This June 15th at Clars Auction Gallery, we are excited to offer a number of excellent pieces by esteemed artists throughout the Modern and Contemporary periods.
First featured is a photo-collage by influential English artist, David Hockney. Titled Gregory Watching the Snowfall, Kyoto, February 21st, 1983, the arrangement of violet-toned photographs depicts Hockney’s partner, assistant, and frequent model, Gregory Evans, lying in bed and looking out the window of a Japanese washitsu at the garden outside.
David Hockney (British, b. 1937), Gregory Watching the Snowfall, Kyoto, Feb. 21st 1983, 1983, photograph collage on paper, 46.6″ x 43.6″. Estimate: $25,000–$35,000
Louis Valtat (French, 1869–1952), Fraises, circa 1902, oil on board, 10.75″ x 13.5″. Estimate: $20,000–$30,000
Another highlight in the June sale is an oil on board painting by French Fauve artist, Louis Valtat. The work, titled Fraises, depicts a cluster of bright red strawberries on a deep green lettuce leaf. Valtat’s technique blends the color-forward elements of Fauvism with the expressive brushwork of Impressionism to create a sense of movement in a traditional still-life composition.
Jasper Johns (American, b. 1930), Flag (Moratorium), 1969, offset lithograph in colors, edition 97/300, 17″ x 26″. Estimate: $15,000–$20,000
Lastly, we are presenting a signed multiple by American Neo-Dadaist, Jasper Johns. Titled Flag (Moratorium), the print is a rendering of perhaps Johns’ most well-known subject: the American flag. This work was made to commemorate the anti-Vietnam War demonstrations that took place in 1969. The symbolic use of orange and camouflage-green tones, along with a white “bullet hole” in the center of the image, is meant to highlight the violence that occurred throughout the controversial war.
Paul Klee (German, 1879–1940), Fragment einer Wandmalerei (Fragment of a Mural Painting), 1933, watercolor and titanium white glue on paper laid down on cardboard, 7.5″ x 9.75″. Estimate: $50,000–$70,000
Alecos Fassianos (Greek, 1935–2022), Figure in Blue, 1963, oil on canvas, 39″ x 51.75″. Estimate: $15,000–$20,000
This sale will also offer additional important works by renowned artists such as Rafael Coronel, Brett Weston, Milton Reskin, Wayne Thiebaud, and Hunt Slonem.
Brett Weston (American, 1911–1993), White Sands, 1949, portfolio of twelve (12) gelatin silver prints, 7.75″ x 9.5″. Estimate: $15,000–$20,000
Gunther Gerzso (Mexican, 1915–2000), Eleysis III, 1961, oil on canvas affixed to board, 17″ x 12.75″. Estimate: $12,000–$18,000
Rafael Coronel (Mexican, 1932–2019), Gudelia, 1961, oil on board, 40.5″ x 30.5″. Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
March Avery (American, b. 1932), Resting Nude, 1989, oil on canvas, 18.25″ x 42.25″. Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
Brett Weston (American, 1911–1993), Abstractions II, 1927–1980, portfolio of twenty (20) gelatin silver prints, 10.75″ x 13.75″. Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
(lot of 2) Franz Hagenauer (Austrian, 1906–1986), Male and Female Busts, circa 1935, stainless steel sculptures. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
Wayne Thiebaud (American, 1920–2011), Portrait of Jean Lee Porter, 1951/52, oil on canvas/board, 16″ x 12″. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
Hunt Slonem (American, b. 1951), Untitled, 2014, oil on wood panel, 24″ x 20″. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
Marcel Dyf (French, 1899–1985), Untitled (Still Life with Flowers), 1969, oil on canvas, 28.75″ x 23.5″. Estimate: $7,000–$10,000
Salvador Dali (Spanish/1904–1989), Le Decameron, 1972, portfolio of ten (10) drypoint etchings, 18.5″ x 13.5″. Estimate: $7,000–$10,000
Bill Brandt (British, 1904–1983), London (Nude with Bent Elbow), 1952, gelatin silver print, 13.5″ x 11.5″. Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
Nathan Oliveira (American, 1928–2010), Angel Rocker, 2005, color sugar lift aquatint and drypoint etching, 44.5″ x 35.25″. Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
Freedom or Slavery: The Paul Robeson Portfolio, 1998, a portfolio of fourteen (14) screenprints, including works by Elizabeth Catlett, Betye Saar, Erique Chagoya, Rupert Garcia, Raymond Saunders, 25.25″ x 20″. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
Squeak Carnwath (American, b. 1947), Not Fact, 1996, oil and alkyd on canvas, 55″ x 55″. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
Our diverse auctions bring together global craftsmanship, luxury design, and fine artistic traditions.
