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.

Clars Auction Gallery’s January 15–16^th auction will be led by Yan Hsia (Taiwanese, b. 1932) Pedestrian at Soho #2.

Fine Art

Yan Hsia (Taiwanese, b. 1932) moved to New York City in 1968 where his style was influenced by American Photo-Realism. One of his most desired series that exemplifies this style when he was represented at O. K. Gallery in Soho is the oil on canvas, Pedestrian at Soho #2 (1975), which is estimated at $20,000–$40,000. Deaccessioned from the Nevada Museum of Art (Reno, Nevada), this work is sure to get much attention on Sunday, January 16th with a similar work from this series selling for well-over $100,000 at auction in Hong Kong in 2017.

Another sought after artist from the Pacific Rim is Vu Cao Đam (French/Vietnamese, 1908–2000). Born in Hanoi, Đam’s style is influenced by ancient Chinese art and captures the beauty of female figures, children, and flowers in vibrant color. Đam’s oil on panel, Untitled (Divinity), epitomizes this and will be estimated at $10,000–$15,000.

American Impressionist, Edward Henry Potthast (1857–1927), is best known for sunny beach scenes with sparkling surf. At 25×30 inches and estimated at $10,000–$15,000, Clars is pleased to be offering one of his larger works of the Atlantic Ocean, Coastal Waves, on Sunday, January 16th.

Long regarded as “the master” of late 19th and early 20th century Hawaiian landscapes, Clars is pleased to be offering two paintings by David Howard Hitchcock (American, 1861–1943). Hitchcock’s style is uniquely his own using a subtle, yet colorful, palette to capture the brilliant effects of tropical light. Hawaiian Mountain Scene with Church and Hawaiian Ocean Scene are two such examples and will be offered at $7,000–$10,000 and $4,000–$7,000.

Furniture and Decorative Arts

Clars’ Decorative Arts department will have a fine selection of Silver, Coins and Objects of Vertu, including a Chinese export silver epergne by Ning Zhao Ji ca. 1895, estimated at $3,000–$5,000, a 1926 $20 St. Gaudens Gold PCGS MS63, valued at $2,500–$4,500, and a pair of monumental Empire gilt and patinated bronze figural candelabra, expected to sell for $3,000–$5,000.

There will also be a Steinway and Sons Model M baby grand piano circa 1958 estimated at $8,000–$12,000.

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 January 16th sale.

This sale features a variety of wardrobe staples to build up the foundation of your jewelry collection at accessible price points, including bridal jewelry such as lot 2061, a 1.00 carats yellow diamond white gold wedding ring set, estimated at $2,000–$3,000; everyday diamonds such as lot 2120, a pair of diamond and fourteen karat gold earclips. As well as a colorful gemstone selection, including lot 2034, a pair of ruby and fourteen karat rose gold earclips, estimated at $1,800–$2,200; lot 2037, a pair of multi-hue tourmaline and diamond earrings. Other wearable pieces that will highlight your everyday life are featured by makers such as Buccellati, represented in lot 2141, a Daisy sterling silver bracelet, estimated at $1,200–$1,800.

Asian Art

Asian Art will feature several important lots, including a Chinese huanghuali corner leg table estimated at $20,000–$40,000. The elegant simplicity of the present table is a result of its pure form and balanced proportions and defines the restrained yet sophisticated aesthetic of Ming dynasty furniture. Tables of this type were used by scholars for a variety of activities including the execution of painting and calligraphy and for displaying objects of admiration.