A Lifetime of Collecting Elegance and Sentiment: The Irene Deitsch Collection of Victorian & French Posy Holders will be offered through Clars Auctions as the closing presentation of the June 18th Summer Antique Jewelry Salon Auction. The event presents a rare opportunity to acquire pieces from a deeply personal collection — each lot carrying forward a fragment of a story defined by elegance, craftsmanship, and enduring taste.

Irene Deitsch was born in Akron, Ohio, and graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in art education. She married Marshall Deitsch and moved to Los Angeles, where she taught art at the junior high school level before leaving the classroom to raise their two sons. When the family relocated to Palo Alto, California, she joined the art library at Stanford University, deepening the scholarly sensibility that would later define her life as a collector.

After a brief venture into catering, Irene pursued gemology and jewelry design, eventually opening Vanguard Gems, her own store, which she ran with great success for many years. With her sons grown and her grandchildren “up and out,” she turned her full attention to worldwide travel and antique collecting.

Her passion for antique tussie-mussies took hold in the late 1990s after visiting an exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. From that moment, she began assembling what would become a sizable and highly refined collection of posy holders, many of which are depicted in her book Tussie-Mussies: A Collector’s Guide to Victorian Posy Holders (published in 2016 by Marene Press). She also collects antique scent bottles, while her husband Marshall has long been devoted to paperweights.

Now appearing at auction for the first time, The Irene Deitsch Collection of English Victorian and French Posy Holders comprises approximately 130 examples, known variously as porte-bouquets, bouquetiers, or tussie-mussie holders. At the height of fashion between the 1830s and 1880s, these exquisite objects were designed to carry fragrant nosegays, often suspended from chains or fitted with finger rings — uniting artistry, sentiment, and elegance in a single luxurious form.

The collection stands among the most significant private holdings of its kind to appear at auction, rivaling institutional collections in quality and scope. The Frances Jones Poetker Collection at the Smithsonian Gardens, by comparison, comprises approximately 250 examples — underscoring just how remarkable this private assemblage is. Ranging from gold and silver to enamel, jeweled, and filigree work sourced from across Europe and beyond, the collection reflects decades of passionate pursuit and an eye of refinement.

Highlights include a very rare Chinese high carat gold posy holder with presentation case, circa 1890, estimated at $8,000–$12,000, with an intricate wire basket and filigree handle, attached floral pin and finger ring, and a fitted presentation box carved with figural panels and its original key. Also featured is an English 14k gold and enamel posy holder, Liverpool, circa 1880, estimated at $2,000–$3,000, in a satin and velvet-lined octagonal case; a rare English enamel-decorated silver-gilt and glass combination posy holder, perfume bottle, and vinaigrette, circa 1870, estimated at $400–$600; and two European posy holders, circa 1870, estimated at $400–$600, one a possibly Russian example set with a hand-painted miniature portrait encircled by diamonds, the other gilt-metal inset with portrait miniatures and paste jewels on a mother-of-pearl handle.

The Irene Deitsch Collection presents a portrait of a life shaped by discernment, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for artistry across cultures and eras. A consistent thread of sophistication runs throughout — objects chosen not simply for beauty, but for meaning, craftsmanship, and presence — suggesting a home where each piece was genuinely lived with and admired.

The objects an artist chooses to keep often tell a story that formal histories cannot. Gathered over decades, the works in Viola Frey’s personal collection trace a network of friendships, mentorships, artistic affinities, and shared histories.

The Artists’ Legacy Foundation and Clars are pleased to present a benefit auction offering access to this deeply personal constellation of objects and the vibrant creative community from which it emerged on June 18th, beginning 10 AM PDT.

Together, these works illuminate a remarkable chapter in Bay Area art history. They reflect the creative community that surrounded Frey and the artistic currents that shaped the region from the 1970s through the 1990s — from functional ceramics and experimental sculpture to the vibrant culture of California College of Arts and Crafts.

