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.
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
From the Estate of Vanna & N. Lee Lacy Palm Springs, CA
Estate Spotlight
Stories & News
Clars is delighted to be offering the Collection of Vanna and N. Lee Lacy on Friday, July 14th in our Tribal Arts, Interiors, Art & Jewelry Auction.
In the 1960s, the wunderkind Hollywood producer, N. Lee Lacy, fell in love with the African, Oceanic, Pre-Columbian, and other Tribal Arts that he was seeing in galleries and auction houses in Paris, Brussels, and London (he had a home in London as a base). His uncommon creativity, writing for and producing TV series and iconic TV ads (winning Best Of The Film Festival awards in Cannes, Venice, London, and NYC), led to him have international offices with 40 writers working for his production company, which he headquartered in Hollywood.
A Bakota reliquary, Gabon, raised on stand, 22.5″h (overall); 20.5″h (figure). Sold: $8,820
An Olmec figure of a baby, 9″h. Sold: $6,930
Lacy always collected tribal art, with Hollywood presenting buying opportunities in Pre-Columbian works in the 1960s and African works in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In the 1960s and 1970s, Lacy also bought from auctions in London, NY, and Paris and at galleries in those cities and Brussels, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
Chinese Han Dynasty Cast Bronze Covered Ding Vessel. Sold: $1,890
Lee married Vanna Warmack Lacy 35 years ago. Together they fell in love with Oceanic Art, spurred by several voyages to the South Seas accompanying their friend, Caroline Yacoe. Yacoe is an Oceanic scholar, lecturer, author, art collector/dealer, and documentary filmmaker specializing in recording traditional ceremonies and cultures on remote Pacific Islands. This was also a prime period for acquiring authentic, old Indonesian pieces being brought to California by prescient dealers.
An exceptionally dynamic figural door, Toradja, Indonesia Sulawesi Island. Sold: $20,160
Lastly, while producing and creating films in Hollywood and investing in property and living in Beverly Hills, the Lacy’s opened a gallery on the famed Melrose Place (which became the name of a hugely popular TV series) showing paintings and sculptures of modern and contemporary artists. Vanna was the Lacy Gallery’s Director. After a successful run of more than a decade, the Lacy’s retired their gallery. The paintings and sculptures they had most loved personally, plus their mostly decades-old tribal collections, resided with them in their Beverly Hills and then their Palm Springs home until June when it was time to move themselves and their art collections along.
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.
Clars will be offering select items from the personal collection of EGOT winning actress, the legendary Rita Moreno, at our Summer Design Auction on June 15th.
Croatian paintings by artists, Vladimir Varlaj and Vladimir Becic, sold rather well at Clars’ Fine Interiors & Design Auction.
Fine Art
Stories & News
Han Dynasty Highlights
Asian Art
Stories & News
The Han Dynasty was known for its exquisite craftsmanship and artistic design. Today, surviving examples of Han Dynasty vases, vessels, and figures are highly prized and collected for their historical importance and artistic value.
Typically Ding vessels feature a round body and a lid, creating a covered container. They are often adorned with intricate relief decorations depicting various motifs such as mythical creatures, dragons, birds, animals, or geometric patterns. These decorative elements were meticulously cast into the bronze surface and sometimes embellished with additional details using techniques like engraving or inlay.
Chinese Han Dynasty Cast Bronze Covered Ding Vessel. Sold: $1,890
The above vessel was produced during the Han Dynasty, 206 BCE to 220 CE in China. This type of vessel was made using the technique of bronze casting, which involved pouring molten bronze into molds.
Ding vessels were highly valued for their ceremonial and ritual significance. They were used for a variety of purposes, including storing and presenting offerings, as well as serving as burial objects or prestigious gifts. They are considered to be symbols of status and wealth, reflecting the sophisticated artistic taste of the Han Dynasty.
Chinese Han Dynasty gray pottery figure of a horse. Sold: $5,312.50
Han Dynasty works provide valuable insights into the ancient Chinese civilization and the advanced metalworking techniques of the time.
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.
Yan’s audacious use of color and brushwork has made him an inspiration for modern Chinese painters and a favorite amongst collectors.
Artist Spotlight
Asian Art
Summer Modern + Contemporary Post Sale Highlights
Modern + Contemporary
Stories & News
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.
The sale began with modern and contemporary art. A featured highlight was Wayne Thiebaud’s (American, 1920–2011) Portrait of Jean Lee Porter, 1951/52, whose provenance was strong and led to a hammer of $31,500. The subject, Jean Lee Porter, was a big band singer in San Francisco and her own notoriety certainly contributed to the interest in the piece.
Wayne Thiebaud (American, 1920–2021), Portrait of Jean Lee Porter, 1951/52, oil on canvas/board, 16″ x 12″. Sold: $31,500
Another featured highlight was March Avery’s (American, b. 1932), Resting Nude, 1989, oil on canvas. Her stark style of painting, with bold colors and simple linework, appeals to the 21st century minimalist aesthetic. This particular work depicts a female nude — a subject that is highly sought after — and sold for $28,980.
March Avery (American, b. 1932), Resting Nude, 1989, oil on canvas, 18.25″ x 42.25″. Sold: $28,980
This sale also included a fine example of Alecos Fassianos’ (Greek, 1935–2022) work, Figure in Blue, 1963, oil on canvas, which sold for $20,160. The piece features a quite graphic and color-saturated palette. Several phone bidders fed the competitive bidding.
