Clars proudly presents the distinguished sale of Property from the Estate of Senator Dianne Feinstein on December 18th beginning at 1 PM PST, offering a significant opportunity to acquire items from the personal collection that graced her iconic San Francisco residence.

The property from the Estate of Senator Dianne Feinstein, drawn from her distinguished residences in San Francisco and Seadrift, reflects the senator’s refined taste and graceful aesthetic. The collection includes richly upholstered leather and down furnishings, fine Chinese and Tibetan carpets, English and Continental antiques, Tibetan pieces, and elegant items with Chinoiserie influences.

Senator Feinstein’s distinguished career as the longest-serving female U.S. Senator, coupled with her groundbreaking roles as San Francisco’s first female mayor and chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, solidified her legacy as a pragmatic leader.

Also featured is a sophisticated selection of barware, stemware, and serveware, alongside fine art encompassing landscapes, still lifes, and architectural views of San Francisco. Together, these objects speak to Senator Feinstein’s deep and enduring connection to the city she represented with such distinction for decades.

Clars Auctions is pleased to announce its upcoming November Gallery Auction, taking place on Friday, November 21st, 9:30 AM PST. This exciting event will feature a notable collection of jazz ephemera, Fine Art and Asian Art, with fresh-to-market offerings sourced from notable estates and private collections.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The November Gallery Auction presents an eclectic array of fine and decorative arts, including a notable collection of jazz ephemera alongside a diverse selection of modern and traditional works.

Fine Art

The Fine Art department is equally strong this season, with an oil on canvas by Harry Curieux Adams depicting ducks in flight, estimated at $15,000–$25,000, an acrylic on canvas by Peter Max, estimated at $5,000–$7,000, a vibrant mixed-media Pop Art composition by Romero Britto, estimated at $5,000–$7,000, and Voo Doo Musik, an acrylic on canvas by Davood Roostaei, estimated at $15,000–$25,000. Additional offerings include works by Julian Alden Weir, Bryan Wilson and other distinguished artists.

Asian Art

The Asian Works of Art department will feature two Jun Kaneko glazed ceramic sculptures and three Toko Shinoda lithographic prints from a prominent corporate collection. Kaneko, born in Nagoya in 1942, is celebrated for his monumental ceramic forms exploring the interplay of color, scale, and surface. Shinoda (1913–2021), a pioneering Japanese abstract artist, is acclaimed for merging calligraphic brushwork with modern abstraction, bridging the ancient and the contemporary.

The Warehouse Auction: November 22nd

Concluding the three-day series, Clars will host its popular Warehouse Auction on November 22nd. This engaging event offers an accessibly priced and eclectic collection encompassing modern and antique furniture, décor, silver, porcelain, glass, fashion, collectible toys, books, and Indigenous arts.

Highlights include costume jewelry and select pieces from The Carole Harris Collection and River Ranch, both known for their distinctive and curated styles. The sale also features notable offerings from the Asian Art section, including Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, and folding screens — ideal for collectors seeking culturally significant works. The jewelry segment presents attractively priced diamond and silver necklaces, while the furniture and home décor offerings range from classic antiques to stylish mid-century and contemporary designs.

The Warehouse Auction provides the perfect opportunity for collectors, decorators, and new buyers to discover unique treasures at attainable price points.

The Fine Interiors Auction, taking place on November 20th, is anchored by an important estate designed by the renowned interior design firm Parish-Hadley Associates.

Founded by Sister Parish and Albert Hadley in the mid-20th century, Parish-Hadley became synonymous with refined American elegance. Their work — an artful balance of tradition, comfort, and modernity — defined an entire era of high society design, gracing the homes of figures such as Jacqueline Kennedy, Brooke Astor, and Oscar de la Renta. The firm’s influence extended beyond decoration to shaping the very language of American interior style.

This particular estate beautifully reflects Parish-Hadley’s signature blend of sophistication and warmth. Highlights include a set of four silver-gilt “strawberry boxes” made for Tiffany & Co., estimated at $2,500–$3,500, and a pair of Maison Baguès lights, estimated at $1,200–$1,800.

Also featured are elegant pieces by Ann Getty Designs, a watercolor by Lee Radziwill, and an array of refined tableware, including Georg Jensen sterling, Baccarat stemware, and a charming Victorian Santa sleigh.

Adding to the sale’s appeal is a cased Victorian half hull builder’s model of the SS Beverly by Workman Clark HD, Belfast, estimated at $4,000–$6,000. This rare and finely crafted model represents the golden age of shipbuilding and maritime engineering, exemplifying the precision and artistry characteristic of late 19th-century craftsmanship. The auction continues with fine carpets, coins, and music boxes, all offering a glimpse into a cultivated lifestyle.

Clars Auctions is pleased to announce its upcoming Important Watches & Holiday Jewelry Auction, to be held on Thursday, November 20th. This highly anticipated sale features an exceptional array of fine wristwatches and holiday-ready jewelry, carefully curated to appeal to collectors, enthusiasts, and those seeking the perfect seasonal gift.

