Clars is thrilled to host their Spring Fine Jewelry and Timepieces Auction on Friday, April 14th, beginning at 9:30 AM PDT. The sale includes a fine selection of colored gemstones, diamonds, antique and signed jewelry, and timepieces.
The sale is highlighted by exceptional gemstones, including an approximately 12-carat Colombian emerald diamond and eighteen-karat gold ring, estimated at $10,000–$20,000; a pair of Victorian Colombian emerald and diamond earrings, estimated at $5,000–$7,000; a natural pearl, diamond, and platinum necklace, estimated at $6,000–$8,000; an unheated Burma ruby, diamond, and fourteen-karat gold ring, estimated at $15,000–$20,000; and an unheated Ceylon sapphire, diamond, and platinum ring, estimated at $15,000–$20,000.
Left: A Colombian emerald (approx. 12.00 cts), diamond and eighteen karat gold ring. Estimate: $10,000–$20,000 Right: A pair of Victorian Colombian emerald and diamond earrings. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
A natural pearl, diamond and platinum necklace. Estimate: $6,000–$8,000
Left: An unheated Burma ruby, diamond and fourteen karat white gold ring. Estimate: $15,000–$20,000 Right: An unheated Ceylon sapphire, diamond, and platinum ring. Estimate: $15,000–$20,000
Complementing the auction will be a selection of exquisite diamond jewelry, including an antique diamond and eighteen-karat gold ring, estimated at $2,000–$4,000; a diamond and fourteen-karat white gold bracelet, estimated at $15,000–$20,000; and a diamond and eighteen-karat white gold revière necklace, estimated at $30,000–$40,000.
An antique, diamond and eighteen karat gold ring. Estimate: $2,000–$4,000
A diamond and fourteen karat white gold bracelet. Estimate: $15,000–$20,000
A diamond and eighteen karat white gold revière necklace. Estimate: $30,000–$40,000
Maker Mario Buccellati is represented in a pair of cultured pearl and eighteen-karat bi-color gold ear clips and clip brooch suite, estimated at $4,000–$6,000. Another noteworthy piece of the sale is an eighteen-karat gold Byzantine link chain necklace by Fred, estimated at $4,000–$6,000. Also featured in this sale are two brooches by Cubism pioneer, Georges Braque, estimated at $5,000–$7,000 and $4,000–$6,000.
A pair of cultured pearl and eighteen-karat bi-color gold ear clips and clip brooch suite, Mario Buccellati. Estimate: $4,000–$6,000
An eighteen karat gold necklace, Fred. Estimate: $4,000–$6,000
Left: A diamond and eighteen karat gold pendant, ‘Circe,’ Georges Braque. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000 Right: An emerald and eighteen karat gold brooch, ‘Alphee,’ Georges Braque. Estimate: $4,000–$6,000
Another feature of the sale is a selection of timepieces led by an eighteen-karat gold automatic wristwatch, Day-Date, Audemars Piguet, estimated at $8,000–$12,000; an eighteen-karat gold wristwatch, 150th Anniversary Perpetual, Ulysse Nardin, estimated at $12,000–$18,000; an eighteen-karat white gold wristwatch, Patek Phillipe, estimated at $5,000–$7,000; and a diamond and eighteen-karat gold wristwatch, Tank Francaise, Cartier, estimated at $5,000–$7,000.
Left: An eighteen karat white gold wristwatch, Patek Phillipe. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000 Right: A diamond and eighteen karat gold wristwatch, Tank Francaise, Cartier. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
Our March 17th and 18th auctions will offer beautiful Chinese watercolor paintings, artwork ranging from El Greco to Andy Warhol, rare gold and silver coins, and a nice selection of diamond jewelry.
Clars’ Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department had a successful year, offering essential everyday luxury as well as fine and important jewelry and timepieces.
Our February 10th and 11th Auctions will offer stunning jade from China, rare furniture and collectibles, and Edwardian and Art Deco jewelry from private estates.
The Estate of Joanna Barnes and Jack Warner (Santa Barbara, California), will highlight Clars’ January auctions.
Auction
Artist Spotlight: Andy Warhol
Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary
Published in 1979, Andy Warhol’s bizarre take on the classic traditional subject of fruit still lifes, titled Space Fruit: Still Life Series, underscores his evolving interest in abstract art in the late 1970s.
He placed many pieces of fruit against a white background and cast harsh light upon them to create exaggerated shadows and light-based contrast.
