Clars Auction Gallery gladly presents a fine Asian art auction on Sunday, November 20th, offering an exquisite selection of various paintings and calligraphy, archer’s rings, fine porcelains, and other categories of Asian works of art.

The paintings and calligraphy section will be led by a massive ink and color on paper hanging scroll by Wu Changshuo (1844–1927), titled Pine and Lingzhi, painted in 1921. As one of the world’s most acclaimed masters in Chinese painting and one of the leading masters of Shanghai School in the Republic period, Wu Changshuo is known for his style of merging calligraphy techniques into paintings, using the ink and brushstroke to demonstrate the conception rather than striving for realism, which greatly influenced the modern and contemporary Chinese art world. This massive piece at Clars presents a great example of Wu Changshuo’s iconic style of mixing traditional Chinese with Western sensibility to depict one of his favorite subject matters in his late years, pine trees.

The painting is from an important Southern California estate and will be offered with an estimate of $80,000–$120,000.

A strong San Francisco Bay Area collection of archer’s rings will lead the jade and miscellaneous section, presenting nearly 40 lots of imperial quality white jade, celadon jade, jadeite, agate, glass, enamel, and various organic material archer’s rings. The collector acquired this impressive collection throughout the 1970s to 1990s from various important dealers and estates in the San Francisco Bay Area, including Ching Wah Lee, Herb Newman, and Sandra Sakata, among others.

The October 16th auction at Clars will feature a wide range of Fine Art, Asian Art, Furniture and Decorative Arts, and Fine Jewelry.

Fine Art

Clars is pleased to offer a monumental work by Nathan Oliveira (American, 1928–2010) titled, Wing-Owl (1996), is estimated at $20,000–$30,000. This large oil on canvas (50″h x 42″w) was part of a series the artist was commissioned to create for Stanford University in the 1990s. It was also featured in Architectural Digest magazine in December 1999.

Offered in its entirety for the first time at auction, Richard Diebenkorn’s (American, 1922–1993), Six Soft Ground Etchings, a suite of six (6) prints, will be offered at $15,000–$25,000 on October 16th. This rare group of etchings comes from the collection of the assistant printmaker on this project published by Crown Point Press in 1978.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

There will be a fine selection of sterling silver in the auction including a large Wallace Grande Baroque sterling silver flatware service, 196 pieces, estimated at $5,000–$7,000.

Also to be offered is a Heyn carousel horse, valued at $2,000–$4,000, and an Hermes “Attelage” flatware set expected to sell for $1,500–$2,000.

Asian Art

The Asian Art Department gladly offers a large Chinese embroidered ‘dragon’ wall panel with an estimate of $3,000–$5,000. The panel features two pairs of dragons chasing a flaming pearl and one dragon in the center with a fierce expression. While the dragons symbolize royal status and power, the bats and Shou medallions surrounding them represent longevity and prosperity.

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 October 16th sale.

This sale features a variety of wardrobe staples to build up the foundation of your jewelry collection at accessible price points, including diamond jewelry such as lot 2014, a diamond and eighteen karat white gold bracelet, estimated at $3,000–$5,000; lot 2043, a diamond and eighteen karat white gold moi et toi ring, estimated at $2,000–$3,000. To be offered as well is is a colorful gemstone selection, including lot 2001, a Ceylon sapphire, diamond and eighteen karat white gold ring, estimated at $2,500–$3,500; and lot 2046, an emerald, diamond and fourteen karat gold ring, estimated at $2,000–$3,000. Other wearable pieces that will highlight your everyday life are featured by makers such as by Hammerman Brothers in lot 2105B, a gemstone and eighteen karat gold brooch, estimated at $1,000–$2,000; and lot 2105A, an eighteen karat gold brooch, by Buccellati, estimated at $300–$500.

Clars is excited to kick off the Fall Season with an exceptional Modern + Contemporary Fine Art sale on Friday, September 16th, 10AM PST.

The star lot will be the complete portfolio of Andy Warhol’s 1986 Cowboys and Indians. The ten screenprint series portrays a range of imagery representing both historical and mythical lore of the American West. They will be offered with an estimate of $500,000–$700,000. Additional highlights will include important works by Bay Area Figurative artists including Nathan Oliveira, Raimonds Staprans and Joan Brown, as well as works by KAWS, M.F Husain, Yayoi Kusama, and Richard Pettibone.

