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.
On April 18th, Clars Auctions will present a series of exquisite collectibles at its spring Fine Asian Art Auction for collectors.
Asian Art
Auction
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.
We are honored to present the rare and globally sourced bead and tribal art collection from the estate of Naomi Lindstrom on August 14th.
Estate Spotlight
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!
Our auction on January 16th will feature distinguished design, fine craftsmanship, and notable works by artists and artisans across cultures and periods.
Our auction on October 17th will feature a curated selection of Furniture & Decorative Arts, Fine Art, and Fine Jewelry & Watches.
Auction
Highlights
Fine & Rare Wines Auction
Auction
Clars Wines
Clars Wines is excited to offer some of the most sought-after wines and celebrated vintages from the greatest wineries around the globe at our auction on May 11th.
The auction will start off with the cellars of wine industry legend, Allen Shoup, former CEO of Chateau Ste. Michelle and Estates. Allen created one of the broadest portfolios of acclaimed wines crafted in Washington and California. Allen also worked with the likes of Napa’s Robert Mondavi and Randy Dunn, the famed Antinori Family of Italy, and featured the consulting and guidance of the Napa Valley’s most revered icon, André Tchelistcheff.
From left to right: 1 Bottle 1981 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California 3L (signed by Robert Mondavi) Etched, OWC. 1 Bottle 2017 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Romanée-Conti, Grand Cru, Burgundy, France 98WA 97-99 Jasper Morris MW 98 Decanter. 1 Bottle 1976 Jordan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, California 1st Vintage, Signed by André Tchelistcheff. 1 Bottle 2019 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Romanée-Conti, Grand Cru, Burgundy, France 100WA 100 Vinous. 1 Bottle 2003 Dunn, Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California 6ltr Etched. To be offered: May 11th
Many of the offerings feature signed bottles from these legends. Some of the other highlights include multiple lots of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti – Romanée-Conti (2019, 2017, and 2017), La Tâche (1964), Richebourg magnum (1964), 23 bottles of Randy Dunn’s Howell Mountain Cabernet straight from his cellars (1982–2004), multiple lots of cult classic — Sloan, verticals of Beaulieu Vineyards “Georges de Latour,” signed by André Tchelistcheff, 3ltr of Chateau Beaucastel’s “Hommage à Jacques Perrin” (2000) and other favorites like Chateau d’Yquem, Leoville Las Cases, Petrus, Mouton and Lafite Rothschild.
5 Bottles 1989 Château Léoville-Las-Cases, 2nd Growth, St-Julien, Bordeaux, France 98 Decanter. To be offered: May 11th
From left to right: 1 bottle 1975 Château D’Yquem 1st Growth, Sauternes, Bordeaux, France 1.5LTR 99WA 98 Vinous. 1 Bottle 2000 Château de Beaucastel, Hommage a Jacques Perrin, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone Valley, France 3ltr 98JD 97WA. 1 bottle 1964 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Richebourg, Grand Cru, Burgundy, France 1.5LTR 95WA. 1 bottle 1966 Robert Mondavi Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Napa Valley, CA. Signed by Robert Mondavi. To be offered: May 11th
4 Bottles 2002 Sloan, Proprietary Red, Napa Valley, California OWC 100WA 100WS. To be offered: May 11th
10 Bottle Mixed Lot – Beaulieu Vineyards, Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California. One 5ltr Bottle and Nine 750ML bottles. All signed by André Tchelistcheff. To be offered: May 11th
12 Bottles Domaine des Lambrays, Clos du Lambrays, Grand Cru, Morey-Saint-Denis, Burgundy, France OWC. To be offered: May 11th
Mixed Lot – 23 bottles 1982–2004 Dunn Vineyards, Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California. Direct from Dunn Vineyard’s Cellars. To be offered: May 11th
12 bottles 2013 Marcassin, Marcassin Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast (Direct from Winery) 94JD. To be offered: May 11th
12 Bottles 1970 Château Mouton Rothschild, 1st Growth, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France OWC/Banded 96WS. To be offered: May 11th
Our auction on January 16th will feature distinguished design, fine craftsmanship, and notable works by artists and artisans across cultures and periods.
Our auction on October 17th will feature a curated selection of Furniture & Decorative Arts, Fine Art, and Fine Jewelry & Watches.
Auction
Highlights
Artist Spotlight: Anthony Liggins
Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary
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″. Estimate $4,000–$6,000
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″. Estimate: $4,000–$6,000
Alexander infuses his paintings with surrealist elements, such as skeletons in formal wear and masked figures.
Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary Art
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
Clars’ Important Holiday Fine Art Auction on December 18th presents an exceptional selection of artworks by celebrated artists.