Viola Frey collected with care. Every work in the auction was made by an artist who was part of her extended community. During her tenure at California College of Arts and Crafts from 1963–1999, Frey taught and mentored generations of artists. Beginning as a part-time teaching assistant and “resident potter,” she became a tenured professor and helped guide the design and construction of the Noni Eccles Treadwell Ceramics Art Center, known as “the Pot Shop,” in 1973.

The expansive collection to be offered at Clars includes works by Frey’s colleagues and students at California College of the Arts as well as pieces by popular ceramicists and fine artists including Richard Blake Shaw, Arthur E. Nelson, Marguerite Wildenhain, and more. From functional pieces like whimsical tea sets and elegant vases to finely rendered sculptural work, there is something for every collector to admire in this treasure trove.

Frey’s life in the Bay Area intersected with many of the defining artistic and social movements of the late twentieth century: abstraction and figuration, Funk art, Hippie counter-culture, LGBTQ+ activism, and the AIDS crisis. The works in this auction bear witness to those histories and to the community of artists with whom Frey lived, worked, and taught.

While best known for her ceramic monumental sculptures, Frey’s artmaking spanned more than 40 years and encompassed paintings, drawings, and bronze and glass sculptures. Frey was obsessively devoted to her practice and produced thousands of artworks during her lifetime.

Her work explores social constructs, marks of civilization, and gender dynamics, and features a thoughtfully built iconography including suited men, hands, and cast figurines. Her work in clay was ahead of its time, bridging the gap between craft and fine art, while pushing the boundaries of ceramic sculpture.

The Artists’ Legacy Foundation stewards Frey’s legacy and advances the preservation of artists’ estates. Proceeds from this auction support our ongoing work to expand scholarship on Frey, care for her archive, and provide educational resources for artists planning their own legacies. We hope these works find homes who value not only their individual histories, but also their connection to Frey and this extraordinary moment in Bay Area art.

Clars Auctions is privileged to present Property from the Estate of Senator Dianne Feinstein and Richard C. Blum on May 14th beginning at 2 PM PDT, offering a rare opportunity to acquire distinguished works from their celebrated Sea Drift and Pacific Heights residences.

This exceptional collection reflects the refined taste and legacy of one of the most influential figures in modern American political history — the longest-serving female United States Senator, former Mayor of San Francisco, and past Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee — and her husband, the noted financier and philanthropist. The auction comprises an elegant, curated selection of luxury decorative arts, Asian works of art, and personal memorabilia from their shared homes.

Highlights from the sale include a striking Chinoiserie red-painted floor lamp; two framed landscapes, including a view of Diamond Head by Dianne Feinstein, estimated at $100–$150; a plaster portrait of Feinstein as Mayor of San Francisco by Romany Downie, dated 1982, estimated at $200–$300; and a group of seven Chinese porcelain table articles, estimated at $1,000–$1,500.

Additional offerings include a Mottahedeh porcelain dinner service in the Tobacco Leaf pattern, estimated at $1,800–$2,500; a pair of Chamberlain’s Worcester lozenge-shaped dishes, estimated at $200–$300; three Tibetan Buddhist silver ritual objects, estimated at $200–$300; and two color serigraph artist’s proofs by Melanie Taylor Kent: Return of the Cable Cars and Golden Gate Bridge, estimated at $400–$600.

San Francisco’s Old Guard Elegance Continues at Clars Auctions on February 20th.

Our February 20th Auction will present an exceptional selection from the Emmy & Dolph Andrews Estate, following the high-profile Christie’s New York sale that first brought national attention to this storied San Francisco collection. Together, these offerings represent one of the most significant private estates to come to market in recent years — an authentic reflection of the Old Guard elegance that defined San Francisco society for generations.