This auction brings together masterworks from the world’s most renowned watchmakers, each with a storied legacy of innovation and craftsmanship. Among the highlights is a Rolex Daytona stainless steel wristwatch, estimated at $30,000–$50,000, a model famously linked to motorsports and popularized by Paul Newman. Also on offer is a rare 1973 Rolex Red-Submariner stainless steel wristwatch 1680, estimated at $20,000–$30,000, a vintage variation of one of the most iconic dive watches in horological history.

A classic Rolex Submariner stainless steel wristwatch, valued at $7,500–$8,500, further reinforces the brand’s reputation for precision, durability, and timeless style. Founded in 1905, Rolex has long been regarded as the benchmark for luxury Swiss watchmaking, with innovations such as the first waterproof wristwatch and the self-winding Perpetual rotor.

Also featured is a Frank Muller ‘King’ Conquistador stainless steel wristwatch, No. 456/1000, expected to achieve between $10,000–$15,000. Known as the “Master of Complications,” Franck Muller is revered for pushing the boundaries of watch design and engineering with bold aesthetics and intricate mechanical movements.

From Omega, a brand celebrated for its legacy in precision timekeeping and space exploration, comes a Speedmaster stainless steel Olympic model wristwatch, estimated at $5,000–$7,000. The Speedmaster gained global fame as the first watch worn on the moon and remains one of the most celebrated chronographs of all time.

The sale also includes a Bulgari Parentesi 18k gold and stainless steel dress watch, estimated at $4,000–$8,000. Since the late 19th century, Bulgari has been synonymous with bold design, blending classical Roman inspiration with modern elegance. From Baume & Mercier, one of Switzerland’s oldest watchmaking houses dating back to 1830, a diamond and 18k gold wristwatch will be offered at $3,500–$4,500. Known for refined, understated luxury, Baume & Mercier continues to produce timepieces of great elegance.

The auction also features a Breitling Avenger 43 stainless steel wristwatch, estimated at $3,000–$5,000. Founded in 1884, Breitling is celebrated for its association with aviation and for producing some of the most durable, high-performance chronographs on the market. Vintage collectors will appreciate the Bulova Accutron Astronaut 14k gold and stainless steel wristwatch, circa 1970, offered at $3,000–$5,000. The Accutron, developed in the 1960s, was the world’s first fully electronic watch, powered by a tuning fork movement — a true milestone in horological history.

Rounding out the timepiece offerings is the elegant Bedat & Co. Lady No. 3 18k gold dress watch, valued at $10,000–$20,000, representing the brand’s commitment to classic Swiss craftsmanship tailored specifically for women.

Complementing the impressive selection of watches is a glittering collection of fine jewelry. Among the standout lots is a South Sea cultured pearl, diamond, and 14k gold necklace, estimated at $2,000–$3,000, as well as a graceful lavender jade and 14k gold pendant-enhancer and chain, offered at $5,000–$7,000.

From the house of Tiffany & Co., a name synonymous with American luxury since 1837, comes a diamond and 18k gold and platinum earrings and necklace set, estimated at $6,000–$8,000 and a whimsical pair of 1989 enamel and 18k gold fish cufflinks, estimated at $2,000–$3,000. Additional fine jewelry offerings include a pair of diamond and 14k white gold earrings and a diamond and 14k white gold pendant, each estimated between $8,000–$12,000.

“This auction is a celebration of craftsmanship, design, and timeless luxury,” said Campbell Unruh, GIA G.G. Specialist, Fine Jewelry & Watches at Clars. “Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a first-time buyer, or searching for the perfect holiday gift, this sale offers an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of horological or jewelry history.”

These featured pieces represent only a portion of what will be offered in the auction. The full catalog will include a broad range of fine watches and jewelry across various styles, makers, and price points — offering something for every collector and buyer.

Tom and Gussie Lyons’ shared love of design, art, and architecture began soon after their wedding in the early 1950s. In their first homes, a Bertoia/Noguchi child’s table, an Eames rocking chair, and Corita Kent’s vibrant prints reflected their early passion for design and art.

In the 1970s, the Lyons lived in London and there they explored art galleries and antiques shops throughout the city. Returning to Columbus, Indiana in the mid-1970s, they lived and worked amid world class architecture, an experience that further shaped their collecting tastes. From their kitchen window, Eero Saarinen’s steeple for the North Christian Church was visible; while an I.M Pei library with Henry Moore’s Large Arch on its plaza anchored the downtown.