Clars’ upcoming Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction will be held Friday, September 16th, featuring an array of mid-century San Francisco Bay Area figurative works.

Highlights include the complete portfolio of Andy Warhol’s Cowboys and Indians — one of his last major works before his death — estimated at $500,000–$700,000. In this portfolio, Warhol portrays a range of images that represent both the history and constructed lore of the American West, pulled from reality and fiction. Warhol interspersed portraits of world-famous Americans with those of anonymous Native Americans in his ironic commentary on America’s collective mythology of the historic West.

Another exceptional highlight is an oil on panel from 1965 by Joan Brown (American, 1938–1990) titled Cucumber and Lemon estimated at $40,000–$60,000. This charming still life was gifted to fellow artist and friend, Ira Yeager (1938–2022), on his birthday.

Two later paintings by Nathan Oliveira (American, 1928–2010) from his Windhover series (commissioned by Stanford University in 1991) will be also offered at $12,000–$18,000 each.

The auction will feature a fine selection of Design items including a set of Mario Bellini Cab Chairs estimated at $10,000–$15,000, an Angelo Mangiarotti Eros Dining Table estimated at $6,000–$9,000, and a Vladimir Kagan Couture Sloane II sofa estimated at $6,000–$9,000.

There will be other noteworthy Designers in the auction including ceramicists such as James Lovera, Antonio Prieto and Lagardo Tackett, as well as Danish Modern including Eric Hansen, Arne Iversen, Johannes Andersen, Peter Hvidt, and American and Italian Modern such as Charles and Ray Eames, Christian Liaigre, among others.

The August sale at Clars will be led by the Asian art department with numerous highlights from porcelains, to furniture and paintings, among others.

Asian Art

The Asian art department will offer a fine selection of Asian works of art on Sunday, August 14th. This auction will include various exquisite Chinese Imperial metal works, ceramics, huanghuali furniture, Buddhist objects and other categories of Asian works of art.

The sale will be led by two related Qing dynasty imperial bronze square-form zun vases. Each features five-clawed dragons in pursuit of flaming pearls amid scrolling clouds in low relief. One vase features a six-character Qianlong mark, and the other one features a six-character Jiaqing mark. The precision and intricacy of the molding indicates the imperial origin, while the patina on the surface demonstrates the age. Both square-form zun vases were acquired in Tokyo, Japan, circa 1949. Another imperial object is a cloisonne enamel ‘crane and peach’ wall panel, depicting a pair of cranes perching on a garden rock under nine peaches, symbolizing longevity and prosperity.

The porcelain section will feature a blue and white brush pot of the Kangxi period. The cylindrical scholars’ object is painted with scholars in a serene mountain and river landscape with a fishman sailing on a boat. The masterful utilization of shades depicts the depth of the landscape, while the vivid illustration of the figures adds a lively touch to the tranquil scene.

Other highlights of the sale include a Ming dynasty bronze figure of Manjushri, a pair of Qing dynasty celadon glazed arm rests, a huanghuali round-corners cabinet, a Liu Guosong (Chinese, b. 1932) watercolor depicting an abstract Smokey Landscape executed in 1980, a white jade bird-finial seal, and many other fine selections from various categories of Asian works of art.

Fine Art

The art portion of the Clars August sale will offer an exquisite watercolor and gouache on silk painting by renowned Bay Area artist, Chiura Obata (Japanese/American, 1885–1975). The 1933 painting, titled Shower, Point Lobos, captures Obata’s time in California and his exploration of the landscapes in the greater Bay Area. The intricate watercolor also demonstrates his skills at traditional Japanese sumi-e ink painting, a style Obata trained in as a young boy. Shower, Point Lobos will be offered on Sunday August 14th with an estimate of $15,000–$20,000.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Furniture & Decorative Arts portion of the auction will be led by a large 18th century Flemish verdure tapestry, depicting a castle within a naturalistic setting, estimated at $8,000–$12,000. The tapestry was the centerpiece on the wall of chic San Francisco, CA Financial District pied-de-terre. Also coming up the auction block will be an early Mughal School miniature painting attributed to Payag, also known as Prayaga, dating to 17th century, depicting a mystic sitting around campfire with a group of devotees; this painting is a highlight from an impressive collection of Indian miniature paintings, presale estimate of $30,000–$50,000.

