January Auction Highlights

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Clars is excited to announce our upcoming January 17th auction featuring a curated selection of Furniture, Fine Art, Jewelry, and Asian Art, offering collectors and connoisseurs the opportunity to acquire diverse works from renowned artists and craftsmen.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The January auction offers an impressive range of Contemporary and European furniture, alongside sterling silver, ceramics, glass, and fine rugs and carpets. Key highlights from this category include a collection of Mata Ortiz pottery, celebrated for its intricate handwork and connection to ancient Mexican traditions.


A large suite of German Art Nouveau sterling platters. Estimate: $7,000–$9,000

A suite of eleven German 930 standard silver trays. Provenance: Property from the estate of Ethel Mary Crocker, granddaughter of Charles Crocker (1822–1888), chief contractor in the building of the Central Pacific (later the Southern Pacific) Railroad, thence by direct family descent.
Estimate: $7,000–$9,000

Additionally, there are exquisite pieces of German Art Nouveau and Regency period sterling, as well as striking Bagues-style rock crystal sconces that exemplify the elegance of French lighting design. A particularly rare inclusion is a 1665 antiquarian book, Il Nuovo Teatro delle Fabriche, which provides a visual record of 17th-century Rome, capturing the architectural grandeur of the period.


A Regency sterling gilt flatware set in decorative box. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
An Extensive European Rococo silver and silvered gilt flatware service. Provenance: Property from the estate of Ethel Mary Crocker, granddaughter of Charles Crocker (1822–1888), chief contractor in the building of the Central Pacific (later the Southern Pacific) Railroad, thence by direct family descent.
Estimate: $4,000–$6,000
Book, Il Nuovo Teatro della Fabriche, printed in 1665, with 95 engraved plates, original bindings with title, and title page. Estimate: $1,500–$2,500
Book, Il Nuovo Teatro della Fabriche, printed in 1665, with 95 engraved plates, original bindings with title, and title page.
Estimate: $1,500–$2,500

Fine Art

This January’s auction also celebrates the legacy of Cady Wells, an artist whose life and work embody a deep connection to both the American Southwest and the larger avant-garde movement. Born in 1904 in Massachusetts, Wells’ early years were shaped by a strong cultural and artistic education. However, it wasn’t until moving to Arizona in 1932 that he discovered his true artistic calling. Immersing himself in the New Mexico art scene, Wells exhibited alongside contemporaries such as Mark Tobey, Morris Graves, and Jackson Pollock. His work is distinguished by abstract compositions that evoke the curves and colors of the Southwestern landscape, often influenced by his time working with topographic maps during World War II.


Cady Wells (American, 1904–1954), <em>Object on the Plateau</em>, 1946, mixed media, 27.5″ x 19.25″. <br><b>Estimate: $2,000–$4,000</b>
Cady Wells (American, 1904–1954), Object on the Plateau, 1946, mixed media, 27.5″ x 19.25″.
Estimate: $2,000–$4,000

While Wells never garnered the same fame as his fellow artists in Taos and Santa Fe, his unique approach to abstraction has been gaining recognition in recent years. The auction will feature a selection of his works that showcase his mastery of color, form, and movement, as well as his innovative interpretations of the desert terrain.


Bibi Zogbé (Lebanese, 1890–1973, Senegal Village, oil on canvas, 24″ x 31.75″. Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
Bibi Zogbé (Lebanese, 1890–1973, Senegal Village, oil on canvas, 24″ x 31.75″.
Estimate: $6,000–$9,000

Additionally, we will offer works by Bibi Zogbe, Domenico Gnoli, and Emilio Grau Sala, further enhancing the breadth of our Fine Art offerings.


