International Women’s Day

  • Designer Spotlight
  • Stories & News

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.


Greta Grossman
Greta Grossman.

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.


Greta Grossman furniture and interior design.
Greta Grossman architecture.

Read More

Designer Spotlight: Toshiko Takaezu

Toshiko Takaezu, a Hawaiian ceramicist of Japanese descent, is most well known for her ‘Closed forms.’

  • Designer Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Annual Tea | The Junior League of San Francisco

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.

  • Event
  • Stories & News

2022 Design In Review

Clars had a strong 2022 Design auction season with bidders vying for the top lots.

  • Design
  • Stories & News

2022 Fine Jewelry & Timepieces In Review

Clars’ Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department had a successful year, offering essential everyday luxury as well as fine and important jewelry and timepieces.

  • Fine Jewelry & Timepieces
  • Stories & News

Cocktails, Conversation & Valuations | City Club of San Francisco

On February 22nd, the The City Club invited Clars Auction Gallery to an evening of Cocktails, Conversation & Valuations.

  • Event
  • Stories & News

2022 Fine Art In Review

2022 saw wonderful auction results at Clars, with outstanding Fine Art sales doing 42% of total sales for the fiscal year.

  • Fine Art
  • Stories & News

Annual Tea | The Junior League of San Francisco

  • Event
  • Stories & News

The Junior League of San Francisco, Inc. (JLSF) is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.


Junior League Annual Tea
Valuation Day setup – Annual Tea, The Junior League of San Francisco.

The Junior League of SF held its Annual Tea, a cherished annual tradition, which took place on Sunday, March 5th at the Top of the Mark at the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel.


Junior League Annual Tea
Valuation session with Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Associate Specialist, Yao Jiang.

This event recognized and celebrated past Junior League Presidents as well as Sustainer Emeritus members with a fun Breakfast at Tiffany’s theme!


Junior League Annual Tea
Members lined up to meet with Yao and Campbell.

Clars Auction Gallery was invited to showcase and discuss pieces from the 1960’s relating to the Breakfast at Tiffany’s theme. The Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department team, Yao and Campbell, delighted the group with a little history from cultured pearls to retro jewelry. Clars is honored to have been a part of this event and is proud to support The Junior League of SF.


Junior League Annual Tea
Annual Tea, The Junior League of San Francisco.

Read More

International Women’s Day

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.

  • Designer Spotlight
  • Stories & News

2022 Design In Review

Clars had a strong 2022 Design auction season with bidders vying for the top lots.

  • Design
  • Stories & News

2022 Fine Jewelry & Timepieces In Review

Clars’ Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department had a successful year, offering essential everyday luxury as well as fine and important jewelry and timepieces.

  • Fine Jewelry & Timepieces
  • Stories & News

Cocktails, Conversation & Valuations | City Club of San Francisco

On February 22nd, the The City Club invited Clars Auction Gallery to an evening of Cocktails, Conversation & Valuations.

  • Event
  • Stories & News

2022 Fine Art In Review

2022 saw wonderful auction results at Clars, with outstanding Fine Art sales doing 42% of total sales for the fiscal year.

  • Fine Art
  • Stories & News

2022 Asian Art In Review

2022 saw wonderful auction results at Clars, with outstanding Asian Art sales throughout the year.

  • Asian Art
  • 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.

Spring Highlights

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.
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
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.
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: $17,360
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
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
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.To be offered September 16th
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.


Closed Forms
Toshiko Takaezu, Closed Forms.
Sold: $24,250

Read More

International Women’s Day

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.

  • Designer Spotlight
  • Stories & News

Annual Tea | The Junior League of San Francisco

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.

  • Event
  • Stories & News

2022 Fine Jewelry & Timepieces In Review

Clars’ Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department had a successful year, offering essential everyday luxury as well as fine and important jewelry and timepieces.

  • Fine Jewelry & Timepieces
  • Stories & News

Cocktails, Conversation & Valuations | City Club of San Francisco

On February 22nd, the The City Club invited Clars Auction Gallery to an evening of Cocktails, Conversation & Valuations.