There is also a lovely mélange of 19th century European ceramics and 20th century art glass including a large Spanish Triana majolica basin featuring a rabbit, a fine Victorian pair of Minton porcelain pate sur pate pilgrim flasks depicting a scenes from Aesop’s fables and a Daum pate de verre glass ‘Les Danseurs’ figural group.

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 August 14th sale.

This sale features a variety of wardrobe staples to build up the foundation of your jewelry collection at accessible price points, including diamond jewelry such as a pair of diamond and fourteen karat white gold earrings, estimated at $3,000–$5,000 and a Retro diamond and fourteen karat gold ring, estimated at $1,000–$2,000. To be offered as well is a colorful gemstone selection, including a peridot, pink beryl and fourteen karat gold ring, estimated at $400–$600 and a sapphire, diamond and eighteen karat gold ring, estimated at $800–$1,200. Other wearable pieces that will highlight your everyday life are represented by a gemstone and eighteen karat gold brooch, by Fred Paris, estimated at $800–$1,200.

First rising in popularity during the Ming Dynasty, Huanghuali (Dalbergia odorifera), has been desired and sought after since. Huanghuali means “yellow flower pear,” a slow-growing, small-to-medium-sized tree.

With small supply of wood, the availability of furniture made from it is limited. The highly figured, honey-hued wood has long been appreciated for its mountain peak and ghost face patterns. Huanghuali furniture can be incorporated into any type of decor to create a more traditional Chinese style in your home, or you can choose to mix and match with more contemporary decor.

Clars Auction Gallery will offer a fine selection of Asian works of art on Sunday, July 17th. This auction will include various Chinese Ming dynasty bronze Buddhist sculptures, huanghuali furniture, Chinese paintings, porcelains, and other categories of Asian works of art.

Asian Art

The auction will be led by three Ming dynasty bronze Buddhist sculptures. The first will be a bronze Avalokiteshvara figure seated on a double-lotus thrown with one hand in an abhaya gesture, estimated at $10,000–$15,000. The back of the base is incised with the name of the patron of the sculpture and dated the sixteenth year of Hongzhi reign (1503). This bronze sculpture of Avalokiteshvara is from a Bay area private collector who previously acquired it from Gu Yea Guan Art Gallery in Bangkok in 1993. The other is a seated figure of Avalokiteshvara in ‘royal ease’ position, with a calm and serene expression. The gilt bronze figure of Vajrasattva is presented sitting on a double-lotus throne, holding a Vajra and a bell in each hand, with turquoise inlay on the crown and ornaments. These two bronze sculptures come from a prominent San Francisco estate. In addition to the three sculptures, there will also be several other gilt bronze Himalayan Buddhist sculptures from an important San Francisco collector.

The furniture section will feature a pair of Qing Dynasty huanghuali horseshoe-back armchairs, valued at $30,000–$50,000. Each chair features a ruyi-head-form roundel on the back carved in relief with a mythical beast amongst flaming clouds. The arched back and the arms with white brass hardware are decorated with prunus motifs.

Another furniture highlight is a Qing dynasty huanghuali cabinet of tapered form, expected to sell for $40,000–$60,000. The elegant design amplifies the rich and dramatic wood grains of huanghuali.

Other highlights of the sale include a painting by a contemporary Chinese artist, Gu Gan (Chinese, born 1942); this painting was acquired from Michael Goedhuis Gallert, in London in 2001, and is valued at $5,000–$7,000. Along with a pair of blue and white ‘dragon’ bowls with Xianfeng mark of the period, are a pair of blue and white garden stools, a cobalt blue ground yellow glazed ‘dragon’ dish with Chuxiugong Zhi mark, a Japanese early Edo period Katana, and a Japanese wakizashi.

Fine Art

Clars is pleased to offer two large paintings by Harry Curieux Adamson (American, 1916–2012) titled, Flooded Timber Mallards and Winter Quarters – Widgeon. Both are estimated at $10,000–$15,000 each. Adamson’s portrayals of wildfowl in their natural surroundings are highly sought after by many sporting art enthusiasts.

