Clars is pleased to be offering over 70 works of art from the Collection of Allan Stone (by descent) on Thursday, March 21st in our Spring Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction.

From 1960 to 2020, Stone had a prominent New York City gallery that was known for showing artists such as: Wayne Thiebaud, Eva Hesse, Jack Whitten, as well as, Barnett Newman, Richard Estes, Yasuhide Kobashi, Robert Arneson, Cesar and Dorothy Grebenak among many others.

“How do I know when I’ve finished a painting? It’s when that element of surprise is there” (Joan Brown). This March at Clars we are proud to feature a work on paper and a print by one of the most well-loved modern artists of Bay Area origin.

Joan Brown was born in San Francisco in 1938 and continued to work in the area for her entire life, creating paintings, sculptures, and works on paper that celebrated the city of San Francisco and its surroundings. Brown began her art education at the California School of Fine Arts (now the San Francisco Art Institute) where she began working with her mentor — fellow Bay Area icon, Elmer Bischoff — who she credited with encouraging her to focus on her own creative instincts and less on academic rules.

During her prolific career, Brown evolved stylistically from abstract expressionism to folk art-inspired figurative painting and became involved in the highly influential Bay Area Figurative Movement. Brown was married for a period to a fellow member of the movement, Manuel Neri, with whom she had a son who inspired much of her work during the 1960s. Brown also taught at several California universities during the 1960s, including the California School of Fine Arts, Mills College, and UC Berkeley.

As she matured in her practiced, Brown included more symbolism in her paintings, including spiritual and New Age ideas. This interest led her to travel the world and gather inspiration from various religions and cultures — installing mosaic obelisks honoring these new influences. Brown tragically passed away while installing one of these obelisks at Sai Baba’s Eternal Heritage Museum in Puttaparthi, India. The works included in the March auction are a gouache and pencil on paper piece, titled Running at Ocean Beach, which depicts the artist jogging at the famous San Francisco seaside, and a woodcut/lithograph, titled Golden Gate, depicting the renowned bridge at sunset with a swimmer and boater in the blue bay waters.

Clars is excited to present our Furniture, Art, Jewelry & Asian Auction on February 16th and our Warehouse Sale on February 17th. These sales will offer a splendid variety pieces that any collector would treasure.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Furniture & Decorative Arts section of the February Gallery auction offers a diverse collection of antiques and contemporary items, ranging from Regency swan consoles and antique Persian and Chinese carpets to modern furniture icons by Hans Wegner and Percival Lafer.

Decorations include sterling silver, French bronze decorations, Meissen porcelain, and a menagerie of Herend animals. A collection of Santa Clara blackware vessels and a vibrant spectrum of contemporary art glass and studio ceramics will also be available.

Fine Art

Fine Art will present an exciting selection of artwork this February. Highlights include works by important California artists, such as Elmer Bischoff and Sam Francis, as well as an impressive sculpture by Italian-American artist, Harry Bertoia.

First, we offer a painting by Bay Area Figurative Movement artist, Bischoff. A Berkeley native, Bischoff studied art and taught at a Sacramento high school until he joined the United States Air Force in World War II. After the destruction of the war, the prevailing art style in the United States was Abstract Expressionism, and Bischoff moved in circles with avant-garde painters upon his return to the San Francisco area.

After joining the faculty of the California School of Fine Arts (now the San Francisco Art Institute), Bischoff worked in close company with like-minded artists, including Karl Kasten, Richard Diebenkorn, and David Park. Diebenkorn and Park joined Bischoff in forming the “First Generation” of Bay Area Figurative artists. This group transitioned away from working in the mode of Abstract Expressionism and embraced a figurative style.

Bischoff’s work in this month’s sale, titled Cityscape — and depicting just that, shows a scene that could be taken from several areas around the San Francisco Bay, with the rooftops of buildings receding down and peeping over the tops of hills. Although Bischoff and his colleagues championed figuration in their artwork, we can still see the echo of abstraction in the bold colors and emotive brushwork of this painting.

An artist whose work remained solidly in the realm of Abstract Expressionism throughout his career was San Mateo-born, Sam Francis. Like Bischoff, Francis served in the Air Force during World War II. After his return to California, he was visited by artist David Park, who encouraged Francis to express himself artistically. Inspired by artists like Mark Rothko and Helen Frankenthaler, Francis’ work was characterized by large dollops of vivid color, smeared into both geometric and organic forms. Rather than remaining in California, Francis travelled globally, exhibiting and working in Paris, Mexico, New York, and Tokyo, where his exposure to Zen Buddhism greatly influenced his work.