  • Event
  • Stories & News

2022 Fine Art In Review

2022 saw wonderful auction results at Clars, with outstanding Fine Art sales doing 42% of total sales for the fiscal year.

  • Fine Art
  • Stories & News

2022 Asian Art In Review

2022 saw wonderful auction results at Clars, with outstanding Asian Art sales throughout the year.

  • Asian Art
  • Stories & News

2022 Fine Jewelry & Timepieces In Review

  • Fine Jewelry & Timepieces
  • Stories & News

Clars’ Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department had a successful year, offering beautiful diamond, colored gemstone, gold and signed jewelry and timepieces spanning antique to contemporary. The sales included essential everyday luxury as well as fine and important jewelry and timepieces.

Spring Highlights

The Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department’s crowning lot of 2022 was a Rolex Daytona chronograph wristwatch, which realized $75,000 at the Spring Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Sale. The Rolex Daytona timepiece was designed to meet the needs of racecar drivers, allowing them to gauge average speed and track elapsed time.


A Rolex Daytona chronograph wristwatch, ref. 6263.Sold: $75,000
A Rolex Daytona chronograph wristwatch, ref. 6263.
Sold: $75,000

The February Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Auction was headlined by a diamond and eighteen karat white gold strap bracelet — an unforgettable Valentine’s Day gift — which sold for $37,500.


A diamond and eighteen karat white gold strap bracelet.
A diamond and eighteen karat white gold strap bracelet.
Sold: $37,500

Summer Highlights

Ruby and gold statement necklaces proved to be popular jewelry staples for clients in Clars’ Summer auctions.


A ruby and twenty-two karat gold necklace.Sold: $5,312.50
A ruby and twenty-two karat gold necklace.
Sold: $5,312.50

Highlights that stood out include a ruby and twenty-two karat gold necklace, which sold for $5,312.50, and a Southeast Asian ruby and high karat gold necklace, which sold for $9,375.


A Southeast Asian ruby and high karat gold necklace.Sold: $9,375
A Southeast Asian ruby and high karat gold necklace.
Sold: $9,375

Fall Highlights

A striking blue moonstone and diamond earring and necklace suite realized $8,268.75 in the September auction. Both pieces are comprised of oval cabochon blue moonstones accented by single-cut diamonds.


A pair of blue moonstone and diamond earrings and necklace suite
A pair of blue moonstone and diamond earrings and necklace suite.
Sold: $8,268.75

Clars’ Fine Collectors Auction in November showcased numerous beautiful jewelry lots. One highlight that stood out in particular was a Burle Marx opal and eighteen karat gold brooch, which sold for $4,687.50.


An opal and eighteen karat gold brooch, Burle Marx.
An opal and eighteen karat gold brooch, Burle Marx.
Sold: $4,687.50

Winter Highlights

Clars’ Winter Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Auction rounded out the 2022 year with numerous noteworthy sales. Favorites of the sale include a diamond and white gold brooch and diamond ear clips by Van Cleef & Arpels.

Since its inception, nature has been a source of inspiration for Van Cleef & Arpels’ creations. In particular, floral motifs have been seen again and again in their pieces.


Van Cleef & Arpels Diamonds
Left: A diamond and white gold brooch, Van Cleef & Arpels. Sold: $46,875
Right: A pair of diamond ear clips, Van Cleef & Arpels. Sold: $25,000

Another highlight of the Winter Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Auction was a stunning diamond ring designed as a round brilliant-cut diamond, which sold for $46,875.


A diamond ring designed as a round brilliant-cut diamond.
A diamond ring designed as a round brilliant-cut diamond.
Sold: $46,875

Read More

Spring Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Auction

Clars’ Spring Jewelry & Timepieces Auction on April 14th includes a fine selection of colored gemstones, diamonds, antique and signed jewelry, and timepieces.

  • Auction
  • Fine Jewelry & Timepieces

International Women’s Day

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.