The print portion of Clars’ July 17th sale will have a wide variety of works for all collectors. Several prints will be offered by Bay Area figurative artist Nathan Oliveira (American, 1928–2010) including four intaglio works from his Revisited series printed in 1994. Christopher Brown (American, b. 1951) followers will also be excited to see the three works In the Green, Malage, and Station coming up for auction. Rounding out the sale is a collection of Salvador Dali (Spanish, 1904–1989) lithographs formally in the private collection of master printer, Irwin Hollander. The early prints by Dali were trial proofs aside from the known edition of 150. One of the 1965 prints, titled Cosmic Rays Resuscitating Soft Watches, will be offered at $7,000–$10,000.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Furniture & Decorative Arts portion of the sale will be led by a large Empire style gilt bronze and crystal six light chandelier circa 1909, estimated at $6,000–$9,000. The chandelier was original to the Scottish Rite Freemasons lodge 1909, currently the Regency Center, San Francisco, CA. Also coming up the auction block with the same provenance will be another large Empire style chandelier at $5,000–$7,000, and a pair of Empire style gilt bronze wall sconces, circa 1909, having swan supports.

There will be a lovely mélange of decorative arts, including an Italian micro mosaic, a selection of Delftware including a figure of a dalmatian, chargers, faience figures of cows, a Rene Lalique Ambre perfume bottle, etc.

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 July 17th 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 2004, a diamond and eighteen karat white gold ring, estimated at $1,500–$2,500; everyday diamonds such as lot 2076, a diamond and eighteen karat gold necklace, estimated at $1,800–$2,200. To be offered as well are a colorful gemstone selection, including lot 2038, a pair of unheated Burma ruby, diamond and fourteen karat gold ear jackets, estimated at $2,500–$3,500 and lot 2073, a black opal, diamond and fourteen karat gold ring, estimated at $2,000–$3,000. Other wearable pieces that will highlight your everyday life include gentleman rings such as lot 2077, a diamond and fourteen karat bi-color gold ring, estimated at $1,000–$2,000.

Clars is excited to present our Summer Modern + Contemporary Art sale on Friday, June 17th.

The offered works will span numerous movements and mediums. One major highlight of the sale will be a striking oil on canvas by Bay Area artist, Raimonds Staprans (American, b. 1926). The 1990 work, titled Blue Boats, is a strong example of his use of bold colors and geometric forms to build his composition. The presence of heavy linear division and abstraction of everyday objects makes the work a stunning example of his hallmark style. While he considers himself an abstract painter, his works were influential in the Bay Area Figurative Movement, along with colleagues Wayne Thiebaud and Robert Diebenkorn. The painting is estimated at $150,000–$200,000.

Another important work being offered is a work on paper, titled Odalisque by Henri Matisse (French, 1869–1954). Considered the godfather of Fauvism, Matisse is renowned for his vibrant portraits, still lifes, and cut-out paper collages. After an influential trip to Morocco in the 1910s, Matisse drafted numerous examples of the Odalisque, inspired by the orient and the ideal exoticism. Clars Auction Gallery is pleased to offer a 1928 “return to order” study of the Odalisque, composed of black india ink. Previously exhibited at Delaware Art Museum and from the ex-collection of Baltimore, Maryland architect Robert Raley, the work on paper is estimated at $60,000–$80,000. Clars is grateful to George Matisse for confirming the authenticity of the drawing.

Other important pieces to be offered in the sale include works by Leonor Fini, Gordon Onslow Ford, Yayoi Kusama, and Ray Parker to name a few.

Clars is pleased to offer a wide range of 20th Century Design items in the upcoming June 17th Modern + Contemporary auction.

Highlights begin with the early 20th century and include a rare Roycroft Sideboard, Model 1, estimated at $8,000–$12,000. There will also be a selection of Tiffany Studios items.

Moving along to the Mid Century, there will be a Phillip Lloyd Powell New Hope lounge chair and ottoman, circa 1960, estimated at $7,000–$9,000.

Continuing to later in the century, Clars will also feature a Jun Kaneko glazed ceramic slab, estimated at $6,000–$9,000.

There will be numerous noteworthy designers including Birger Kaipiainen, Mies Van Der Rohe, Børge Mogensen, George Nelson, Charles and Ray Eames, Milo Baughman, Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl, Hans Olsen, Phillip Lloyd Powell, Raymond Loewy, Mario Bellini, Arne Vodder, Jun Kaneko, Olivier Mourgue, Peter Hvidt, and Eero Saarinen among others.

Also on offer will be a fine assortment of art glass items including a Lalique clear and frosted glass Masque de Femme.

The May sale will feature a Spring Fine Jewelry and Timepiece Sale on May 19th, with general auctions to follow on the 21st and 22nd.

