The collection includes a wide selection of diamond, colored gemstone and signed jewelry spanning over a century. Maker’s such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co, Seaman Schepps, Fabergé, Rolex and more are represented in the dynamic collection.
Clars is excited to present The Maritime Sale on April 18th, our Furniture, Art, Jewelry & Asian Auction on April 19th, and our Warehouse Auction on April 20th.
The April 24th sale at Clars will be led by the Asian art department with numerous highlights from porcelains, to furniture, paintings, jade and snuff bottles, among others. To view the full catalog, please visit here. For inquiries, please reach out to Harry Huang at [email protected] and Megan Ma at [email protected] or WeChat mayiming0723.
Clars is excited to present The Maritime Sale on April 18th, our Furniture, Art, Jewelry & Asian Auction on April 19th, and our Warehouse Auction on April 20th.
Clars is excited to present our Furniture, Art, Jewelry & Asian Auction on February 16th and our Warehouse Sale on February 17th.
Auction
Featured April Lots
Auction
The April 24th sale at Clars will be led by the Asian art department with numerous highlights from porcelains, to furniture, paintings, jade and snuff bottles, among others.
Asian Art
Clars Auction Gallery will offer a fine selection of Asian works of art on Sunday, April 24th. This auction will include various Chinese antique porcelains, jade and stone carvings, furniture, Chinese paintings, embroidered works, and other categories of Asian works of art.
A finely molded Dingyao bowl featuring lotus and other aquatic plants along with a double-fish medallion will headline the auction. The Song dynasty bowl was acquired from the late Chingwah Lee Collection of San Francisco sold at Sotheby’s Los Angeles Fine Oriental Art Sale on June 8th, 1981. A fine example of Chinese monochromes is the Qianlong mark and period celadon-glazed and carved vase displaying overlapping lotus petals throughout. Another Qing imperial porcelain is the Guangxu mark and period famille rose ‘Three Rams’ bowl, which has four medallions each depicting the Three Rams against a lemon-yellow sgraffito ground.
The jade, hardstone and snuff bottle portion of the sale will feature an eclectic selection of carvings from the Neolithic period up to the modern era. A fine example can be seen in the white jade snuff bottle with finely carved decoration in the Rococo style. Rounding out the section is a group of jade and hardstone toggles and pendants from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The furniture portion will feature a pair of 18th century huanghuali horseshoe-back armchairs. These armchairs feature decorative carved panels on the backs with auspicious floral groupings and mythical creatures. Another furniture highlight is the huanghuali altar coffer dated to the late Qing to Republic period. The wide single panel top is flanked by a pair of everted flanges above three drawers with white brass hardware, atop a coffer cabinet with a pair of hinged double doors. The simplistic design exemplifies the rich and attractive huanghuali wood grains.
Another highlight of the sale is an ink on paper hanging scroll by Wu Changshuo (Chinese, 1844–1927). The ink painting depicting plum blossoms is extensively inscribed by the artist and dated to 1915. The painting is a perfect example of the artist’s masterful utilization of dry and wet brush techniques to illustrate the strength of the branches and the depth of the scene. This painting was acquired in Shanghai prior to 1945 and this is the first time that it has been offered for sale at auction.
Fine Art
Clars fine art is excited to offer the first printings of the photograph Girl with Candy by Ukrainian photographer Oleskii Kyrychenko. Oleskii gained recognition on social media after uploading the photo of his young daughter holding a (unloaded) double barrel rifle with lollipop in mouth, just days before Ukraine was attacked by Russian forces. Oleksii, who’s been a photography hobbyist since school, wanted to capture and show the world what a war-torn Ukraine would look like for its people and its children. Despite attempts to share the images on Facebook, they were not truly appreciated until his dystopian photograph became reality.
Clars will be auctioning one photograph, printed here in Oakland by permission of the photographer, in our April 24th sale with an estimate of $1,000–$2,000. Oleksii has requested that half of the proceeds be donated to Come Back Alive, a non-governmental organization helping the Ukrainian military by supplying troops with technical support and medical aid.