Francis eventually landed in Los Angeles and became a prolific printmaker. The Francis piece to be offered at Clars this month is a striking monotype featuring woodcut and oil pigment elements. Viewers will note the painterly elements of the print, translated directly from Francis’ earlier paintings, as well as the solid color structure of the composition. Francis often favored primary colors in his work, particularly blue, and this piece is no exception. These components designate this print as an exemplary Sam Francis creation.

Finally, we will offer a large-scale sculpture by Harry Bertoia. Born in Pordenone, Italy, Bertoia travelled to the United States at age 15 to study jewelry making and metalwork. His talent in these areas quickly led to commissions from figures as prominent in the arts as Charles Eames and Edmund Bacon. After further studies in welding, Bertoia experimented with furniture design, and developed his most notable creation — the sound sculpture. Bertoia fashioned several of these sculptures, comprised of brass and beryllium copper rods affixed to a flat surface, and used them to record a series of 11 albums, all titled Sonambient.

Although Bertoia eventually made dozens of these sculptures, each one is completely unique, producing different tones based on the configuration of rods, metal composition, and the shape of the sculpture. These multi-functional artworks can be found in prominent collections nationwide, including the Brooklyn Museum in New York and the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. The sounding sculpture at Clars this month consists of 16 vertical rods that are minimalist and modern in appearance, yet ring out with an expressive timbre. Also featured this month are attractive works by Louise Nevelson, Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, and much more.

Fine Jewelry & Timepieces

The Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department at Clars is excited to offer a selection of diamond, colored gemstone and gold jewelry, in their upcoming February 16th sale.

This sale features a variety of wardrobe staples to build up the foundation of your jewelry collection at accessible price points. Some of these highlights include a diamond ring, featuring a diamond approximately 1.50 carats, estimated at $3,000–$5,000; and a diamond and 14k gold bracelet, estimated at $4,000–$6,000. There will also be a colorful gemstone selection available, including a pink tourmaline and 14k white gold ring, estimated at $2,000–$3,000; and a cultured South Sea pearl, diamond and 14k white gold ring, estimated at $800–$1,200. Other wearable pieces include a collection of Trifari costume jewelry, estimated at $200–$300. Complementing the auction will be a selection classic timepieces, including an Omega Constellation 18k gold watch, estimated at $3,000–$5,000.

Asian Art

This February, Clars’ Asian Art department will offer a diverse array of Asian masterpieces that span several cultures and historical periods.

A key feature in the sale is the collection of jade carvings, crafted in the 18th-century Mughal Style. These pieces, including intricately designed teapots and incense boxes, blend Indian and Chinese artistry, highlighting the rich Mughal influence.

Another notable highlight is the Ming Dynasty fahua ceramic figure of Luohan. This piece, characterized by the vibrant and intricate fahua glazing technique, reflects the religious significance and artistic depth of the Ming Dynasty.

We will be offering additional highlights from the Qing Dynasty, including a Chinese famille rose and underglaze blue bird and flower hu-form vase, which showcases intricate and colorful depictions of avian and floral motifs. A Chinese enameled 100 deer hu-form vase is another masterpiece available that features a multitude of deer in various stances — symbolizing longevity and prosperity. Lastly, the Chinese jade and hardstone embellished lacquer wall panel up for auction is a testament to exquisite craftsmanship, combining luxurious materials in a harmonious design.

Also to be featured is a remarkable late 19th century Japanese inlaid bronze koro and cover, crafted by Ohashi San’emon (1851–1895) during the Meiji period. Measuring 14.125″ in height, this piece is distinguished by a pixiu finial and is elaborately decorated with auspicious symbols in copper, silver, and gilt. The inscription, “Dai Nihon Ohashi Sam’emon seizo,” on the underside further authenticates its origin.

Clars is now seeking consignments for our upcoming Spring Luxury Jewels & Timepieces Auction on March 21st.

Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Valuation Day
Tuesday, February 13th | 10AM–1PM PST

*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.

This February 16th at Clars, the Asian Art Department will offer a diverse array of Asian masterpieces that span several cultures and historical periods.