Alecos Fassianos (Greek, 1935–2022), Figure in Blue, 1963, oil on canvas, 39″ x 51.75″. Sold: $20,160
Squeak Carnwath’s (American, b. 1947), Not Fact, 1996, oil and alkyd on canvas, sold for $18,900 — achieving the 4th highest record price for the artist. Squeak Carnwath, like Thiebaud, is another Bay Area figure. She lives in Oakland and taught art at both UC Davis and UC Berkeley, so her name is notable in Northern California. Her paintings are playful and youthful, appealing to the younger audience buying contemporary art.
Squeak Carnwath (American, b. 1947), Not Fact, 1996, oil and alkyd on canvas, 55″ x 55″. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
Jasper Johns’ (American, b. 1930), Flag (Moratorium), 1969, offset lithograph in colors, edition 97/300, sold for $17,640. This piece was made as a political and anti-war expression, and in the highly politicized climate we live in now, powerful imagery and strong statements feel pertinent and valuable to collectors.
Jasper Johns (American, b. 1930), Flag (Moratorium), 1969, offset lithograph in colors, edition 97/300, 17″ x 26″. Sold: $17,640
The Design department had strong prices realized across various categories in the Summer Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction. Leading the show was an Arthur Espenet Carpenter dining suite, consisting of eight Wishbone dining chairs and a dining table. The chairs and table realized a combined $40,950, with numerous bidders vying for the lots. Also, a Philip and Kelvin LaVerne ‘Marriage Whirl’ table realized $12,600.
Arthur Espenet Carpenter, Wishbone Chairs, eight, and Dining Table. Sold: $40,950
Cristina Campion, Associate Director of 20th Century Design, noted, “we’re certainly seeing strong results for American master woodworkers, including Espenet — as well as other American icons like the design duo, Philip and Kelvin LaVerne.”
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, “Marriage Whirl” Table. Sold: $12,600
The sale included master craftsmanship from across genres and cultures. A highlight was a Tony Hunt totem pole dating to 1990, measuring at a mighty 8′11″. There were several telephone bidders on the totem pole that brought the final sale price to $20,160.
Tony Hunt Monumental Totem Pole. Sold: $20,160
Finn Juhl NV-45 chair. Sold: $16,380
Danish Modern furniture preformed quite well, with a pair of Finn Juhl NV-45 lounge chairs selling for $25,200, and a single Finn Juhl NV-45 lounge chair realizing $16,380. “There’s
always a market for noteworthy and iconic Danish Design at auction,” commented Ms. Campion.
Finn Juhl NV-45 chairs. Sold: $25,200
Clars’ next auctions will be held on July 14th & 15th. Consignments are always invited. Schedule a private or virtual valuation appointment by emailing [email protected].
Annie Leibovitz began her artistic career at the San Francisco Art Institute in the late 1960s, where she originally studied painting but was inspired to change her focus to photography.
Clars’ is excited to present our Fall Modern + Contemporary Art Auction on September 14th. The sale will feature artworks spanning movements and decades, with notable works for all collectors.
The Han Dynasty was known for its exquisite craftsmanship and artistic design.
Asian Art
Stories & News
PBS KVIE + Clars
Event
Stories & News
Specialists from Clars Auction Gallery recently stopped by the PBS KVIE studio to film interviews with Rob Stewart for this year’s Antique Valuation Day which is set for October 28!
Clars specialists on the set of PBS KVIE.
Be on the lookout for how to get tickets starting in June.
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.
Cristina Campion spoke to Rob Stewart on the importance of analyzing and authenticating furniture for 2023’s Antique Valuation Day.
Design
Event
Clars Sees Success with Croatian Artists
Fine Art
Stories & News
Two Croatian paintings sold rather well at Clars’ Fine Interiors & Design Auction on April 14th, 2023.
Vladimir Varlaj’s piece, Mountain of Klek, topped the sale, bringing in $50,400. A close second was Vladimir Becic’s work, Landscape Bosnia, II, which realized $47,250. With these sales, a new world record was set for Varlaj, while the Becic sale was the second highest auction total to date for the artist.
Vladimir Varlaj (Croatian 1895–1962), Mountain of Klek, oil on canvas, 31.5″ x 38.5″. Sold: $50,400
The paintings were both from the same seller and provenance: Mr. and Mrs. Milton D. Redford, the Carl Hamilton Collection and the Collection of the Anglo & London Paris National Bank in San Francisco. International internet bidders were the majority on both but a telephone bidder from Croatia came in last — and best — on both as the winning bidder.
Vladimir Becic (Croatian, 1886–1954), Landscape Bosnia, II, oil on canvas, 29.25″ x 37.25″. Sold: $47,250
The Han Dynasty was known for its exquisite craftsmanship and artistic design.
Asian Art
Stories & News
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.
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.
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.
Modern + Contemporary
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Cristina Campion spoke to Rob Stewart on the importance of analyzing and authenticating furniture for 2023’s Antique Valuation Day.
Design
Event
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.
Clars Auction Gallery recently stopped by the PBS KVIE studio to film interviews for this year’s Antique Valuation Day.
Event
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.
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
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. 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
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
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. 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. 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.
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. Sold: $46,875
The Summer Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Auction will include a fine selection of colored diamonds, diamonds, colored gemstones, antique and signed jewelry, and timepieces.
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.