Emily Taylor Andrews and Adolphus “Dolph” Andrews Jr. were pillars of the city’s cultural and social life. Descendants of California pioneers and members of a prominent local family, the Andrewses embodied a tradition of stewardship, philanthropy, and connoisseurship; notably, the family’s legacy includes service as trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF).

For decades, the Andrewses lived and entertained in their private San Francisco residence — interiors shaped by legendary designers Michael Taylor and Anthony Hail, whose work reinforced the couple’s passion for European classicism and layered historic interiors. Every object chosen resulted in a collection that feels both deeply personal and museum-worthy.

The upcoming Clars offering continues this narrative, presenting works drawn directly from these storied interiors. Highlights include a Continental hand-colored print diorama; a set of eight 18th-century Staffordshire pottery stirrup cups; and an English silver-mounted coconut cup from the 19th century.

Also featured is an Asprey & Co. 18k gold-mounted bloodstone bowl, offered as part of a group, exemplifying luxury and impeccable craftsmanship. Another highlight is a refined French vermeil and banded agate handled desk set, 19th century, showcasing the Andrewses’ appreciation for elegant objects of daily use. Anchoring the selection is a powerful 18th-century Russian icon depicting the Resurrection of Christ and the Descent into Hell, reflecting the couple’s interest in sacred art and spiritual traditions.

Beyond the highlights, the broader Andrews Estate offered at Clars reflects the remarkable scope of the couple’s connoisseurship. The collection encompasses 17th through 19th century textiles, finely crafted English and French objects of vertu, and an array of Continental and English furniture reflecting classical European forms. Complementing these are luxury travel pieces, including Louis Vuitton monogram luggage sets and custom trunks, examples of the Andrewses’ cosmopolitan lifestyle and decades of international travel.

This offering presents collectors with a rare opportunity to acquire pieces from a private San Francisco collection shaped by institutional-level taste, historic interiors, and a lineage deeply woven into California’s cultural history. As the next chapter following the Christie’s New York sale, Clars’ offering on February 20th affirms the lasting significance of the Emmy & Dolph Andrews Estate — where legacy, design, and connoisseurship converge.

Clars proudly presents the distinguished sale of Property from the Estate of Senator Dianne Feinstein on December 18th beginning at 1 PM PST, offering a significant opportunity to acquire items from the personal collection that graced her iconic San Francisco residence.

The property from the Estate of Senator Dianne Feinstein, drawn from her distinguished residences in San Francisco and Seadrift, reflects the senator’s refined taste and graceful aesthetic. The collection includes richly upholstered leather and down furnishings, fine Chinese and Tibetan carpets, English and Continental antiques, Tibetan pieces, and elegant items with Chinoiserie influences.

Senator Feinstein’s distinguished career as the longest-serving female U.S. Senator, coupled with her groundbreaking roles as San Francisco’s first female mayor and chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, solidified her legacy as a pragmatic leader.

Also featured is a sophisticated selection of barware, stemware, and serveware, alongside fine art encompassing landscapes, still lifes, and architectural views of San Francisco. Together, these objects speak to Senator Feinstein’s deep and enduring connection to the city she represented with such distinction for decades.

The second installment of the Naomi Lindstrom collection on October 16th will include over one hundred lots of silver beads and ornaments from various cultures and an array of worldwide beads. Bidding begins at 1 PM PDT.

The silver portion of the auction consists of many examples from India, the Middle East, and part of Africa. The bead portion of the auction will feature glass examples from ancient Egypt, Venice, West Africa, and parts of Southeast Asia. There will also be beads of various minerals such as turquoise, carnelian agate, shell and many others.

We are honored to present the rare and globally sourced bead and tribal art collection from the estate of Naomi Lindstrom, coming to auction on Thursday, August 14th at 1 PM PDT.