A special highlight is the 19th century Chinese celadon jade tripod censer and cover. This exquisite piece, measuring 10.25″ across, is of a globular form adorned with stylized phoenixes in raised relief. It boasts peony branch handles with loose rings, is supported on three short, splayed legs originating from lion masks, and is topped with a domed cover crowned by a mythical beast-shaped finial.

Another notable highlight is the Ming dynasty fahua ceramic figure of a Luohan. This piece, characterized by the vibrant and intricate fahua glazing technique, reflects the religious significance and artistic depth of the Ming dynasty.

We will be offering additional highlights from the Qing dynasty, including a Chinese famille rose and underglaze bluebird and flower hu-form vase which showcases intricate and colorful depictions of avian and floral motifs. A Chinese enameled 100 deer hu-form vase is another masterpiece available that features a multitude of deer in various stances — symbolizing longevity and prosperity. Lastly, the Chinese jade and hardstone embellished lacquer wall panel up for auction is a testament to exquisite craftsmanship, combining luxurious materials in a harmonious design.

Another standout feature in the sale is the collection of jade carvings, crafted in the 18th-century Mughal style. These pieces, including intricately designed teapots and incense boxes, blend Indian and Chinese artistry, highlighting the rich Mughal influence.

Also to be featured is a remarkable late 19th century Japanese inlaid bronze koro and cover, crafted by Ohashi San’emon (1851–1895) during the Meiji period. Measuring 14.125″ in height, this piece is distinguished by a pixiu finial and is elaborately decorated with auspicious symbols in copper, silver, and gilt. The inscription, “Dai Nihon Ohashi Sam’emon seizo,” on the underside further authenticates its origin.

Clars invites art enthusiasts and collectors this February 16th to explore these treasures and more.

This January at Clars we are pleased to offer two paintings by American Impressionist, Paul Sawyier.

Sawyier was born in Ohio in 1865 and raised in Frankfort, Kentucky. He traveled first to The McMicken School of Design (now the Art Academy of Cincinnati) to study under Frank Duveneck, and later to New York to study under William Merritt Chase at the Arts Students League of New York.

Early in his career, Sawyier excelled in portraiture, painting the likenesses of well-known figures in his community. Although he sometimes included figures in his subsequent paintings, they mostly focused on rural landscapes. Known primarily for his watercolor depictions of scenery in Kentucky and New York, Sawyier gained enough recognition in art circles to exhibit work at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893.

After his professional painting career ended, Sawyier retired to a houseboat in the New York Catskills. He was known to paint in the area en plein air, both in oils and watercolor. Sawyier is notable not only for being one of the only painters from Kentucky working in the Impressionist style during the turn of the century, but also for his ability to capture the atmosphere and tranquility of his surroundings. Although distinctly impressionistic, Sawyier’s work does retain aspects of Realism and Romanticism, perhaps preserved from his years studying in arts academies. Sawyier remains one of Kentucky’s most celebrated artists, and his work is collected in several large museums nationwide.

Mr. Stephen Schwartz and Stephen’s Antiques are recognized antiques dealers and advanced collectors known nationwide.

Originally based in Tiburon, CA, they sold investment grade European Decorative Art and select Furniture from coast to coast. Their largest public sale is a rare 18th century porcelain mounted salon table that sold for a staggering $2.4M in 1998. Mr. Schwartz helped numerous clients build very well curated collections that are still highly regarded.

Clars Auctions is please to present a selection from their exclusive collection, featuring formal French furniture, 19th-century bronze sculptures, ormolu-mounted marble clocks, and KPM porcelain plaques in our January 18th auction. Each piece is a testament to the discerning taste of the Schwartz family, showcasing their distinctive blend of European sophistication.

Clars is excited to present our Winter Fine & Rare Wines Auction on January 22nd.

A few of the highlights in the sale include a 1997 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti La Tâche Grand Cru Monopole, a 1992 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Monopole, and a 1991 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Richebourg Grand Cru. The sale will also feature a variety of fine French Bordeaux, Châteauneuf-du-Papes, and Burgundies from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s.