Andy Warhol (American, 1928–1987), Peaches from Space Fruit: Still Life Series, 1979, screenprint, 30″ x 40″. Sold: $17,500
Peaches, a work from the series, gives Warhol space to experiment with colors and compositions, showcasing his interest in vibrant unrealistic colors and exaggerated shadows. Presenting an original view of a peach, this work pushed boundaries between the depiction of nature and consumer products. This series is highly sought after by the collectors and Peaches will be offered on March 18th at Clars Auction Gallery.
Clars’ February 9th Important Winter Modern + Contemporary Art Auction will feature artwork from an array of international artists.
Auction
Modern + Contemporary
March Highlights
Auction
Clars’ March 17th and 18th auctions will offer beautiful Chinese watercolor paintings, fine works of art ranging from El Greco to Andy Warhol, rare gold and silver coins and bars, and a nice selection of diamond jewelry in time for bridal season.
On March 18th, Clars’ Asian Art department will present two fine modern Chinese watercolor landscape paintings. The first painting is by Ou Haonian (b. 1935) and depicts Taipei, Taiwan’s Mount Shamao. The second painting is of a village scene and is attributed to 20th century Chinese watercolor master, Li Keran (1907–1989).
Ou Haonian (b. 1935), Mount Shamao. To be offered: March 18th
Both paintings hail from the estate of Albert and Aiko Hyderman. Albert Hyderman (1899–1992) was a successful businessman and art collector. Hyderman was the owner of P. Wiest and Son department store in York, Pennsylvania. Hyderman was also a close friend and patron of Thomas Hart Benton, the regionalist painter from Missouri. Upon his retirement, Albert and his family spent many winters residing in Italy and ultimately in Hong Kong, where he collected numerous famous Chinese watercolor paintings.
Attributed to Li Keran (1907–1989), Village Scene. To be offered: March 18th
Fine Arts
This March at Clars, we will be offering an intriguing piece from the circle of Domḗnikos Theotokópoulos, better known as El Greco, one of the leading figures of Spanish Renaissance painting. El Greco is known for his mannerist modeling of figures, sfumato color palette, and expressionistic compositions which were underappreciated in his own time but have since found recognition for their innovation in the modern era. The piece in our March auction is an oil on canvas painting depicting Christ carrying the cross surrounded by Roman soldiers. Spanish art historian, Manuel B. Cossio, an expert on the artist who published the defining treatise on his life and work in 1908, affirmed in a letter dating to 1930 that this depiction of Christ is an original by El Greco.
Furthermore, figures in this painting are replicated in other works known to be painted by El Greco, including the figure on horseback, as seen in Saint Martin and the Beggar, and the soldier on the far right, who is seen again in The Martyrdom of Saint Maurice. The work in our March sale, ascribed to the circle of El Greco, is estimated at $20,000–$40,000.
Circle of El Greco (Greek, 1541–1614), Untitled (Christ with the Cross on his Back and the Roman Soldiers), oil on canvas, 41.25″ x 33.25″. To be offered: March 17th
Also to be featured in our March auction, is a mixed media piece by Bay Area figure, Roy De Forest. De Forest moved from Washington State to the Bay Area during the 1950s, where he earned two art degrees and began teaching. While working at U.C. Davis, De Forest and his peers exhibited under the heading of Funk Art, and later began the Nut Art movement, which embraced humor and eccentricity. The piece in this month’s auction displays De Forest’s signature use of bright color and faux-naif style, with saturated objects decorating the paper in a seemingly random and playful configuration. This piece by Roy De Forest is estimated at $6,000–$9,000.
Roy Dean De Forest (American, 1930–2007), Untitled (Drawing), 1971, mixed media on paper, 21.25″ x 29.5″. To be offered: March 17th
A third highlight in our March auction is a bronze sculpture by American artist, Douglas Van Howd, known for his portrayals of the American West. This sculpture, titled Friends of Freedom, depicts a golden eagle leaping from the arm of an Apache man, who stands on a base of genuine petrified wood. First received by Ronald Reagan after being created for the Roosevelt Room of the White House in 1982, this piece comes from an edition of 50. Van Howd’s Western-themed artworks have earned him a following both within and outside of the United States, with Friends of Freedom being a favorite among collectors. This sculpture by Douglas Van Howd is estimated at $10,000–$15,000.