Domenico Gnoli (Italian, 1933–1970), Untitled (Chariot Race), 1960, ink on paper (mounted on cardboard), 14″ x 32.88″. Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
Domenico Gnoli (Italian, 1933–1970), Untitled (Chariot Race), 1960, ink on paper (mounted on cardboard), 14″ x 32.88″.
Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
Emilio Grau Sala (Spanish, 1911–1975), Boats on the Lake, oil on canvas, 10.5″ x 13.75″. Estimate: $2,500–$4,500
Emilio Grau Sala (Spanish, 1911–1975), Boats on the Lake, oil on canvas, 10.5″ x 13.75″.
Estimate: $2,500–$4,500

Fine Jewelry & Watches

This auction also includes a stunning array of fine jewelry, offering some of the most sought-after pieces in the world of luxury. From dazzling diamonds to vibrant gemstones, the collection includes an exceptional selection of rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that are sure to captivate collectors. Among the highlights are a Jacob & Co. diamond chain necklace valued between $60,000–$80,000, and a striking padparadscha diamond and bi-color gold ring, estimated at $7,000–$10,000. Whether you’re seeking a timeless diamond engagement ring or a statement pendant, this auction offers an unparalleled selection of pieces that showcase both beauty and craftsmanship.


A diamond chain necklace. Estimate: $60,000–$80,000
A diamond chain necklace.
Estimate: $60,000–$80,000

The auction also includes an exclusive selection of luxury timepieces from renowned brands such as Piaget and Maurice LaCroix, perfect for watch enthusiasts and collectors of fine horology. With its diverse offerings, this jewelry session promises to be an unforgettable experience for those seeking rare and exquisite treasures.


A pink sapphire, diamond and 18k bi-color gold ring. <br><b>Estimate: $8,000–$10,000</b>
A pink sapphire, diamond and 18k bi-color gold ring.
Estimate: $8,000–$10,000

Asian Art

The Asian Art portion of the auction features important works from China, including a late 18th to early 19th century Chinese brocade blue-ground dragon skirt, which was commissioned by the Qing imperial court for exclusive use by the royal family. This regal textile represents the opulence and craftsmanship of the Qing dynasty.


A Chinese brocade blue-ground dragon skirt. Estimate: $1,000–$1,500
A Chinese brocade blue-ground dragon skirt.
Estimate: $1,000–$1,500

Also included is a Chinese imitation bronze-glazed hu-form vase from the Republic period, featuring a wide band of confronting dragons and elephant-head handles, a tribute to the Qianlong period style. These items, among other fine examples of Asian art, offer a rare glimpse into the artistic traditions of China’s imperial past.


A Chinese imitation bronze glazed globular vase. Estimate: $1,000–$1,500
A Chinese imitation bronze glazed globular vase.
Estimate: $1,000–$1,500

The Warehouse Auction: January 18th

The Warehouse auction offers a dynamic and diverse selection of art, prints, and photographs, with each month featuring a curated mix of paintings, sculptures, and works from across the globe, all with accessible estimates. The Asian Art section will showcase a thoughtfully curated array, including Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, folding screens, and other fine decorative items. In the Jewelry department, we are thrilled to present a range of affordable pieces, from diamonds to silver and gold necklaces. Additionally, The Warehouse boasts an accessible priced collection that encompasses modern and antique furniture and decor, silver, porcelain, glass, fashion, rugs, books, collectibles and indigenous arts. Collections include charming Royal Bayreuth porcelain figural items, as well as a collection of semi-precious stones and minerals, and fossils.

Bidding for Clars’ January auctions is available by phone, absentee bid, live online at Live.Clars.com and through Liveauctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. Clars Auctions is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609.

Clars Auctions is based in Oakland (CA) and is the largest full-service auction gallery in the Western United States. Clars Auctions has been the chosen auction gallery of a number of institutions and distinguished private collectors across the country, including the Richard Mellon Scaife Estate, the Thomas J. Perkins Estate and The Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC).

In the last 5 years, Clars Auctions has sold well over $500,000,000 of Fine Art, Furnishings, Jewelry, Vehicles and Collectibles and has set multiple new world auction records. Follow Clars on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

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The January 17th auction will feature important works from China, including a late 18th to early 19th century Chinese brocade blue-ground dragon skirt.

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