The print multiples portion of the sale will also hold two works by famous art nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha (Czech, 1860–1939). Titled Tetes Byzantines, the lot will include both the Brunette and the Blonde profiles printed on the original 1897 round paper. The two images became quite popular at the turn of the century and were printed numerous times in different variants for advertising and souvenir purposes. Brunette and Blonde will be offered at $6,000–$9,000 for the pair.
Clars Auction Gallery is also pleased to offer two prints by Yayoi Kusama, Grapes, a screenprint, from 1982, and Shoes a lithograph, from 1984. 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. Throughout her work, Kusama has explored such themes as her own obsessive-compulsive disorder, hallucinations, sexuality and freedom. Grapes and Shoes exhibit Kusama’s signature style, featuring polka dots and nets in dense patterns with obsessive repetition. 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. Each print is estimated at $10,000–$15,000.
Furniture & Decorative Arts
There will be a fine selection of coins, silver, and other objects de vertu. Highlights include a Parker Rare and Exceptional ribbon eye dropper fountain pen, dated 1914, estimated at $8,000–$12,000, and an 1887 $1 Gold type 3 Princess Head PCGS Proof 63 cameo valued at $5,000–$7,000.
Also to be offered, is a collection of Native American basketry and blankets, a large selection of Daum glass, and Berkeley Mills furniture.
Fine Jewelry
The Fine Jewelry & Timepiece department at Clars Auction Gallery is excited to offer a selection of diamond, colored gemstone and gold jewelry, in their upcoming April 24th sale.
This sale features a variety of brightly colored gemstone jewelry to enlighten your wardrobe in time for Spring and build up the foundation of your jewelry collection at accessible price points. These whimsical and colorful pieces include a pair of beryl and fourteen karat gold earrings, estimated at $800–$1,200, a turquoise, diamond and eighteen karat white gold ring, estimated at $1,800–$2,200, a pair of floriform eighteen karat gold earrings and a pendant necklace suite, estimated at $400–$600.
Clars will also be offering a nice selection of diamond jewelry in time for bridal season, including a diamond and eighteen karat white gold necklace, estimated at $3,500–$5,500, a pair of South Sea pearl and fourteen karat white gold earrings, estimated at $800–$1,200, and a pair of diamond tassel and fourteen karat white gold earrings, estimated at $1,500–$2,500.
Bidding for Clars’ April 23–24, 2022 auctions is available by phone, absentee bid, and 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 $125,000,000 of Fine Art, Furnishings, Jewelry, Vehicles and Collectibles and has set multiple new world auction records. Follow Clars on Facebook and Twitter!
Clars is excited to present The Maritime Sale on April 18th, our Furniture, Art, Jewelry & Asian Auction on April 19th, and our Warehouse Auction on April 20th.
Clars is excited to present our Furniture, Art, Jewelry & Asian Auction on February 16th and our Warehouse Sale on February 17th.
Auction
Signed Print to Aid Ukraine
Auction
Stories & News
A limited edition signed print will be offered April 24th to help in the aid effort in Ukraine.
Clars Auction Gallery is proud to be offering a print of the photograph Girl with Candy by now world-renowned Ukrainian photographer Oleksii Kyrychenko. Oleksii blew-up on social media after uploading the photo of his young daughter holding a (unloaded) double barrel rifle with lollipop in mouth, just days before Ukraine was attacked by Russian forces. Oleksii, who’s been a photography hobbyist since school, wanted to capture and show the world what a war-torn Ukraine would look like for its people and its children. Despite attempts to share the images on Facebook, they were not truly appreciated until his dystopian photograph became reality.