  • Designer Spotlight
  • Stories & News

Annual Tea | The Junior League of San Francisco

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.

  • Event
  • Stories & News

2022 Design In Review

Clars had a strong 2022 Design auction season with bidders vying for the top lots.

  • Design
  • Stories & News

Cocktails, Conversation & Valuations | City Club of San Francisco

On February 22nd, the The City Club invited Clars Auction Gallery to an evening of Cocktails, Conversation & Valuations.

  • Event
  • Stories & News

2022 Fine Art In Review

2022 saw wonderful auction results at Clars, with outstanding Fine Art sales doing 42% of total sales for the fiscal year.

  • Fine Art
  • Stories & News

Cocktails, Conversation & Valuations | City Club of San Francisco

  • Event
  • Stories & News

The City Club of San Francisco is a landmark social and business club designed by the San Francisco architectural firm, Miller & Pflueger, under the direction of Timothy Pflueger (1892–1946).

The 11-story building housed the offices of brokers who worked on the trading floor of the adjacent San Francisco Stock Exchange. Pflueger was one of the first California architects to incorporate Classic European Modernism into his work. He commissioned a number of renowned artists and craftsmen to work on the Stock Exchange Tower, which is considered the finest example of interior art deco style in the city.


City Club Event with Clars
Cocktails, Conversation and Valuations at The City Club of San Francisco.

More than a business and social club, The City Club is a community of diverse and talented people who value leadership and believe in San Francisco character, spirit, and traditions. The City Club inspires business connection and friendships, community service, an appreciation of the arts, and the sharing of cultural and culinary experiences.

Clars Auction Gallery partnered with The City Club members for an evening of Cocktails, Conversation and Valuations on February 22, 2023. Members of The City Club brought art and collectibles and chatted with Clars’ specialists. This evening gave members an opportunity to ask questions which helped them learn a bit of history on their items and their value in the current collecting market. In addition to the hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and extraordinary views of San Francisco, the event was a night to remember.

Read More

International Women’s Day

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.

  • Designer Spotlight
  • Stories & News

Annual Tea | The Junior League of San Francisco

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.

  • Event
  • Stories & News

2022 Design In Review

Clars had a strong 2022 Design auction season with bidders vying for the top lots.

  • Design
  • Stories & News

2022 Fine Jewelry & Timepieces In Review

Clars’ Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department had a successful year, offering essential everyday luxury as well as fine and important jewelry and timepieces.

  • Fine Jewelry & Timepieces
  • Stories & News

2022 Fine Art In Review

2022 saw wonderful auction results at Clars, with outstanding Fine Art sales doing 42% of total sales for the fiscal year.

  • Fine Art
  • Stories & News

2022 Asian Art In Review

2022 saw wonderful auction results at Clars, with outstanding Asian Art sales throughout the year.

  • Asian Art
  • Stories & News

2022 Fine Art In Review

  • Fine Art
  • Stories & News

2022 saw wonderful auction results at Clars, with outstanding Fine Art sales doing 42% of total sales for the fiscal year that wrapped in August.

Spring Highlights

Clars set a US auction record for the artist Loie Hollowell (American, b. 1983) with the sale of her 2017 painting, Point of Entry (Blood-Orange Moon Over Orange Sac), that soared above estimates of $400,000–$600,000 to sell for $1,050,000 on March 25 (all prices noted here include buyer’s premium).


Loie Hollowell (American, b. 1983), Point of Entry (Blood-Orange Moon Over Orange Sac), 2017, oil paint, acrylic medium, sawdust on high density foam on linen mounted on panel, signed, titled and dated verso, 48"h x 36"w x 5"d.Sold: $1,050,000
Loie Hollowell (American, b. 1983), Point of Entry (Blood-Orange Moon Over Orange Sac), 2017, oil paint, acrylic medium, sawdust on high density foam on linen mounted on panel, signed, titled and dated verso, 48″h x 36″w x 5″d.
Sold: $1,050,000

Pieces by iconic artists such as Robert Longo (American, b. 1953), Roy Lichtenstein, David Hockney, Wayne Thiebaud, Salvador Dali, Sol Lewitt and Richard Diebenkorn brought strong results for the sale as well. Especially noteworthy was Robert Longo’s lithograph, Gretchen, from 1984, which realized $59,375.