Fine Art
Highlights
Spring Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Auction
Auction
Fine Jewelry & Timepieces
Clars is thrilled to host their Spring Fine Jewelry and Timepieces Auction on Friday, April 14th, beginning at 9:30 AM PDT. The sale includes a fine selection of colored gemstones, diamonds, antique and signed jewelry, and timepieces.
The sale is highlighted by exceptional gemstones, including an approximately 12-carat Colombian emerald diamond and eighteen-karat gold ring, estimated at $10,000–$20,000; a pair of Victorian Colombian emerald and diamond earrings, estimated at $5,000–$7,000; a natural pearl, diamond, and platinum necklace, estimated at $6,000–$8,000; an unheated Burma ruby, diamond, and fourteen-karat gold ring, estimated at $15,000–$20,000; and an unheated Ceylon sapphire, diamond, and platinum ring, estimated at $15,000–$20,000.
Left: A Colombian emerald (approx. 12.00 cts), diamond and eighteen karat gold ring. Estimate: $10,000–$20,000 Right: A pair of Victorian Colombian emerald and diamond earrings. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
A natural pearl, diamond and platinum necklace. Estimate: $6,000–$8,000
Left: An unheated Burma ruby, diamond and fourteen karat white gold ring. Estimate: $15,000–$20,000 Right: An unheated Ceylon sapphire, diamond, and platinum ring. Estimate: $15,000–$20,000
Complementing the auction will be a selection of exquisite diamond jewelry, including an antique diamond and eighteen-karat gold ring, estimated at $2,000–$4,000; a diamond and fourteen-karat white gold bracelet, estimated at $15,000–$20,000; and a diamond and eighteen-karat white gold revière necklace, estimated at $30,000–$40,000.
An antique, diamond and eighteen karat gold ring. Estimate: $2,000–$4,000
A diamond and fourteen karat white gold bracelet. Estimate: $15,000–$20,000
A diamond and eighteen karat white gold revière necklace. Estimate: $30,000–$40,000
Maker Mario Buccellati is represented in a pair of cultured pearl and eighteen-karat bi-color gold ear clips and clip brooch suite, estimated at $4,000–$6,000. Another noteworthy piece of the sale is an eighteen-karat gold Byzantine link chain necklace by Fred, estimated at $4,000–$6,000. Also featured in this sale are two brooches by Cubism pioneer, Georges Braque, estimated at $5,000–$7,000 and $4,000–$6,000.
A pair of cultured pearl and eighteen-karat bi-color gold ear clips and clip brooch suite, Mario Buccellati. Estimate: $4,000–$6,000
An eighteen karat gold necklace, Fred. Estimate: $4,000–$6,000
Left: A diamond and eighteen karat gold pendant, ‘Circe,’ Georges Braque. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000 Right: An emerald and eighteen karat gold brooch, ‘Alphee,’ Georges Braque. Estimate: $4,000–$6,000
Another feature of the sale is a selection of timepieces led by an eighteen-karat gold automatic wristwatch, Day-Date, Audemars Piguet, estimated at $8,000–$12,000; an eighteen-karat gold wristwatch, 150th Anniversary Perpetual, Ulysse Nardin, estimated at $12,000–$18,000; an eighteen-karat white gold wristwatch, Patek Phillipe, estimated at $5,000–$7,000; and a diamond and eighteen-karat gold wristwatch, Tank Francaise, Cartier, estimated at $5,000–$7,000.
Left: An eighteen karat white gold wristwatch, Patek Phillipe. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000 Right: A diamond and eighteen karat gold wristwatch, Tank Francaise, Cartier. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
Our auction on January 16th will feature distinguished design, fine craftsmanship, and notable works by artists and artisans across cultures and periods.
Our auction on October 17th will feature a curated selection of Furniture & Decorative Arts, Fine Art, and Fine Jewelry & Watches.
Auction
Highlights
Artist Spotlight: Red Grooms
Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary
Known for the absurdist humor in his Pop Art compositions, Red Grooms has worked as a painter, sculptor, and printmaker, taking the latter method to a new level in the work being offered in Clars’ Fine Interiors & Design Auction.
Red (Charles Rogers) Grooms (American, b. 1937), De Kooning Breaks Out, 1986, three-dimensional lithograph and collage in colors, 43″ x 28.75″ x 7″. Sold: $2,520
The collaged lithograph, titled De Kooning Breaks Out, depicts famed Dutch-American artist Willem de Kooning pedaling a bicycle with a female figure, taken from one of his many Woman paintings, riding on the handlebars. The figures quite literally “break out” in this instance, with the printed paper folding and layered to create a three-dimensional composition. This piece is estimated at $4,000–$6,000.