Naomi Lindstrom (1924–2014) was a beloved and highly respected figure in the bead and tribal art world. Over four decades as a Pan Am flight attendant — beginning in the 1950s and continuing through the early 1990s — Naomi traveled extensively, cultivating a keen eye for extraordinary objects. Her global journeys laid the foundation for what would become one of the most exceptional private bead collections of the 20th century. The result is an array of rare beads and tribal artifacts from Africa, Asia, and the Americas, many of which have not been seen publicly in over 15 years.

Among the highlights of the upcoming auction are two exceptional Tibetan red coral necklaces, considered among the finest examples ever to reach the open market. The first is composed of 41 vibrant red coral beads totaling an impressive 368 grams, accented with finely crafted Chinese gilt silver discs. The second necklace features 63 equally radiant red coral beads, weighing approximately 140 grams.

These standout pieces are joined by other extraordinary beadwork, including a rare Pre-Columbian Tairona necklace strung with carnelian, rock crystal, and gold beads, as well as a striking Sino-Tibetan necklace made of amber, carnelian, and turquoise. Also of note is a Chinese medicinal bead necklace and pendant, intricately carved with dragons and lotus blossoms, showcasing both artistry and cultural heritage.

Lindstrom’s passion extended well beyond beads to include tribal arts and textiles from around the world. This auction will feature a compelling selection of works, ranging from decorated wood panels created by the Paiwan people of Taiwan to vibrant woven textiles from Central America. Among the most notable offerings is a bird-form painted wood panel from Papua New Guinea and a detailed Paiwan carved wood panel depicting religious figures — both of which reflect the deeply spiritual and artistic traditions that Naomi admired and sought to preserve.

This long-awaited auction offers collectors a unique opportunity to own a piece of cultural history shaped by a life of exploration, curiosity, and deep respect for indigenous artistry. A truly remarkable legacy returns to the spotlight.

Clars is pleased to announce Fine Curiosities: The Estate of Eddi Van Auken, an extraordinary single-owner auction to be held on Thursday, June 19th. This event features a distinctive and eclectic array of antiques, decorative arts, architectural elements, and folk treasures assembled over decades by the late Eddi Van Auken, a passionate and discerning collector.

Among the standout lots is a remarkable selection of walking canes, featuring examples in Folk Art, French, and Russian styles, each boasting unique handles and craftsmanship. These pieces, estimated between $300–$800, reflect both utility and artistry. Equally intriguing is a group of English ironstone advertising display stands, early commercial relics that today serve as charming decorative objects, estimated at $500–$700.

A centerpiece of the auction is an imposing Belle Époque silvered bronze nine-light chandelier, a grand and luminous statement from turn-of-the-century France. With its elegant form and refined detailing, it is expected to realize between $4,000–$6,000. From the realm of classical architecture come two large carved Corinthian capitals, ideal as sculptural décor or for restoration purposes, with an estimate of $800–$1,200.

Further bridging history and function is a rare clock tower movement, a mechanical marvel with sculptural appeal estimated at $600–$800. For design aficionados, a pair of Art Deco lounge chairs represents 1930s elegance and modernity, also carrying estimates of $600–$800.

Rustic charm is found in a pair of 18th-century French carved walnut cutting boards, rich with patina and history, expected to bring $800–$1,200. A highlight of devotional art in the sale is a Spanish Colonial polychromed wood Santos figure of a woman, distinguished by its expressive carving and colorful finish. It stands as a testament to colonial craftsmanship.

For collectors of luxury objects d’art, a French walking cane with a 22k gold handle adorned with turquoise and amethyst offers a fusion of opulence and curiosity. Estimated at $800–$1,200, it is one of the more refined personal accessories in the sale. Folk Art also takes a whimsical turn with a painted canvas ‘Pin the Tail on the Donkey’ game, a playful and nostalgic piece valued at $400–$600.

Additional curiosities include a collection of factice (dummy) perfume bottles, once used for advertising, now charming collectibles with an estimate of $400–$600. A group of seven Mexican cowrie shell souvenir baskets and a whimsical pair of carved wood heeled clogs continue the theme of cultural craft and novelty, estimated at $400–$600 and $300–$500 respectively.