Oleksii said, “I posted the photo to a few Facebook foreign photo groups. They were banned immediately in those with Russian admins. The other groups were ambiguous about the piece. A lot of people criticized the photo for showing a child with a weapon. Finally, the photo remained posted in only one group.” But after the atrocities of the war began, he went on to say, “Suddenly the image had spread all over the world. The opinions of these photos have changed completely, as now the world has seen the real face of the Russian invasion.”
Clars will be auctioning a print of the photograph, printed here in Oakland by permission of the photographer. It is one of a limited edition of 5, which will be auctioned in our April 24th sale with an estimate of $1,000–$2,000.
Oleksii has requested that half of the proceeds be donated to Come Back Alive, a non-governmental organization helping the Ukrainian military by supplying troops with technical support and medical aid.
Bid online on live.clars.com, phone bid, live or by absentee.
Clars is excited to present The Maritime Sale on April 18th, our Furniture, Art, Jewelry & Asian Auction on April 19th, and our Warehouse Auction on April 20th.
Clars is excited to present our Furniture, Art, Jewelry & Asian Auction on February 16th and our Warehouse Sale on February 17th.
Auction
Featured March Lots
Auction
Modern + Contemporary
Clars is thrilled to offer our specialized Modern + Contemporary Art and Design sale on Friday March 25th.
The art portion of the sale will be chockfull of iconic prints, sculptures, and original works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Paul Wonner, Roy Lichtenstein, Wayne Thiebaud, Milton Avery, Robert Longo, and Robert Motherwell to name a few. The highlight of the sale will be a spectacular painting by California artist Loie Hollowell (American, b. 1983) titled Point of Entry (Blood-Orange Moon over Orange Sac). The vibrant work is a stunning example of Hollowell’s colorful blend of abstraction and bodily form. The painting, estimated at $400,000–$600,000, stands four feet tall and pulls the observer in with its rhythmic arrangement and three dimensionality.
The sale will also highlight a 1961 original graphite on paper by Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973). The drawing, titled Études VII (d’après Manet), was exhibited at Alex Maguy Galerie De L’Élysée in 1966 and has remained in private collection ever since. The original work will be offered at $100,000–$150,000.
The Design portion of the sale will feature numerous notable names, including George Nakashima, Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl, Hans Olsen, Jens Risom, Charles and Ray Eames, Florence Knoll among others.
The highlight will be a George Nakashima 7’ overhanging walnut wall case executed in 1971 estimated at $20,000–$30,000. Also to be offered is a Hans Wegner Papa Bear chair and a Valet chair, and a Finn Juhl Japan sofa. There will be a large collection of glass including Dale Chihuly, Fontana Arte, Venini, Daum, and Lalique.
Bidding for Clars’ March 25th auction is available by phone, absentee bid, and 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 $125,000,000 of Fine Art, Furnishings, Jewelry, Vehicles and Collectibles and has set multiple new world auction records. Follow Clars on Facebook and Twitter!
Clars is excited to present The Maritime Sale on April 18th, our Furniture, Art, Jewelry & Asian Auction on April 19th, and our Warehouse Auction on April 20th.
Clars is excited to present our Furniture, Art & Asian Auction on March 22nd and our Warehouse Auction on March 23rd.
Auction
March Modern + Contemporary Art Auction Highlights
Auction
Modern + Contemporary
Clars is thrilled to offer our specialized Modern + Contemporary Art and Design sale on Friday March 25th.
The art portion of the sale will be chockfull of iconic prints, sculptures, and original works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Paul Wonner, Roy Lichtenstein, Wayne Thiebaud, Milton Avery, Robert Longo, and Robert Motherwell to name a few. The highlight of the sale will be a spectacular painting by California artist Loie Hollowell (American, b. 1983) titled Point of Entry (Blood-Orange Moon over Orange Sac). The vibrant work is a stunning example of Hollowell’s colorful blend of abstraction and bodily form. The painting, estimated at $400,000–$600,000, stands four feet tall and pulls the observer in with its rhythmic arrangement and three dimensionality. The sale will also highlight a 1961 original graphite on paper by Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973). The drawing, titled Les Déjeuners – Femmes Accroupies (Crouching Women), was exhibited at Alex Maguy Galerie De L’Élysée in 1966 and has remained in private collection ever since. The original work will be offered at $100,000–$150,000.