Douglas Van Howd (American, b. 1935), Friends of Freedom, 1982, bronze sculpture on petrified wood base, 73″ x 40″ x24″. To be offered: March 17th
A work on paper by American Pop Art icon, Andy Warhol, is also being offered on March 17th. The mixed media piece shows an ice cream cone with scoops of red, pink, and white ice cream atop a cone that is decorated with playful line work reminiscent of Art Nouveau design. This work is one in a series of ice cream themed designs drawn by Warhol during the 1950s and was likely inspired by the collaborative coloring parties that the burgeoning artist would host at Serendipity 3, the New York dessert café at which he was a lifelong patron. This work by Andy Warhol is estimated at $25,000–$35,000.
Andy Warhol (American, 1928–1987), Triple Scoop, circa 1950s, mixed media on paper, estate/foundation stamped verso, 12″ x 9″. Provenance: Estate of Joanna Barnes and Jack Warner (Santa Barbara, California). Ms. Barnes was a Hollywood film actress featured in movies such as Auntie Mame (1958) and The Parent Trap (1961). To be offered: March 17th
Furniture & Decorative Arts
Clars is pleased to offer the largest single owner precious metals collection in the gallery’s history. This collection includes uncirculated gold coins, silver bars, silver coins, and presentation coins, some in unopened containers. In all, close to forty lots are expected to bring more than $750,000. This collection will be a highlight of our fine silver and virtu being offered on March 18th.
Large single owner collection of gold and silver coins and bars. To be offered: March 18th
Fine Jewelry & Timepieces
The Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department at Clars Auction Gallery is excited to offer a selection of diamond, colored gemstone and gold jewelry, in their upcoming March 17th sale.
A diamond and fourteen karat gold bracelet. To be offered: March 17th
This sale features a variety of wardrobe staples to build up the foundation of your jewelry collection at accessible price points. A nice selection of diamond jewelry, in time for bridal season, includes a diamond and fourteen karat gold bracelet, estimated at $2,000–$4,000, and a diamond and fourteen karat white gold reviére necklace, estimated at $4,000–$6,000.
A colorful gemstone selection, including a pair of ruby, diamond and eighteen karat white gold earrings, estimated at $1,500–$2,500, and an untreated black opal, diamond and sapphire ring, estimated at $3,000–$5,000, will be offered. Other wearable timepieces that will highlight your everyday life are represented by an eighteen karat gold wristwatch, Chronograph, Hamilton, estimated at $800–$1,200, and a titanium wristwatch, Porsche Design, estimated at $800–$1,200.
A black opal, diamond and sapphire ring. To be offered: March 17th
Bidding for Clars’ March 17th and 18th auctions is available by phone, absentee bid, live online at Live.Clars.com and through Liveauctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. Clars Auction Gallery is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609. Clars Auction Gallery is based in Oakland (CA) and is the largest full-service auction gallery in the Western United States. Clars Auction Gallery has been the chosen auction gallery of a number of institutions and distinguished private collectors across the country including the Richard Mellon Scaife Estate, the Thomas J. Perkins Estate and The Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC). In the last 5 years, Clars Auction Gallery has sold well over $150,000,000 of Fine Art, Furnishings, Jewelry, Vehicles and Collectibles and has set multiple new world auction records. Follow Clars on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
Clars’ Spring Jewelry & Timepieces Auction on April 14th includes a fine selection of colored gemstones, diamonds, antique and signed jewelry, and timepieces.
Our February 10th and 11th Auctions will offer stunning jade from China, rare furniture and collectibles, and Edwardian and Art Deco jewelry from private estates.
The December auction series will include the Winter Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Auction on December 16th and the Winter Design + Art + Asian Art Auction on December 18th.
Auction
Artist Spotlight: Norman Rockwell
Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary
Norman Rockwell was a prolific American painter and illustrator, best known for depicting everyday American life.
Norman Rockwell (American, 1894–1978), The Conniosseur, color collotype, 27″h x 21.5″w. Sold: $2,000
He was commissioned to illustrate over 40 books, including Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Rockwell is probably best known for his cover illustration for the Saturday Evening Post.
Norman Rockwell (American, 1894–1978), Study – Crestwood Commuter Station (for Cover Illustration, Saturday Evening Post, November 16, 1946) & Portrait of an Equestrian Gentleman (verso), circa 1946, charcoal on paper (double-sided), 21.5″ x 20″. Sold: $242,000
Rockwell’s career with the Saturday Evening Post spanned 47 years, from his first cover illustration in 1916, to his last in 1963 — a Portrait of John F. Kennedy.
