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.

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.

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.

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.

Known for the absurdist humor in his Pop Art compositions, Red Grooms has worked as a painter, sculptor, and printmaker, taking the latter method to a new level in the work being offered in Clars’ Fine Interiors & Design Auction.

The collaged lithograph, titled De Kooning Breaks Out, depicts famed Dutch-American artist Willem de Kooning pedaling a bicycle with a female figure, taken from one of his many Woman paintings, riding on the handlebars. The figures quite literally “break out” in this instance, with the printed paper folding and layered to create a three-dimensional composition. This piece is estimated at $4,000–$6,000.

Clars’ April 14th and 15th auctions will offer notable Chinese scholars objects, fine works of art ranging from Maynard Dixon to Red Grooms, and furniture and decorative pieces that will delight those interested in historical travel.

Asian Art

The Asian Art department will offer a nice group of Chinese scholars objects including a finely carved aloeswood ‘scholars’ brush pot, a large celadon jade ruyi scepter, and a Kangxi period underglaze blue and white brush pot painted with various court figures.

On offer also is a nice collection of Chinese paintings and calligraphy by some of the top 20th century masters such as Zhang Daqian, Pan Tianshou, Yu Youren, and Pu Ru.

Fine Arts

This month at Clars, we are offering an oil on board by American painter, Maynard Dixon, who is much revered for his depictions of the American West and Southwest. Born in Fresno, California, Dixon later moved to San Francisco to study art at what is now the San Francisco Art Institute. There he developed his unique style that melded the bold graphics of Precisionism with the moody atmosphere captured by Tonalist painters, like James McNeill Whistler. The painting in our April sale, titled Sentinel Peak, shows a stark desert landscape with a solitary butte dominating the horizon. A trail of white clouds seems to rise from the peak like a chimney into a strikingly blue sky. This piece is estimated at $15,000–$25,000.

Also featured in our April sale is an oil on canvas painting by Croatian artist, Vladimir Becic — a painter for whom Clars holds the highest records at auction. Among the long list of prominent creatives who honed their craft at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts, Becic is known in his home country for helping to usher in modernity in fine arts during the early 20th century. Though his style evolved throughout his career, Becic’s post-World War I paintings are some of his most remarkable works. The landscape in our April auction shows influence by predecessors, such as Paul Cezanne, utilizing tone to portray texture. However, Becic’s forms are strikingly smooth, with flat rocks, glossy water, and fluffy tree tops that emphasize tactility and volume while idealizing and simplifying the forms. The inclusion of two female figures collecting water in jugs adds to the idyllic, otherworldly atmosphere of the scene — a place outside of time with all objects in harmony. This piece, titled Landscape Bosnia, II, is estimated at $20,000–$40,000.

Another item in this month’s auction is a three-dimensional collage by American artist, Red Grooms. Known for the absurdist humor in his Pop Art compositions, Grooms has worked as a painter, sculptor, and printmaker, taking the latter method to a new level in the work in this sale. The collaged lithograph, titled De Kooning Breaks Out, depicts famed Dutch-American artist Willem de Kooning pedaling a bicycle with a female figure, taken from one of his many Woman paintings, riding on the handlebars. The figures quite literally “break out” in this instance, with the printed paper folding and layered to create a three-dimensional composition. This piece is estimated at $4,000–$6,000.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Furniture & Decorative Arts department will have a wonderful collection of items in the April auction. Featured lots will span from across the globe and ages.

Highlights that will delight those interested in historical travel, include a selection of historic and folk art maritime items, relating to Titanic and Olympic White Star Lines, as well as a Louis Vuitton steamer trunk from the late 1800s, estimated at $4,000–$6,000.

In addition, there will be a collection of Egyptian masks from the 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). Mr. Warner was a prominent architect.

There will be a fine selection of furniture as well, including an Italian micro mosaic decorated foyer table, estimated at $8,000–$12,000.

“You can look at a picture for a week and never think of it again. You can also look at a picture for a second and think of it all your life,” Joan Miro (Spanish, 1893–1983).

Disrupting the visual elements of established style, Joan Miró was a painter who combined abstract art with surrealist fantasy. He was a leading light of the Surrealist movement, and his work had a significant impact on a wide range of artists — earning Miró recognition as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

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.

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’ 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.

Asian Art

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Norman Rockwell was a prolific American painter and illustrator, best known for depicting everyday American life.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

As for early 20th Century items, a Tiffany Studios table lamp, with Vine Border (Acorn) shade, will be estimated at $7,000–$9,000.

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.

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.

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.

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 (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.