Auction
Highlights
June Highlights
Auction
Clars’ June 16th and 17th auctions will offer an extensive collection of Japanese woodblock prints, important artwork from artists such as William Keith and Albrecht Durer, a selection of fine Native American baskets, and beautiful diamond, colored gemstone and gold jewelry that will stun at any event.
The Asian Art department will offer an extensive collection of Japanese woodblock prints by Kawase Hasui (Japanese, 1883–1957). Hasui is a prominent Japanese artist who was known for his exquisite woodblock prints, particularly his landscapes. He was a key figure in the shin-hanga (“new prints”) movement, which revived traditional Japanese woodblock printmaking techniques in the early 20th century. Highlighting the collection of over twenty woodblock prints, Hasui’s Winter Moon at Toyama, is estimated at $2,000–$4,000. Hasui’s works continue to be highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts. His contributions to the shin-hanga movement and his skill in capturing the essence of Japan’s natural beauty have made him one of the most celebrated Japanese printmakers of the 20th century.
Kawase Hasui (Japanese, 1883–1957), Winter Moon at Toyama. To be offered: June 17th
Kawase Hasui (Japanese, 1883–1957), Moon at Ninomiya Beach. To be offered: June 17th
Fine Art
Clars is pleased to offer a monumental painting by William Keith (American, 1838–1911) titled, Into the Yosemite Valley, circa 1895–1906, on Friday, June 16th. Estimated at $100,000–$120,000, this 36″ x 60″ canvas has remained in the same family for well over 100 years since it was originally commissioned by Robert C. and Francesca Hall (Pittsburgh, PA) from the artist. Mr. Hall is referenced as such in the book, Keith, Old Master of California, Volume I, by Brother Cornelius (1942) on page 451. This is one of the most important works by Keith to have come to auction in well over ten years.
William Keith (American, 1838–1911), Into the Yosemite Valley, circa 1895–1906, oil on canvas, 36″ x 60″. To be offered: June 16th
Clars is also excited to offer a striking example of Albrecht Durer’s (German, 1471–1528) Sea Monster in the Friday June 16th sale. This 1498 engraving depicts a nude female beside a scaled and bearded merman, thought by many to represent the abduction of Scylla by the sea demon Glaucus of Greek Mythology. This printing is on laid paper with a High Crown with Flourish watermark, categorized as a Meder a printing, and was purchased from Christie’s Old Master Prints auction in 2011. The engraving is estimated at $25,000–$30,000.
Albrecht Durer (German, 1471–1528), The Sea Monster, 1498, engraving, watermark High Crown with Flourish (M. 20a), Meder a, 9.75″ x 7.25″. To be offered: June 16th
Furniture & Decorative Arts
The Furniture & Decorative Arts department will offer a selection of fine Native American baskets in the Friday, June 16th auction, as well as other European decor in the June 17th auction.
A selection of Native American baskets including a large Pomo gathering basket. To be offered: June 16th
Fine Jewelry & Timepieces
The Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department is excited to offer a selection of diamond, colored gemstone and gold jewelry in their upcoming June 16th sale. This sale features a variety of wardrobe staples to build up the foundation of your jewelry collection at accessible price points. To be featured in the sale are a nice selection of diamond jewelry in time for bridal season, including lot 7000: a yellow diamond, diamond and fourteen karat white gold ring, estimated at $4,000–$6,000; and lot 7003: a pair of diamond and eighteen karat white gold earrings, estimated $3,500–$4,500.