Robert Longo (American b. 1953), Gretchen, 1984, lithograph, 67.5" x 39".Estimate: $60,000–$90,000.
Robert Longo (American b. 1953), Gretchen, 1984, lithograph, 67.5″ x 39″.
Sold: $59,375

The second highest selling lot of the sale was a rare drawing by Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973) titled, Etudes VII (d’apres Manet). Many international bidders vied for the lot but in the end it sold to a buyer in San Francisco for $150,000.


Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), Études VII (d'après Manet), 1961, graphite on les Annonay (watermarked) paper, 17.75" x 23.5". Provenance: Alex Maguy, Paris; Estate of Liselotte Weber (Burlingame, CA). Exhibited: Alex Maguy Galerie de L’Élysée, Hommage à Picasso, November 19–December 25, 1966. Reference: Zervos XX:50.Sold: $150,000.
Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), Études VII (d’après Manet), 1961, graphite on les Annonay (watermarked) paper, 17.75″ x 23.5″. Provenance: Alex Maguy, Paris; Estate of Liselotte Weber (Burlingame, CA). Exhibited: Alex Maguy Galerie de L’Élysée, Hommage à Picasso, November 19–December 25, 1966. Reference: Zervos XX:50.
Sold: $150,000.

Summer Highlights

Clars was pleased to establish the new, world auction record for Raimonds Staprans (American/Latvian, b. 1926) with the painting, Blue Boats, selling for $187,500. This beat the previous record held by Clars from September 2020 of $147,600.


Raimonds Staprans (American/Latvian, b. 1926), Blue Boats, 1990, oil on canvas, 44" x 48".Sold: $187,500
Raimonds Staprans (American/Latvian, b. 1926), Blue Boats, 1990, oil on canvas, 44″ x 48″.
Sold: $187,500

Also of note was a rare collection of four works by Leonor Fini (French/Argentine, 1908–1996) that were offered at Clars Modern + Contemporary sale on June 17th. This combined collection sold for an astounding $250,625 with one particular painting, Zorniga, selling for $187,500.


Leonor Fini (Argentine/French, 1908–1996), Zorniga, 1959, oil on canvas, 31.5" x 10".Sold: $187,500
Leonor Fini (Argentine/French, 1908–1996), Zorniga, 1959, oil on canvas, 31.5″ x 10″.
Sold: $187,500

Fall Highlights

Clars’ Fall Modern + Contemporary Art + Design sale on September 16th started off the season with impressive results having 230 lots achieve a little over $1.3 million in sales. Fine Art led the way with $1.1 million in sales with the highlight being Andy Warhol’s complete set of ten screenprints, Cowboys and Indians, selling for $503,750. Rick Unruh, Clars CEO, remarked, “Clars is definitely ‘moving up the ladder’ in being recognized internationally as one of the premier auction houses for Modern and Contemporary works. This past auction was our 3rd complete set of Warhols to be offered in the last 2 years — all with outstanding results.”


Cowboys and Indians
Andy Warhol (American, 1928–1987), Cowboys and Indians (the complete set of ten screenprints), 1986, screenprints in colors, 36″ x 36″ each.
Sold: $503,750

Another stellar performance in the sale is represented by several Pumpkin screenprints by Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1929) selling for a combined price of $108,750.


