Cristina Campion, Associate Director of 20th Century Design and Furniture & Decorative Arts at Clars, spoke to Rob Stewart, PBS TV Host & Executive Producer, on the importance of analyzing and authenticating furniture for 2023’s Antique Valuation Day.
Cristina and Rob discussing the work of master woodworker, Arthur Espenet Carpenter.
American Studio Furniture is commanding strong prices realized at auction, particularly for the masters, including Arthur Espenet Carpenter, George Nakashima, and Wharton Esherick, among others.
Cristina explaining to Rob the unique functionality and form of Espenet’s Wishbone armchair.
It’s always important to analyze the underside of a chair to see if there are any signatures or stamps. However, one cannot rely on a signature or stamp alone. It is equally significant to look at the form itself and the construction of the piece holistically to ensure that the form is consistent with other examples by the designer. Also crucial to the value of a piece is the provenance or history, if it’s been exhibited in any museum collections, or is referenced in literature.
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.
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.
On February 22nd, the The City Club invited Clars Auction Gallery to an evening of Cocktails, Conversation & Valuations.
Event
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’ 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.