Left: An emerald, diamond and fourteen karat necklace and earrings suite. Right: A pair of enameled ear clips and ring suite. To be offered: June 16th
The sale will also include a colorful gemstone selection, including lot 7066: a pair of emerald, diamond and fourteen karat gold earrings and necklace suite, estimated $5,000–$7,000; lot 7004: a Mozambique, diamond and platinum ring, estimated $3,500–$4,500; and lot 7106: a coral, seed pearl and fourteen karat gold convertible necklace, estimated $3,000–$5,000. Other wearable pieces in the sale that will highlight your everyday life include lot 7110: A pair of eighteen karat gold earrings, Tiffany & Co, estimated $1,500–$2,500; and lot 7123: a stainless steel wristwatch, Superocean, Breitling, estimated at $1,200–$1,800.
A coral, seed pearl and fourteen karat gold convertible necklace. To be offered: June 16th
Bidding for Clars’ June 16th and 17th auctions is available by phone, absentee bid, live online at Live.Clars.com and through Liveauctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. Clars Auction Gallery is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609. Clars Auction Gallery is based in Oakland (CA) and is the largest full-service auction gallery in the Western United States. Clars Auction Gallery 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 Auction Gallery has sold well over $150,000,000 of Fine Art, Furnishings, Jewelry, Vehicles and Collectibles and has set multiple new world auction records. Follow Clars on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
Our diverse auctions bring together global craftsmanship, luxury design, and fine artistic traditions.
Auction
Highlights
Artist Spotlight: March Avery
Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary
“I knew I would be a painter. It never occurred to me that I would do anything else,” March Avery.
March Avery (American, b. 1932), Resting Nude, 1989, oil on canvas, 18.25″ x 42.25″. Sold: $28,980
Born into a family of artists — her father being Milton Avery and mother Sally Michel — March Avery cultivated a style that was distinctly her own. Growing up, she was surrounded by artists who were friends of her parents. She began creating by the age of two through painting, drawing and sculpting. She developed a style of her own that celebrates brilliant color and abstract forms.
Alexander infuses his paintings with surrealist elements, such as skeletons in formal wear and masked figures.
Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary Art
Artist Spotlight: David Hockney
Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary
Working across multiple mediums, David Hockney is known for his painting, drawing, prints, photography, collage, set design and digital media.
Hockney was born on July 9, 1937 in Bradford, United Kingdom, and studied at Bradford School of Art and London’s Royal College of Art. In 1964, Hockney moved to California. Drawing inspiration from the region’s light, color, and landscape, his swimming pool paintings garnered him international recognition.
David Hockney (British, b. 1937), Six Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm, 1970, complete portfolio of thirty-nine (39) etchings, with additional six (6) loose etchings, 17.75″ x 12.5″. Sold: $34,375
During the 1980’s, Hockney began creating intricate photo collages that he called “joiners.” His early photo-collages consisted of polaroid photographs in a grid. He evolved his style to photo lab processed 35mm photographs, creating abstract representations of the scenes he had photographed in a more organic layout. Photos were taken over a number of minutes, highlighting Hockney’s interest in showing the passing of time, and often show slightly different perspectives of the subject. Deeply inspired by artists such as Pablo Picasso and Greorge Braque, Hockney’s photographic collages are a historical nod to the cubist collages that inspired him. He remains one of the greatest living artists of his generation.
Alexander infuses his paintings with surrealist elements, such as skeletons in formal wear and masked figures.
Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary Art
From the Estate of Rita Moreno
Estate Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary
Clars will be offering select items from the personal collection of EGOT winning actress, the legendary Rita Moreno, at our Summer Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction.