Published in 1979, Andy Warhol’s bizarre take on the classic traditional subject of fruit still lifes, titled Space Fruit: Still Life Series, underscores his evolving interest in abstract art in the late 1970s.
Clars’ February 9th Important Winter Modern + Contemporary Art Auction will feature artwork from an array of international artists.
Auction
Modern + Contemporary
Spring Design Auction
Auction
Modern + Contemporary
Clars is starting Spring with our Design Auction, to be held on March 16, 2023. Highlights include pieces by Hans Wegner, Stan Bitters, Toshiko Takaezu, Gertrud and Otto Natzler, George Nakashima, Charles and Ray Eames, among others. There will also be a selection of silver including Christofle and Tiffany.
Stan Bitters glazed ceramic medallion, 3′2″ diameter. Estimate: $12,000–$16,000
The Spring Design Auction will have numerous highlights across genres and countries. On offer will be a fine selection of pottery and ceramics including a Stan Bitters medallion, 3’2″dia., estimated at $12,000–$15,000. Bitters is renowned for his influence on the Californian arts and crafts scene since the 1960s.
Stan Bitters glazed stoneware planter, 12″h x 19″w. Estimate: $1,200–$1,600
Gertrud and Otto Natzler bowl, earthenware with matte glaze, 5″h x 12.5″w. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
Another prominent lot in the auction is a large Gertud and Otto Natzler bowl, which has a fine blue-grey mat glaze and measures 12.75″w. The bowl is valued conservatively at $5,000–$7,000. Other ceramicists in the sale include Toshiko Takaezu, Ka-Kwong Hui, Annabeth Rosen, Richard Hirsch, Brother Thomas Bezanson, etc.
Toshiko Takaezu glazed stoneware bowl, 4.5″h x 11.5″w. Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
There will be numerous furniture highlights in the auction, including a Michel Buffet floor lamp, expected to sell for $7,000–$10,000. Also, to be offered are several lots by designer Hans J. Wegner such as a set of eight ‘Heart’ Chairs estimated at $4,200–$5,200, a rare pair of JH-101 Lounge chairs and JH-103 Sofa, among others. In addition, there will be a pair of Finn Juhl NV-45’s offered, with an estimate of $20,000–$30,000.
Michel Buffet floor lamp, enameled steel and aluminum, 68.5″h. Estimate: $7,000–$10,000
Hans Wegner for Fritz Hansen Heart Chairs, model no. FH-4103, set of eight, 29″h. Estimate: $4,200–$5,200
Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Mezzadro Tractor Stools by Zanotta, Italy, set of four, 20″h. Estimate: $1,500–$2,500
Hans Wegner JH-101 Lounge Chairs, pair. Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
Albert Larsson occasional table, Sweden, 1950s, teak, copper, 17″h x 16″dia. Estimate: $500–$700
Hans Wegner JH-103 Three Seat Sofa. Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
Thebes stool, 15″h x 16.5″w. Estimate: $800–$1,200
Finn Juhl, Lounge Chairs, Model NV-45, Pair. Estimate: $20,000–$30,000
Florence Knoll stacking stool model 75, 18″h x 14″dia. Estimate: $500–$700
For American furniture, there will be a Philip and Kelvin Laverne Fantasia coffee table, estimated at $5,000–$7,000, a Charles and Ray Eames 670 and 671 lounge chair and ottoman, and an Ettore Sottsass Westside lounge chair, just to name a few.
Philip and Kelvin Laverne, Fantasia Coffee Table. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
Charles and Ray Eames, 670 and 671 Lounge Chair and Ottoman. Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
René Lalique Lezards et Bleuts vase, 14″h (drilled). Estimate: $2,000–$4,000
Several sterling silver lots will be offered such as a Tiffany & Co. Audubon flatware set, valued at $7,000–$9,000, and a Christofle, Sceaux flatware set, expected to sell for $6,000–$9,000.
Christofle, Sceaux Flatware, Set of 84. Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
Clars’ Spring Jewelry & Timepieces Auction on April 14th includes a fine selection of colored gemstones, diamonds, antique and signed jewelry, and timepieces.
Published in 1979, Andy Warhol’s bizarre take on the classic traditional subject of fruit still lifes, titled Space Fruit: Still Life Series, underscores his evolving interest in abstract art in the late 1970s.