Yayoi Kusama Prints from the September 16th Sale
Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1929), Top left: Pumpkin (Y), 1992, screenprint, pencil signed, dated, and titled lower margin, edition 18/150, printed by Okabe Tokuzo, 6.25″h x 8.75″w. Top Right: Dancing Pumpkin (YOR), 2004, screenprint, pencil signed, titled, and dated lower margin, edition 57/80, printed by Okabe Tokuzo, 15.5″h x 22.25″w. Bottom Left: Napping Pumpkin, 1993, screenprint, pencil signed, titled, and dated lower margin, edition 59/120, printed by Okabe Tokuzo, 21″h x 25.75″w. Bottom Right: Red Colored Pumpkin, 1994, screenprint, pencil signed, titled, and dated lower margin, edition 58/98, printed by Okabe Tokuzo, 18″h x 20.75″w.
Sold: $108,750

Winter Highlights

Clars’ Fine Collectors Auction rounded out the 2022 year with the sale of an iconic work from Tom Wesselmann’s series, Great American Nude, titled The Great American Nude #13 for $162,500. The work is an early example of the series, which he completed in 1973 with number #100. The work demonstrates the artist’s use of bold color and military imagery, along with his famous female nude form — the recurring subject throughout his career.


The Great American Nude #13.
Tom Wesselmann (American, 1931–2004), The Great American Nude #13, 1962, oil, fabric, and collage cut-outs on tin, 7″ x 7″.
Sold: $162,500

Read More

International Women’s Day

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.

  • Designer Spotlight
  • Stories & News

Annual Tea | The Junior League of San Francisco

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.

  • Event
  • Stories & News

2022 Design In Review

Clars had a strong 2022 Design auction season with bidders vying for the top lots.

  • Design
  • Stories & News

2022 Fine Jewelry & Timepieces In Review

Clars’ Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department had a successful year, offering essential everyday luxury as well as fine and important jewelry and timepieces.

  • Fine Jewelry & Timepieces
  • Stories & News

Cocktails, Conversation & Valuations | City Club of San Francisco

On February 22nd, the The City Club invited Clars Auction Gallery to an evening of Cocktails, Conversation & Valuations.

  • Event
  • Stories & News

2022 Asian Art In Review

2022 saw wonderful auction results at Clars, with outstanding Asian Art sales throughout the year.

  • Asian Art
  • Stories & News

2022 Asian Art In Review

  • Asian Art
  • Stories & News

2022 saw wonderful auction results at Clars, with outstanding Asian Art sales throughout the year.

Winter Highlights

Starting off the year strong, Clars’ Asian Art department sold a pair of Chinese doucai enameled globular vases for $87,500 in January. Each vase is painted on the exterior with eight bats amidst stylized lotus petals all between ornate scrolling lotus and vine patterns.


Pair of Chinese doucai enameled globular vases.
Pair of Chinese doucai enameled globular vases.
Sold: $87,500

Another highlight from the January sale is represented by the Chinese huanghuali corner leg table, which sold for $93,750. 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.


Chinese huanghuali corner leg table.
Chinese huanghuali corner leg table, top and front view.
Sold: $93,750

Spring Highlights

A finely molded Dingyao bowl, featuring lotus and other aquatic plants, headlined Clars’ April Asian Art Auction. The beautiful piece did not disappoint, selling for $100,000. The Song dynasty bowl was acquired from the late Chingwah Lee Collection of San Francisco and sold at Sotheby’s Los Angeles Fine Oriental Art Sale on June 8th, 1981.


Chinese molded Dingyao bowl
Chinese molded Dingyao bowl. Provenance: Sotheby’s Parke Bernet Los Angeles, The Late Chingwah Lee Collection, June 8, 1981, lot 263, from San Francisco collection formed over five decades.
Sold: $100,000

The furniture portion of the April sale was highlighted by a pair of 18th century huanghuali horseshoe-back armchairs. The armchairs feature decorative carved panels on the backs with auspicious floral groupings and mythical creatures. The armchairs were a sought after piece and ended up being the top lot of the sale, selling at $200,000.