A collector favorite is a Wemyss Ware ceramic seated pig, hand-painted by Joseph Nekola, a delightful example of Scottish ceramic artistry estimated at $500–$700. For those with a taste for the anatomical and academic, a carved écorché study of a man’s head stands out as a rare and introspective piece, estimated at $300–$500.

Rounding out the collection is a Black Forest carved lindenwood pedestal jardinière, richly detailed and ideal for interior display, estimated at $500–$700, and a notable group of full-size religious figures from French, Spanish Colonial, and Italian traditions, together estimated between $1,200–$2,500. These figures display the range of devotional artistry across continents and centuries.

“This auction reflects the truly personal and passionate collecting style of Eddi Van Auken,” said Suzy Pai, Senior Specialist of Furniture & Decorative Arts at Clars. “Each object tells a story, and together they offer a rare and whimsical journey through centuries of design, craftsmanship, and eccentric beauty.”

On June 19th, Clars is proud to present the Estate of Eddi Van Auken at our Fine Curiosities Auction. Eddi was a San Francisco Bay Area antique historian, collector, artist, and author who spent over 30 years acquiring, researching, and cataloguing antique walking sticks from around the world.

It was actually an accident in her home that ignited her foray into walking sticks: she fell down the stairs, fractured her tailbone, and needed a cane to walk. Pharmacy canes wouldn’t suffice — and she thought, surely there had to be other, more artistic options. And thus, a collection of unparalleled breadth and quality was born — and continued to grow, long after her injury healed.

Eddi started life as “Ethel Sady,” named for a beloved grandmother and then subsequently renamed Eddi by college friends who felt the name better suited her gorgeous, sassy, and brilliant personality. Despite her petite 5’4″ frame, she lit up any room with her vibrant presence, catching the attention of Wendell “Van” Van Auken, whom she married at 19 (he was 21) before they drove west in a green Corvette to California.

In the Bay Area, Eddi fully developed her extraordinary gift for finding beauty in the everyday and transforming the mundane into the magnificent, designing a family home that showcased her impeccable taste through unexpected combinations of chic, edgy, whimsical, and vintage pieces. As her collection of antique walking sticks grew, she authored a respected compendium on walking sticks titled Vertical Art and was working on a second book, Masterpieces, when she passed away. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Eddi was deeply committed to empowering women across all fields and supported initiatives promoting early lung cancer detection. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome, seen, and appreciated. Eddi passed away peacefully in August 2024, at age 77 from complications arising from metastatic lung cancer, leaving behind a legacy as vibrant as her personality.

This April we are honored to present the extraordinary art collection of Lila Mae “Peggy” Azad — a woman whose lifelong devotion to the arts lives on through her legacy.

Peggy once wrote: “I am the temporary custodian. In exchange for the privilege of living with and caring for my objects I am leaving them all for a museum or art gallery for the ‘public’ to enjoy after Manouch and I are no longer alive.” Her wish was to ensure that her collection would one day be shared with the world.

This significant collection includes over 90 Chinese and Japanese ivory sculptures and more than 114 diverse works from around the globe — spanning American, Chinese, French, Iranian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Native American, Russian, Thai, and Vietnamese origins. The pieces vary in form and material, including porcelain, cloisonné, glass vases, plates, bowls, bronze and carved alabaster sculptures, a Russian brass samovar, Japanese woodblock prints, and hand-woven Iranian silk tapestry panels threaded with gold and silver.

Notably, the collection features works by renowned Iranian artists Parviz Tanavoli and Sia Armajani, reflecting Peggy’s deep connection to both international and Iranian art and culture.

Born on May 5, 1933, in her family’s home in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Jesse Joseph Schneider and Laura Harriette Ronning Schneider, Peggy — known to many simply as Peggy Azad — lived a life filled with purpose, passion, and artistic appreciation.