Clars is excited to present The Maritime Sale on April 18th, our Furniture, Art, Jewelry & Asian Auction on April 19th, and our Warehouse Auction on April 20th.
Clars is excited to present our Furniture, Art & Asian Auction on March 22nd and our Warehouse Auction on March 23rd.
Auction
Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction
Auction
Modern + Contemporary
Join Clars for our major March 25th Modern + Contemporary + Art + Design auction.
Highlights range from the turn of the 20th to the 21st century, and include Loie Hollowell (American, b. 1983), Point of Entry (Blood-Orange Moon Over Orange Sac), Francisco Zuniga (Mexican, 1912–1998), Young Woman at the Threshold, a Louis Sullivan elevator grille from the Chicago Stock Exchange, a Finn Juhl Japan sofa, Dale Chihuly glass sculptures, Italian glass such as Fontana Arte and Afro Celotto, among others.
Clars is excited to present The Maritime Sale on April 18th, our Furniture, Art, Jewelry & Asian Auction on April 19th, and our Warehouse Auction on April 20th.
Clars is excited to present our Furniture, Art & Asian Auction on March 22nd and our Warehouse Auction on March 23rd.
Auction
Featured February Lots
Auction
Clars will hold their Fine Jewelry and Timepieces auction on February 17, followed by auctions showcasing Fine Art, Asian Art and Furniture & Decorative Arts February 19–20.
Fine Jewelry
On February 17th 2022, Clars Auction will be offering a Fine Jewelry & Timepiece sale including a variety of colored gemstone, diamond, gold and signed jewelry and timepieces. The sale includes a nice selection of colored gemstones of exceptional origin, impressive diamond and Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
The selection of gemstones are highlighted by lot 3012, a Ceylon sapphire, diamond and eighteen karat white gold ring, estimated at $4,000–$6,000; lot 3050, a Colombian emerald, diamond and platinum pendant, estimated at $5,000–$7,000; and lot 3019, a Burmese ruby, diamond and eighteen karat white gold ring, estimated at $10,000–$15,000.
A selection of impressive diamond jewelry includes old and new, with lot 3005, an Art Deco diamond and platinum ring, estimated at $8,000–$12,000; a wide strap bracelet set with 45.00 carats of diamonds, estimated at $35,000–$45,000; and lot 3080, a 4.30 carats round brilliant-cut diamond ring, estimated at $25,000–$35,000.
Tiffany & Co. is represented by, lot 3081, a sapphire and eighteen karat gold ring, estimated at $3,000–$5,000; lot 3144, a cultured pearl torsade necklace, designed by Paloma Picasso, estimated at $2,000–$3,000; and lot 3108, an ‘Open Heart’ eighteen karat gold pendant necklace, by Elsa Peretti, estimated at $1,000–$1,500.
Fine Art
Clars’ February sale will offer a wide collection of Fine Art from varying genres and mediums. The main highlight of the sale will be a stunning painting by Herbert James Draper (British, 1864–1920), demonstrating his classical style sea nymphs basking along a rocky coast. Draper was known for painting mythological themes, having studied at the Royal Academy of Arts and traveling to Paris and Rome to further this knowledge of the style. The painting to be offered February 20th, titled Evening Calm, is estimated at $70,000–$100,000.
Clars is also eager to offer a beautiful example of Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s (French, 1841–1919) lithograph Le Chapeau Épinglé. The print depicts the daughter of Renoir’s contemporary Berthe Morisot, Julie Manet, along with her cousin Paulette, in the traditional attire of the times. Easily one of Renoir’s most recognizable prints, this olive green print is a first plate version, from a small edition of just fifty printed in that color. The lithograph is valued at $6,000–$9,000.