Pair of Chinese huanghuali horseshoe-back armchairs.Sold: $200,000
Pair of Chinese huanghuali horseshoe-back armchairs.
Sold: $200,000

Summer Highlights

Dozens of telephone bidders vyed for two Chinese imperial bronze ‘dragon’ vases. These vases soared well above estimate to realize a price of $245,000. Each features five-clawed dragons in pursuit of flaming pearls amid scrolling clouds in low relief. The precision and intricacy of the molding indicates the imperial origin, while the patina on the surface demonstrates the age.


Asian Art Dragon Vases
Left: Chinese imperial bronze ‘dragon’ vase, Mark and Period of Qianlong. Right: Chinese imperial bronze ‘dragon’ vase, mark and period of Jiaqing.
Sold: $245,000

Fall Highlights

A strong San Francisco Bay Area collection of archer’s rings led the Asian Art portion of Clars’ Fine Collectors Auction on November 20th. The sale included 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 1970s to 1990s from various important dealers and estates in the Bay Area, including Ching Wah Lee, Herb Newman, and Sandra Sakata, among others.


Chinese enameled silver openwork archer’s
(lot of 2) Chinese enameled silver openwork archer’s rings.
Sold: $8,450

Read More

International Women’s Day

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.

  • Designer Spotlight
  • Stories & News

Annual Tea | The Junior League of San Francisco

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.

  • Event
  • Stories & News

2022 Design In Review

Clars had a strong 2022 Design auction season with bidders vying for the top lots.

  • Design
  • Stories & News

2022 Fine Jewelry & Timepieces In Review

Clars’ Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department had a successful year, offering essential everyday luxury as well as fine and important jewelry and timepieces.

  • Fine Jewelry & Timepieces
  • Stories & News

Cocktails, Conversation & Valuations | City Club of San Francisco

On February 22nd, the The City Club invited Clars Auction Gallery to an evening of Cocktails, Conversation & Valuations.

  • Event
  • Stories & News

2022 Fine Art In Review

2022 saw wonderful auction results at Clars, with outstanding Fine Art sales doing 42% of total sales for the fiscal year.

  • Fine Art
  • Stories & News

Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Valuation Day | February 17th

  • Event
  • Stories & News

Clars is now seeking consignments for our upcoming Spring Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Auction. Schedule a private appointment with one of our Jewelry specialists and learn what your property is worth.

Van Cleef & Arpels diamond jewelry
A diamond and white gold brooch and a pair of diamond ear clips, Van Cleef & Arpels.
Sold: $71,875

Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Valuation Day
Friday, February 17th | 10AM–2PM

*This event is by appointment only.

The market for signed and antique jewelry, as well as precious colored gemstones and timepieces is very strong. Schedule your private and confidential appointment now to speak to one of our Specialists to determine your jewelry’s auction potential.

Read More

International Women’s Day

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.

  • Designer Spotlight
  • Stories & News

Annual Tea | The Junior League of San Francisco

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.

  • Event
  • Stories & News

2022 Design In Review

Clars had a strong 2022 Design auction season with bidders vying for the top lots.

  • Design
  • Stories & News

2022 Fine Jewelry & Timepieces In Review

Clars’ Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department had a successful year, offering essential everyday luxury as well as fine and important jewelry and timepieces.

  • Fine Jewelry & Timepieces
  • Stories & News

Cocktails, Conversation & Valuations | City Club of San Francisco

On February 22nd, the The City Club invited Clars Auction Gallery to an evening of Cocktails, Conversation & Valuations.

  • Event
  • Stories & News

2022 Fine Art In Review

2022 saw wonderful auction results at Clars, with outstanding Fine Art sales doing 42% of total sales for the fiscal year.

  • Fine Art
  • Stories & News

St. Francis Yacht Club + Clars

  • Event
  • Stories & News

The St. Francis Yacht Club invited Clars Auction Gallery to an evening of Cocktails, Clars & Valuations.

On November 30th, Clars specialists were on hand to offer on the spot valuations on antiques and collectibles. Rick Unruh, CEO and President, gave an informative talk on The Current Global Art Market, Andy Warhol, & the Do’s and Don’ts of Investing in Art.