Our March 17th and 18th auctions will offer beautiful Chinese watercolor paintings, artwork ranging from El Greco to Andy Warhol, rare gold and silver coins, and a nice selection of diamond jewelry.
Yayoi Kusama is well known for her sculptures and installations, paintings, performances and fashion.
Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary
International Women’s Day
Designer Spotlight
Stories & News
Clars is celebrating International Women’s Day by highlighting the career of Greta Grossman, one of the leading female designers of the mid-20th Century.
Greta Grossman.
Not only was Grossman a furniture designer, but she was also an architect and interior designer. Her career spanned forty years and her reach was global. Although originally based in Sweden, Greta’s work became incredibly popular in the United States, and in the 1940s she opened a shop in Beverly Hills. It was there that she worked for celebrity clients, such as Greta Garbo.
The Junior League of SF held its Annual Tea on March 5th where Clars was invited to showcase and discuss pieces from the 1960's relating to the event’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s theme.
Clars’ Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department had a successful year, offering essential everyday luxury as well as fine and important jewelry and timepieces.
2022 saw wonderful auction results at Clars, with outstanding Fine Art sales doing 42% of total sales for the fiscal year.
Fine Art
Stories & News
Designer Spotlight: Toshiko Takaezu
Designer Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary
Toshiko Takaezu, renowned abstract Hawaiian ceramicist from the twentieth century, drew inspiration from her own cultural background as well as contemporary painting and sculpture.
Toshiko Takaezu, Closed Forms. Sold: $24,250
Toshiko Takaezu (American/Japanese, 1922–2011) is best know for her ‘Closed forms’ which can be described as both sculptures and paintings all in one. Each form is unique and varies in shape, size, color and texture and captures a spirit that mirrors work of other postwar expressionist artists, like Joan Mitchell and Mark Rothko.
Published in 1979, Andy Warhol’s bizarre take on the classic traditional subject of fruit still lifes, titled Space Fruit: Still Life Series, underscores his evolving interest in abstract art in the late 1970s.
Clars is celebrating International Women’s Day by highlighting the career of Greta Grossman, one of the leading female designers of the mid-20th Century.
Pablo Picasso, known globally as one of the most important artists of the 20th century, created in a multitude of mediums.
Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary
Annual Tea | The Junior League of San Francisco
Event
Stories & News
The Junior League of San Francisco, Inc. (JLSF) is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.
Valuation Day setup – Annual Tea, The Junior League of San Francisco.
The Junior League of SF held its Annual Tea, a cherished annual tradition, which took place on Sunday, March 5th at the Top of the Mark at the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel.
Valuation session with Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Associate Specialist, Yao Jiang.
This event recognized and celebrated past Junior League Presidents as well as Sustainer Emeritus members with a fun Breakfast at Tiffany’s theme!
Members lined up to meet with Yao and Campbell.
Clars Auction Gallery was invited to showcase and discuss pieces from the 1960’s relating to the Breakfast at Tiffany’s theme. The Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department team, Yao and Campbell, delighted the group with a little history from cultured pearls to retro jewelry. Clars is honored to have been a part of this event and is proud to support The Junior League of SF.
Clars is celebrating International Women’s Day by highlighting the career of Greta Grossman, one of the leading female designers of the mid-20th Century.
Clars’ Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department had a successful year, offering essential everyday luxury as well as fine and important jewelry and timepieces.
2022 saw wonderful auction results at Clars, with outstanding Asian Art sales throughout the year.
Asian Art
Stories & News
2022 Design In Review
Design
Stories & News
Clars had a strong 2022 Design auction season with bidders vying for the top lots, allowing Clars to achieve impressive auction records across the board.
Clars was pleased with the international response to American designers, like George Nakashima and Vladimir Kagan, at the March 25th Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction.
George Nakashima, 7′ overhanging walnut wall case, executed in 1971. Sold: $62,500
Leading the Design section of the auction was a wall hanging cabinet by master woodworker, George Nakashima, that topped off at $62,500 and sold to an international bidder.
Vladimir Kagan Collection, contour rocking chair. Sold: $16,900
A Vladimir Kagan Collection contour rocking chair, circa 1999, had numerous bidders competing for the lot, and found a new home with an online bidder for $16,900.
Another popular Designer among bidders was Hans Wegner, whose Papa Bear lounge chair realized $13,700.
Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen Papa Bear lounge chair, Denmark, circa 1960. Sold: $13,700
Summer Highlights
The June 17th Modern + Contemporary Art + Design sale at Clars totaled $1,070,250 across 239 lots.
Mario Bellini, Cab Chairs Model 413, set of ten. Sold: $17,500
Highlights for Design included a set of Mario Bellini Cab chairs that sold for $17,500, and a Phillip Lloyd Powell New Hope Chair that brought $15,000.
Phillip Lloyd Powell, New Hope Lounge Chair and Ottoman. Sold: $15,000
Fall Highlights
Clars had a nearly 100% sell through rate for the Fall Design sale on September 16th, with just above 100 lots selling for over $210,000 total.
Angelo Mangiarotti Eros Dining Table. Sold: $18,750
Top picks included an Angelo Mangiarotti ‘Eros’ Dining Table, which sold for $18,750, and a set of Christian Liaigre Bazane Stools that sold for $9,375.
Christian Liaigre Bazane stools. Sold: $9,375
Winter Highlights
Design led Clars’ December 18th Auction with a large selection of pottery, including several pieces by Toshiko Takaezu. Takaezu, a Hawaiian ceramicist of Japanese descent, is most well known for her ‘Closed forms.’ Clars was pleased with the results of a set of four of these pieces which commanded $24,250.
Clars is celebrating International Women’s Day by highlighting the career of Greta Grossman, one of the leading female designers of the mid-20th Century.
The Junior League of SF held its Annual Tea on March 5th where Clars was invited to showcase and discuss pieces from the 1960's relating to the event’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s theme.
Clars’ Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department had a successful year, offering essential everyday luxury as well as fine and important jewelry and timepieces.
2022 saw wonderful auction results at Clars, with outstanding Asian Art sales throughout the year.
Asian Art
Stories & News
Artist Spotlight: Yayoi Kusama
Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary
Born in 1929 in Matsumoto, Japan, Yayoi Kusama is well known for her sculptures, installations, paintings, performances and fashion. Kusama is the highest-selling living female artist and has a body of work that spans over the past 70 years.
A preeminent figure in the art world, Kusama emerged onto the art scene in the 1960s in New York, collaborating with Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenberg, and Robert Morris and contributed to the rise of feminist and pop art.
Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1939), A Pumpkin GB-D, 2004, screenprint, 9.4″h x 11.1″w. Sold: $40,625
Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1929), Grapes, 1982, screenprint, 12.4″ x 10.6″. Sold: $38,750
Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1939), Pumpkin, 1983, screenprint, 23″h x 19″w. Sold: $31,250
Throughout her work, Kusama has explored such themes as her own obsessive-compulsive disorder, hallucinations, sexuality and freedom. Various Kusama prints that were sold at Clars exhibit her signature style, featuring polka dots and nets in dense patterns with obsessive repetition.
Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1939), Pumpkin, 1983, screenprint, 23″h x 19″w. Sold: $87,500
Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1929), Top left:Pumpkin (Y), 1992, screenprint, 6.25″h x 8.75″w. Top Right:Dancing Pumpkin (YOR), 2004, screenprint, 15.5″h x 22.25″w. Bottom Left:Napping Pumpkin, 1993, screenprint, 21″h x 25.75″w. Bottom Right:Red Colored Pumpkin, 1994, screenprint, 18″h x 20.75″w. Sold: $108,750
In 1993, Kusama represented Japan at the Venice Biennale. She has been the subject of major exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art, Centre Pompidou, Tate Modern, and the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo as well as a major retrospective at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 2012. In 2017, she opened the Yoyoi Kusama Museum in Tokyo near her studio and the psychiatric hospital where she has voluntarily lived since 1977.
Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1929), High Heels, 1986, screenprint, 12.4″h x 16″w. Sold: $17,500
Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1929), Town, 1999, screenprint, 18.8″h x 23.4″w. Sold: 13,750
Left: Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1929), Pumpkin, 1982, lithograph in colors with collage, 22.75″h x 18.75w″. Sold: $21,250 Right: Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1929), Pumpkin God, 1993, screenprint, 28.75″h x 21″w. Sold: $26,250
Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1939), Flower (1), 1992, lithograph in color, 9.4″h x 11.1″w. Sold: $12,500
Published in 1979, Andy Warhol’s bizarre take on the classic traditional subject of fruit still lifes, titled Space Fruit: Still Life Series, underscores his evolving interest in abstract art in the late 1970s.