A student of William Merritt Chase, Addison Thomas Millar’s (American, 1860–1913) Orientalist scenes with figures were highly desired among collectors at the turn of the last century, The painting, Rue de Diable, Algiers, epitomizes this and will be offered at $8,000–$12,000.
For those historical purists that prefer photographs, the rare orotone by Edward Sheriff Curtis (American, 1868–1952) titled, The Rush Gatherer, is estimated at $15,000–$20,000 and will surely get noticed by collectors.
Furniture & Decorative Arts
For the Furniture and Decorative Arts portion of the sale, there will be a patinated verdigris metal sculpture executed in the Renaissance taste, valued at $2,500–$3,500. Decorated with whimsical mythological figures, this sculpture will undoubtably captivate the auction audience.
Also up for offer is an early Gorham Aesthetic Movement coin silver hot beverage service estimated at $6,000–$9,000. The large Marcus & Co. New York sterling tray will be offered in a subsequent lot, and at 220 toz. is expected to command $7,000–$9,000. Collecting fine silver is a passion for many. Elaborate table-scapes that sparkle in pictures are trending on various Social Media platforms, including Instagram.
A Santa Inez painted decorated Santos caged figure, Guatemala, 18th century, will be offered with an estimate of $2,000–$4,000.
There will be a nice selection of Native American basketry and Navajo blankets. Highlights include a Karuk basketry hat, as well as Maidu, Washoe and Tlingit examples.
Asian Art
The Asian art department will have several highlights including a Chinese parcel-gilt copper alloy repousse figure of the Medicine Buddha (lot 6840). Commonly known as the Medicine Buddha, he is considered a healer who alleviates suffering and offers solace to the afflicted through the medicine of his teachings. The practice of veneration of the Medicine Buddha is popular in China and Tibet, as he is depicted as one of the three prominent Buddha figures, the others being the founder Shakyamuni and Amitabha. The current example hails from the late 17th century to early 18th century, and was made for a devoted Buddhist practitioner of significant wealth and stature. The Buddha carries an auction estimate of $15,000–$25,000.
Featuring prominently in the auction will be a Chinese white jade pendant (lot 6894).
The plum blossom featured on the white jade pendant is a symbol of winter and a harbinger of spring. Specifically, the plum blossom came to symbolize perseverance and hope, as well as beauty, purity, and the transitory state of life. The two character seal inscription ‘Meishou’ on the reverse grants the owner of the jade pendant hope and longevity. This jade pendant is a fine example of 18th century workmanship and the jade stone is of a high quality.
Bidding for Clars’ February 17–20, 2022 auctions is available by phone, absentee bid, and 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 $125,000,000 of Fine Art, Furnishings, Jewelry, Vehicles and Collectibles and has set multiple new world auction records. Follow Clars on Facebook and Twitter!
Clars is excited to present The Maritime Sale on April 18th, our Furniture, Art, Jewelry & Asian Auction on April 19th, and our Warehouse Auction on April 20th.
Clars is excited to present our Furniture, Art, Jewelry & Asian Auction on February 16th and our Warehouse Sale on February 17th.
Auction
The Significance of Origin: Rubies
Fine Jewelry
Stories & News
A gemstone is defined by its beauty. Factors such as size, shape, cut and color all assist in defining a gemstone’s beauty. The most influential of which is color. The ruby, a variety of corundum, is defined by its red hue component.
Rubies can range from orangey red to purplish red in color. Among this wide range, the finest rubies show a pure red to slightly purplish red, enhanced by vivid saturation. Many imaginative names have been used to describe a ruby’s color. The most notable being ‘pigeon’s blood’. This term characterizes the red fluorescence sometimes displayed in a ruby or ‘freshly killed pigeon’.