Valuation Session
Valuation session with Harry Huang, Associate Director of Asian Art.
Senior Art Specialists
Senior Art Specialists, Alex Malvino and Erin Cabral.
Valuation Session
Valuation session with the Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department.
Rick presenting
Rick Unruh, CEO and President, presenting on the costly mistakes collectors make.

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International Women’s Day

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.

  • Designer Spotlight
  • Stories & News

Annual Tea | The Junior League of San Francisco

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.

  • Event
  • Stories & News

2022 Design In Review

Clars had a strong 2022 Design auction season with bidders vying for the top lots.

  • Design
  • Stories & News

2022 Fine Jewelry & Timepieces In Review

Clars’ Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department had a successful year, offering essential everyday luxury as well as fine and important jewelry and timepieces.

  • Fine Jewelry & Timepieces
  • Stories & News

Cocktails, Conversation & Valuations | City Club of San Francisco

On February 22nd, the The City Club invited Clars Auction Gallery to an evening of Cocktails, Conversation & Valuations.

  • Event
  • Stories & News

2022 Fine Art In Review

2022 saw wonderful auction results at Clars, with outstanding Fine Art sales doing 42% of total sales for the fiscal year.

  • Fine Art
  • Stories & News

SJICA Benefit Art Auction

  • Event
  • Stories & News

Clars is proud to be sponsors of this upcoming Benefit Art Auction. Deric Torres, Senior Vice President of Clars, will be lending his auctioneering skills to keep the bidding competitive.

Event ad

ICA San José – Saturday, November 5th
Doors Open: 4PM | Auction Begins: 5PM

The highly anticipated 2022 Annual Benefit Art Auction at the Institute of Contemporary Art San José offers unique opportunities for art enthusiasts and collectors to view and acquire contemporary artwork by rising stars and celebrated artists whose work reflects vibrant, eclectic styles and interests. Live auction guests can actively bid on a wide range of work including paintings, photography, works on paper, sculpture, wearables, and various mixed-media pieces by nearly 70 artists. All proceeds fund the ICA’s innovative exhibitions and educational programming, making sure that admission is always free for all, and expanding the ICA’s reach and impact.

Artists include: Kathy Aoki, Ray Beldner, Sarah Blaustein, Natalya Burd, Andrew Catanese, Kathryn Dunlevie, Ewa Gavrielov, Diane Andrews Hall, Pancho Jimenez, Kara Maria, Stephanie Metz, Christopher Martin, Humberto Ramirez, Byron Ryono, Beth Davila Waldman, Nathan Oliveira and more!


Standing Figure
Nathan Oliveira (American, 1928–2010), Standing Figure, c. 1960, watercolor on paper, set of 2, 37″ x 30″ framed.
Estimate: $32,000

Complimentary champagne, wine, cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts will be served. Admission to the Live Auction — always a sellout event — is reserved for ticket holders.


The San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is an energetic art space located in downtown San Jose dedicated to making contemporary art accessible and exciting to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Exhibitions are presented in three galleries that display the most current, relevant and often challenging art from the region, the nation and the world.

Read More

International Women’s Day

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.

  • Designer Spotlight
  • Stories & News

Annual Tea | The Junior League of San Francisco

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.

  • Event
  • Stories & News

2022 Design In Review

Clars had a strong 2022 Design auction season with bidders vying for the top lots.

  • Design
  • Stories & News

2022 Fine Jewelry & Timepieces In Review

Clars’ Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department had a successful year, offering essential everyday luxury as well as fine and important jewelry and timepieces.

  • Fine Jewelry & Timepieces
  • Stories & News

Cocktails, Conversation & Valuations | City Club of San Francisco

On February 22nd, the The City Club invited Clars Auction Gallery to an evening of Cocktails, Conversation & Valuations.

  • Event
  • Stories & News

2022 Fine Art In Review

2022 saw wonderful auction results at Clars, with outstanding Fine Art sales doing 42% of total sales for the fiscal year.

  • Fine Art
  • Stories & News