Fine Jewelry

The Fine Jewelry & Timepiece department at Clars Auction gallery is thrilled to present a dynamic selection of diamond, colored gemstone, signed jewelry and timepieces in our upcoming Spring Fine Jewelry & Timepiece Sale, set to take place on Thursday, May 19th beginning at 10AM PST. The collection includes important diamonds, such as lot 3150, a 2.03 carats fancy blue VVS modified rectangular step cut diamond, estimated at $500,000–$700,000. Exceptional colored gemstones are highlighted by lot 3114, a 7.67 carat Colombian emerald and diamond ring, estimated at $16,000–$18,000; and lot 3046, a 3.77 carats unheated Burma and diamond ring, estimated at $10,000–$15,000. Makers such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co., Fabergé, and more are well represented, including lot 3057, a Cartier sapphire and eighteen karat gold Panthère ring, estimated at $5,000–$7,000. In addition, Clars is excited to represent two important Rolex wristwatches, including lot 3020, an early Rolex small crown Submariner wristwatch, reference no. 6205, estimated at $80,000–$100,000; and lot 3018, a Rolex Daytona chronograph wristwatch.

Lore and mystery surround blue diamonds, including some of the world’s most famous gemstones, such as the infamously ‘cursed’ Hope Diamond. Blue diamonds are among the rarest gemstones in the world. Their remarkable color is most often caused by the mineral impurity boron. These stones, precious for their rare hue, are infamously difficult to cut, as the rough is commonly asymmetric in shape and display color zoning. It is common for cutters to fashion colored stones into brilliant-cuts, to make the color appear more saturated. Contrary to common cutting practices, lot 3150, is fashioned as a step-cut. This demonstrates how truly exceptional the inherent color of the stone is. The cut allows multiple views into the depths of the stone, flaunting its exceptional clarity. This mystique, in conjunction with its beauty and rarity, make blue diamonds some of the most desirable gemstones on the market.

The timepiece, reference number 6205, is an early model of the Rolex Submariner. It was produced only second to 6204, and was later followed by 6200. Reference 6205 is one of three early models produced in 1954, including reference numbers 6204 and 6200. Although reference 6205 was produced the same year as 6204 and 6200, it quickly ceased production, while other models continued to enter the market. These early models marked the beginning of a 60+ year evolution of the Submariner.

References 6204, 6200 and 6205, share major aesthetic differences from their later counterparts, marking a major shift in its design progression. Reference 6205, was one of the first models to display the name ‘Submariner’. The dial does not feature the Submariner’s now iconic Mercedes hands, but pencil hands which are sought-after by collectors. Reference 6205 is considered ‘small crown’, as models today are easily identified by their oversized crown, a feature beginning with reference 6200. The watch remains intact with its original riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet.

This Daytona Cosmograph, reference no. 6263, began production in the early 1970s. Reference 6263, was the first model to be fitted with screw-down pushers, allowing for water protection up to 100 meters. Reference no. 6263, is one of the last to include a manually wound Valjoux movement. In 1988, the watches were equipped with automatic movements. This early model features a unique black dial, lacking the ‘Daytona’ name, but signed ‘Rolex Oyster Cosmograph’, marking the early evolution of the watch.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Furniture and Decorative Arts department will be offering an Italian polychrome decorated dressing chest circa 1750, commanding an auction estimate of $6,000–$9,000.

Appealing to a musically inclined audience, the sale will include four pianos, two of which are Steinways, one, a Model M, is valued at $8,000–$12,000.

Fine Art

Clars will be offering a beautiful oil on canvas by artist Michele Cascella (Italian/American, 1892–1989) in the May 22nd sale. The painting titled Summer Holidays is a classic example of the artist’s impressionist style. Much influenced by artists such as Van Gogh and Raoual Dufy, Cascella utilizes a colorful and vibrant palette to entice his audience. The painting is estimated at $4,000–$6,000.

The prints and multiples portion of the sale will feature a wide variety of works from artists like Alex Katz, Yaacov Agam, and Jim Dine to name a few. It will also feature two Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1929) prints each estimated at $10,000–$15,000. With prints ranging in price and genre, Clars will have something for any buyer.

Asian Art

Among the woodblock prints created by the great shinhanga artist, Kawase Hasui (1883–1957), is lot 6803. The design Zojo Temple, Shiba is regarded as his most outstanding and iconic creation. Among collectors of Japanese prints of the shinhanga movement, it is one of the most expensive designs.