Although production can vary greatly even within an individual mine, some sources have become synonymous with a particular color and quality. The Mogok region of Myanmar, formerly Burma, produces ‘Burmese’ rubies. This is one of the world’s most important sources for fine rubies. These stones typically rest at the top of the market, often displaying exceptional color and quality. They typically show a red to slightly purplish red hue, vivid saturation and medium-dark tone. They often display a signature red fluorescence and a softness that is a result of internal inclusions. The most exceptional examples of Burmese rubies display a red hue and vivid saturation in addition to its softness and fluorescence.
The ruby market is also shared with the mines of Thailand and Cambodia. These sources produce ‘Thai’ or ‘Pailin’ rubies. They can show a pure red, but typically fall in the range of brownish red to purplish red, with a medium-dark to very dark tone. These stones often face up relatively dark as they commonly display areas of extinction.
Since its discovery in recent decades, the Mozambique mines of Africa, have become the world’s leading supplier of rubies. The introduction of these stones, which tend to range from purplish red to red, sometimes with a tint of orange, have forced the trade’s language to adjust. The Gemological Institute of America is now utilizing terms such as ‘crimson’, a slightly purplish red and ‘scarlet’, a red reflecting an orange tint, to characterize these increasingly common stones.
Many factors contribute to the beauty of a gemstone, including size, shape and cut. Nevertheless, color and origin, which are often tied together, remain the most important.
Clars’ Summer Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction brought in active bidders from across the globe vying for artwork from world famous artists and design from master woodworkers.
Yao Jiang, Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Specialist at Clars, spoke to Rob Stewart, PBS TV Host & Executive Producer, on one the department's recently sold natural pearl necklaces for 2023’s Antique Valuation Day.
Clars Auction Gallery recently stopped by the PBS KVIE studio to film interviews for this year’s Antique Valuation Day.
Event
Stories & News
Clars 2021 Highlights Recap
Stories & News
Clars Auction Gallery sees strong results for Modern + Contemporary Art + Design sales in 2021.
Fine Art
In September, Clars was proud to present the firm’s Modern + Contemporary Art + Design auction. This curated specialized sale was a great success realizing over $1,300,000 with just over 365 lots. The sale was led by Andy Warhol’s iconic Moonwalk screenprints. Printed in 1987, the suite depicts Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin’s famous walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission of 1969. Emphasized in both yellow and pink, the prints capture Warhol’s classic pop art visuals while simultaneously demonstrating a shift away from commercial imagery to historical events and figures. The works were intended to be a part of a series depicting famous and influential television events but due to the artist’s death just months after their printing, Moonwalk was the only image completed. With numerous telephone bidders from across the globe, and many collectors vying for the prints, the price soared to $417,500.
Rick Unruh, CEO and President of Clars noted, “Our Modern + Contemporary Art + Design sale reached a global audience, evidence of the fact that Clars is on the map when it comes to Modern and Contemporary. We also continue to reach record prices with works by Andy Warhol. It couldn’t have been better timing in offering these screenprints, with the splash down of the SpaceX Inspiration4 this weekend — the first all-civilian space flight.”
Another major highlight from the sale was a Paul Wonner (American, 1920–2008) painting, Flowers and Boxes of Fruit (1991) that commanded $125,000, well over its $80,000–120,000 estimate.
Portraiture of racy historical sitters are often a favorite among collectors. Such was the case at Clars Auction Gallery on February 21, when The Lady in Black and Green (Mrs Dudley Ward) by Sir John Lavery (Irish, 1856–1941) crossed the block in the firm’s Fine Art & Antique Auction. The sitter was an English socialite best known for being the married mistress of the Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VIII) from 1918 to 1929. Painted in 1920 at the peak of her romance with the future king, this oil on canvas stirred up some old gossip. With numerous international telephone bidders vying for the portrait, it ultimately commanded a total of $135,300.