Rita Moreno, Robe and dress, 1990s, West End London Production of Sunset Blvd. Sold: $4,095
Rita Moreno, purple and green mini dress with fringed shoulders, label for Elizabeth Courtney Costumes, Hollywood. Sold: $2,268
Rita’s remarkable career ranges from music, film, and dance. Maybe best known for her Academy-Award winning performance as Anita in the 1962 motion picture, West Side Story, she also worked in both television and the stage later in her career. Items to be offered on June 15th include fine art, stage worn dresses by designers including Bob Mackie, scripts, and awards.
Rita Moreno, mini dress with pink and purple fringe, likely worn at the 1988 Ice Capades T.V. Special. Sold: $756
The sale offers a rare glimpse into the creative spirit of a connoisseur whose eye for the unusual and the beautiful resulted in a truly one-of-a-kind collection.
Two of our modern and contemporary highlights this November come from American artists, Jim Dine and Brian Alfred, who draw inspiration from their surroundings in very different ways.
Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary
PBS KVIE + Clars Jewelry
Event
Fine Jewelry
Yao Jiang, Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Specialist at Clars, spoke to Rob Stewart, PBS TV Host & Executive Producer, on one the department’s recently sold natural pearl necklaces for 2023’s Antique Valuation Day.
Rob and Yao holding a natural pearl, diamond and platinum necklace.
In our last Spring Fine Jewelry and Timepieces Auction, we were honored to represent a natural pearl necklace from an important estate in San Francisco. It’s a strand of fifty-five graduated natural pearl beads, certified by Gemological Institute of America, which fetched $31,046 at auction.
Yao pointing out necklace details to Rob.
Today, natural pearls are among the rarest of gems and their almost entirely depleted supply makes natural pearls one of nature’s greatest miracles.
Behind the scenes: Rob and Yao chatting on camera.
Clars Auctions’ Senior Vice President, Deric Torres, was honored to participate in a celebration hosted by The Menlo Park Historical Association and The Museum of American Heritage.
The history of jewelry spans as far back as humanity itself, with evidence of ancient beads made from shells, bones, and teeth dating back 80,000–110,000 years.
Harry Huang spoke to Rob Stewart on the beauty of a Mughal style jade vase for 2023’s Antique Valuation Day.
Asian Art
Event
Artist Spotlight: Hua Yan
Artist Spotlight
Asian Art
Clars’ Asian Art department saw auction success from Hua Yan (1682–1756), Landscape, which commended a total of $63,000 in the May Fine Asian Art & Collectibles Auction.
Hua Yan (1682–1756), Landscape, ink and color on silk. Sold: $63,000
Yan’s audacious use of color and brushwork has made him an inspiration for modern Chinese painters and a favorite amongst collectors.
The contemporary Asian section of our April 18th auction will feature important work by Chuang Che, a Chinese-American abstract artist.
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 Auctions’ Senior Vice President, Deric Torres, was honored to participate in a celebration hosted by The Menlo Park Historical Association and The Museum of American Heritage.
Our Modern Design section of the April 18th auction will feature a sculptural Alvar Aalto bentwood tea trolley.
Design
Stories & News
Artist Spotlight: Joseph Raphael
Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary
Joseph Raphael, a California native, studied at the California School of Design.
He saved money during the 1890s, first as a newspaper illustrator and later as a sign painter, to continue his artistic studies overseas. He spent most of his life aboard, living 36 years in Paris and the Netherlands.
Joseph Raphael (American, 1869–1950), Portrait of a Young Lady, oil on canvas (laid down on board), 16″ x 12.25″. Sold: $3,780
Keeping strong ties to San Francisco, he exhibited his paintings regularly in local shows and through Albert Bender, a patron of early works of Ansel Adams and Diego Rivera. Before World War II, he returned to San Francisco and maintained a studio on 345 Sutter Street until his death on December 11, 1950.
Alexander infuses his paintings with surrealist elements, such as skeletons in formal wear and masked figures.
Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary Art
May Highlights
Auction
Clars’ May 12th and 13th auctions will offer an impressive selection of Chinese and Japanese works of art, captivating paintings from Anthony Liggins, a range of furniture and decorative items sure to delight audiences, and beautiful jewelry that will stun at any event.
The Asian Art Department will offer a fine selection of Chinese and Japanese works of art, headlined by a Ming dynasty gilt bronze figure of Guanyin. This magnificent Buddhist figure, from an important southern California collector, is distinguished by its large size and superb workmanship in the bronze casting and gilt-lacquering.
A large Chinese gilt bronze figure of Guanyin, Ming dynasty. To be offered: May 13th
We will also be offering a late Qing dynasty period imperial embroidered yellow-ground twelve symbol dragon robe for an empress. This rare Chinese imperial textile comes from a Colorado collection. Rounding out the sale is a significant collection of Chinese Qing dynasty snuff bottles from a Mill Valley collection formed over the past half century. The collection is comprised of primarily underglaze blue porcelain bottles as well as various glass bottles from the Imperial Workshop during the 19th century.
Chinese imperial embroidered yellow-ground silk twelve-symbol dragon robe for an empress. To be offered: May 13th
Fine Art
This May at Clars we are pleased to offer two acrylic on canvas paintings by Atlanta-Miami-based artist, Anthony Liggins. Liggins, born in 1965, is a leading figure in the American abstract expressionist resurgence, as well as a prominent African American artist with an international presence.
Anthony Liggins (American, b. 1965), Blue Angel, acrylic on canvas, 36″ x 36″. To be offered: May 12th
Liggins names music and dance as two of his major inspirations. In the two pieces offered at Clars this month, titled Blue Angel and Sacred Oasis, the impacts of rhythm and movement are apparent. Melting streaks of color echo sonic waves, which are interspersed with repetitive, grid-like dot work, and bold swaths of color play between rigid lines to create a dynamic interaction of the geometric and organic. The two paintings by Anthony Liggins are each estimated at $4,000–$6,000.
Anthony Liggins (American, b. 1965), Sacred Oasis, acrylic on canvas, 36″ x 36″. To be offered: May 12th
Furniture & Decorative Arts
The Furniture and Decorative Arts department will feature a range of items sure to delight audiences. Highlights include a Steinway and Sons Model M Grand Piano, circa 1929, Serial No. 261276, estimated at $8,000–$12,000.
A Steinway and Sons Model M Grand Piano, circa 1929. To be offered: May 12th
Also on offer will be an assortment of exceptional porcelain dinner and stemware services, including Royal Crown Derby, Meissen, Ginori, Herend, Baccarat, Steuben and other fine makers.
A Royal Crown Derby porcelain assembled dinner service, approximately 106 pieces. To be offered: May 12th
Fine Jewelry & Timepieces
The Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department at Clars is excited to offer a selection of diamond, colored gemstones and gold jewelry in their upcoming May 12th sale. This sale features a variety of wardrobe staples to build up the foundation of your jewelry collection at accessible price points. To be featured in the sale are a ruby and fourteen karat gold necklace and earring suite, estimated for $3,000–$5,000; and a sapphire, diamond and fourteen karat white gold necklace and earring suite, estimated for $2,000–$3,000.
Left: A ruby and fourteen karat gold necklace and earring suite. Right: A sapphire, diamond and fourteen karat white gold necklace and earring suite. To be offered: May 12th
Bidding for Clars’ May 12th and 13th auctions is available by phone, absentee bid, live online at Live.Clars.com and through Liveauctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. Clars Auction Gallery is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609. Clars Auction Gallery is based in Oakland (CA) and is the largest full-service auction gallery in the Western United States. Clars Auction Gallery 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 Auction Gallery has sold well over $150,000,000 of Fine Art, Furnishings, Jewelry, Vehicles and Collectibles and has set multiple new world auction records. Follow Clars on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