Clars is excited to present our Fine European Furniture & Decorative Arts Auction on January 18th, our Furniture, Art, Jewelry & Asian Auction on January 19th, our European Décor Auction on January 20th, and our Fine & Rare Wines Auction on January 22nd. These sales will offer a splendid variety of art, jewelry, Asian works, furniture, decorative arts and fine wines.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Fine European Furniture and Decorative Arts Auction will present a timeless collection of fine furniture from the Baroque period and fine revival styles. Discover gilt cut glass stemware and luxury porcelain dinner services that are being offered.

This auction also presents a rare opportunity to acquire exceptional pieces from the private collection of Stephen and Lynette Schwartz of Steven’s Antiques. From formal French furniture and 19th century bronze sculptures, to ormolu mounted marble clocks and KPM porcelain plaques, each item reflects the Schwartz’s discerning taste and signature blend of European sophistication.

In our January 19th sale, the Furniture & Decorative Arts department will being offering a collection of ethnographic and Native American artifacts, fine silver including a New York Federal coin silver tea service, and a variety of 18th, 19th and 20th century furniture.

Our European Décor sale on January 20th will offer an eclectic collection of antique and contemporary furniture and decorative arts, including Native American pottery and tribal design, sterling and silver plate articles, Studio art pottery, and glass including a collection of Michael Nourot glass, mirrors and carpets.

Fine Art

This January at Clars we are pleased to offer a selection of fine paintings, prints, and sculptures to brighten gray winter days. First up are two springtime scenes from American Impressionist, Paul Sawyier. Sawyier is known today as one of Kentucky’s most renowned artists, beginning his career studying under William Merritt Chase in New York City, and displaying several works at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. The two paintings by Sawyier at Clars this month, both oils on panel, are garden scenes showing classical-style sculptures amid pastel flowers in full bloom.

Secondly, we present a watercolor by painter, James Taylor Harwood. Born in the territory of Utah, Harwood honed his artistic skills at the California School of Design in San Francisco before embarking on an extended trip to Paris, France with fellow painter and friend, Guy Rose. During this time, he exhibited at the Paris Salon — becoming the first artist from Utah to do so, four years before the territory became a state. The watercolor in this month’s sale was painted after Harwood’s return to the United States, during a period in which his style hovered between Academicism and Impressionism. It depicts the peaceful scene of a birch tree leaning over a stream shaded by lush green foliage.

Finally, we offer a charming early work by Pennsylvania painter, Fern Isabel Coppedge. Coppedge was born in Illinois but spent most of her life in Pennsylvania, becoming associated with the Pennsylvania Impressionism movement which also included artists such as George Sotter and Walter Emerson Baum. After studying in several major American cities, Coppedge returned to the Philadelphia area and found success through her association with the Philadelphia Ten, a group of women artists who exhibited together with the aim of elevating female-made art above the level of hobby and craft. The oil on canvas board painting in January’s sale depicts a cottage in Bucks County, rendered in an Impressionist style with bright, folk art inspired colors. Also included in January’s auction are paintings by Edward Henry Potthast and James Weeks, a lithograph by Robert Riggs, and much more.

Fine Jewelry & Timepieces

The Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department at Clars Auctions is excited to offer a selection of diamond, colored gemstone and gold jewelry, and a curated collection of gemstones in their upcoming January 19th sale.

This sale features a variety of wardrobe staples to build up the foundation of your jewelry collection at accessible price points. Some of these highlights include a rutilated quartz and 18k gold dress set, French, from the estate of internationally recognized textile artist and designer, Mr. Julian Tomchin, San Francisco, CA; a black cultured baroque pearl and 18k gold ring by Gumps, estimated at $700–$1,000; and a 14k gold bracelet, estimated at $300–$500. A vast assortment of gemstones from the estate of a reputable gemstone dealer will also be presented for collectors and gem lovers.

Asian Art

The Asian Art department will feature a collection of 19th century Chinese export porcelain articles from the Nathan Hale family, including a partial set featuring the butterfly pattern and various pairs of famille verte guardian lions and beasts. Also on offer is East Coast collection of Chinese ceramics from the Song to Qing dynasties.

Fine & Rare Wines

A few of the highlights in our Winter Fine & Rare Wines auction include a 1997 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti La Tâche Grand Cru Monopole, a 1992 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Monopole, and a 1991 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Richebourg Grand Cru. The sale will also feature a variety of fine French Bordeaux, Châteauneuf-du-Papes, and Burgundies from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s.