Rick Unruh, CEO and director of the Fine Art department at Clars said, “We were very pleased with the outcome of Lavery’s painting, The Lady in Green and Black (Mrs. Dudley Ward). I believe that the sitter, being a fairly renowned personality in early Twentieth Century British society, and her connection to King Edward VIII, made this painting quite special. Also, having 14 international telephone bidders on this lot did help immensely, too.”
The painting came to Clars from a San Francisco Bay Area estate. Deric Torres, senior vice president of Trust and Estates added, “The trust bequeathed many items to institutions around the country, and the Lavery painting is one of many fine items we will be offering from this very important estate.”
Furniture & Decorative Arts
20th Century Design was featured prominently in the 2021 auction series. A Dale Chihuly (American b. 1941), Untitled (Pink and white glass chandelier) commanded $62,500. Art glass always sells well, and Clars will have a nice selection of glass in the March 2022 Art + Design auction, including Chihuly, Fontana Arte, and Afro Celotto among others.
A collection of Hermes furniture realized at total of $77,125 across eight lots. Several of the pieces were reissues of models originally designed by Jean Michel Frank for Hermes in the 1920s. The strong selling price for the Hermes furniture is indicative that Art Deco style is starting to trend into 2022.
A Philip and Kelvin Laverne Eternal Forest coffee table commanded $22,500. This table, from the 1960s, is in a rare natural motif, which undoubtably led to several bidders vying for the lot.
Fine Jewelry
Jewelry at Clars saw great successes in 2021. The department achieved nearly $3M in sales, more than doubling the previous year’s sales. This was in-part to the introduction of their curated Fine Jewelry Sales, which represented excellent examples of diamond, colored gemstone and signed jewelry spanning the Georgian period to contemporary.
The year surmounted by the sale of a very light blue diamond, weighing 8.58 carats. The rare color, often surrounded by myth and lore, thrilled buyers, achieving a sales result of $468,500.
Diamonds continued to achieve top prices with the sale of a 5.04 carats pear brilliant-cut diamond ring, showing G color and VS1 clarity. The sizable stone displaying great clarity achieved a sale price of $87,500.
We also saw excellent results in fresh-to-market antiques, like this Victorian colored diamond brooch designed as a horseshoe, which achieved a sale price $9,375.
The call for signed jewelry was strong across decades. This included the sale of an eighteen karat gold necklace produced by American jewelry house, David Webb, which fetched $19,050; and in addition, the sale of a fine diamond and gemstone brooch, designed by Oskar Woldemar Pihl for Fabregé, designed as a frond, which achieved $12,500.
Asian Art
The Asian Art department had several important auction items, including a gilt bronze Buddhist figure in the Tibeto-Chinese style, that sold for $187,500. Produced during the 15th century for the Ming dynasty, imperial patronage are highly distinguished for their unsurpassed craftsmanship, overall refinement and gracefulness.
The distinct Imperial style of the bronze figure that sold at Clars includes the double-lotus bases with beaded rims and characteristic facial features with broadened outline, gently arched brows above the lidded eyes and subtle smile, all finished with great attention to detail.
A Chinese huanghuali corner leg table, with a single paneled top and “giant’s arms” braces supporting the beaded legs and apron, went for $93,750. The table measured 18 inches high and 77 inches long.
The Eighteenth Century table was cut down to coffee table height and would have originally been taller. They were primarily made for painting, calligraphy or writing in a scholar’s studio.
When asked what made it special, Harry Huang, Associate Director of Asian Art at Clars said, “It’s primarily the age and the size of the table. It’s roughly Eighteenth Century and it’s very comparable to other pieces sold at other major auction houses. The size, at 77 inches, is pretty much the max for that type of table.”
About Clars: Clars Auction Gallery is located at 5644 Telegraph Ave., 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 $125,000,000 of Fine Art, Furnishings, Jewelry, Vehicles and Collectibles and has set multiple new world auction records. Follow Clars on Facebook and Twitter!
Clars’ Summer Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction brought in active bidders from across the globe vying for artwork from world famous artists and design from master woodworkers.