at $2,500–$3,500; a jadeite, diamond, and platinum brooch estimated at $1,500–$2,500; a jadeite, diamond, and 14k gold ring estimated at $1,200–$1,800; and a jadeite, diamond, and platinum ring to be offered at $3,000–$6,000.

Additional notable offerings include a jade, diamond, and platinum ring estimated at $3,500–$4,500, another jade and diamond platinum ring estimated at $4,000–$6,000, a jade and diamond brooch estimated at $1,200–$1,800, and a striking jade, diamond, and platinum ballerina ring also estimated at $4,000–$6,000. Together, these pieces underscore the depth and variety of jadeite jewelry featured in the sale and reflect the department’s commitment to presenting both quality and range for collectors of all levels.

Asian Art

The Asian Works of Art section features an exceptional group of Chinese and Japanese pieces, led by two Chinese famille rose “ram” vases, each estimated at $3,000–$5,000, and decorated with the auspicious “three rams” motif symbolizing harmony and prosperity. These works, dating to the Republic period (1911–1949) and rendered in the Qianlong style, are joined by a pair of Chinese polychrome enameled and blue-and-white dragon bowls estimated at $1,500–$2,500.

Complementing the Chinese material is a finely articulated Japanese silver okimono of a spiny lobster, offered at $800–$1,200 — a remarkable example of the technical mastery and cultural significance of Japanese metalwork. The section is further enriched by a Japanese mother-of-pearl–inlaid black lacquer stand estimated at $1,000–$1,500, rounding out a curated selection that highlights the breadth and sophistication of Asian artistry represented in the sale.

The Warehouse Auction: December 20th

On Saturday, December 20th, Clars will host its Warehouse Sale, offering a broad and eclectic selection of items at accessible price points. This sale includes art, prints, photographs, modern and antique furniture, silver, porcelain, glass, fashion, and a variety of decorative objects. Highlights from the Asian Art section include Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, and folding screens, while the jewelry offerings present an appealing array of affordable diamond and silver necklaces. The sale also features a wide assortment of modern and antique furniture, home décor, and collectible toys, making it an ideal opportunity for collectors at all levels to acquire unique and meaningful pieces.