In the 1980s, after settling in San Francisco, their interest in design, sculptural form and modernism blossomed into a passion for Georg Jensen silver. A sculptor before he became a silversmith, Jensen’s work perfectly combined the Lyons’ interest in fine workmanship with form and function. With access to interesting auctions, dealers, and antiques fairs, they built a remarkable collection of Jensen flatware, jewelry, and hollowware. Their pair of Jensen grape candelabra graced the mantels of their Washington Street and Laguna Street homes for over 40 years and a treasured Jensen gravy boat is a mainstay at their daughter’s Thanksgiving table today. Silver items from the Lyons’ collection will be offered at Clars Auctions on November 20th.

Clars Auctions is pleased to announce its upcoming October Gallery Auction, taking place on Friday, October 17th, 9:30 AM PDT. This exciting event will feature a curated selection of Furniture & Decorative Arts, Fine Art, and Fine Jewelry & Watches, with fresh-to-market offerings sourced from notable estates and private collections.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Furniture & Decorative Arts department offers a distinguished selection of fine and decorative pieces that showcase centuries of global craftsmanship. Highlights include exceptional examples of European and American sterling silver, porcelain, glass, and contemporary works. Featured in the sale are an impressive pair of Sèvres-style gilt bronze mounted urns, estimated $4,000–$6,000, exquisite Meissen porcelain, and sterling silver by renowned makers such as French Odiot and Tiffany & Co., including a coveted sterling ‘Wave Edge’ flatware service, estimated $3,000–$5,000.

Also notable is a standout collection of fine guitars, including an A.C. Martin marked 0452, estimated $8,000–$10,000, and Washburn models. This property is being sold at public auction under Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of Hank Risan are offered for sale. The property is sold “as is, where is,” without recourse against the United States, which offers no guarantee or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding the condition or fitness of the property.

Complementing these are superb Arts & Crafts furniture pieces by Stickley and a selection of elegant slag glass lamps. Collectors will also discover an impressive range of pottery from Mata Ortiz, San Ildefonso, and the Hopi, featuring works by respected families including Navasie, Napeyo, and Lewis. Additional highlights include Fortuny silk light fixtures, a striking Minton majolica urn, a diverse array of contemporary glass, and a compelling collection of antiquities.

Fine Art

In Fine Art, Clars will showcase a diverse range of works representing different periods, styles, and regions, with offerings that promise to appeal to collectors at every level. One of the headline lots is a seasonally fitting screenprint by Pop Art icon Andy Warhol, titled The Witch (1981), featuring American actress Margaret Hamilton in her role as the Wicked Witch of the West from the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz. Part of Warhol’s Myths series, this screenprint embodies the artist’s fascination with American pop culture icons, with other works in the series depicting figures like Superman, Dracula, and Santa Claus. Though created nearly twenty years after his famed 1960s portraits, The Witch recalls the vibrant neon palette and strong visual contrasts of Warhol’s earlier pieces, particularly Marilyn Diptych. The addition of hand-drawn lines and the use of Warhol’s own photography make this piece a dynamic and layered work, carrying an estimate of $30,000–$50,000.

Another standout in the art category is Nude Series #2 by Vietnamese artist Tran Luu Hau (1928–2020), known for his bold brushwork and abstracted forms. This expressive painting presents a faceless female figure rendered in red with black outlines, set against a background that evokes a blurred camera lens, drawing the eye firmly to the figure itself. Tran, who began his career as a propaganda artist during the First Indochina War before training at the Viet Bac Fine Arts School, developed a deeply expressive style that bridges the figurative and the abstract. This work is estimated at $15,000–$20,000.

Also featured is a serene oil on canvas landscape by California painter Ray Strong (1905–2006), a key figure in the Works Progress Administration art movement of the 1930s. Strong’s work frequently captures the unique beauty of the California landscape, and the untitled painting offered in this auction appears to depict a view from Mount Tamalpais toward the Pacific Ocean. Golden hills dotted with greenery stretch toward a slate-blue sea partially obscured by low cloud cover, with the coastal town of Bolinas visible in the distance. This contemplative piece is estimated at $8,000–$12,000.

Further notable works in the October sale include two large canvases by Bay Area Figurative Movement painter Henrietta Berk, a bucolic genre scene by Belgian artist Évariste Carpentier, and a wide-ranging selection of contemporary paintings and prints.

Fine Jewelry & Watches

The Fine Jewelry & Watches department is proud to offer a glittering array of diamond, colored gemstone, and gold pieces in this month’s sale. The selection includes antique, rare, and signed jewelry, as well as wearable staples offered at accessible price points.

Among the standout offerings are a diamond and platinum brooch, estimated at $2,500–$3,500; a honey jade and 18k gold ring, estimated at $2,000– $3,000; and a striking emerald, white enamel, and 18k gold bangle with an estimate of $7,000–$10,000. Whether you’re seeking investment-grade pieces or elegant everyday adornments, this sale offers a compelling range of options.

The Warehouse Auction: October 18th

Clars will continue its exciting auction weekend with the Warehouse Auction on Saturday, October 18th, 9:30 AM PDT. This dynamic event offers a broad and eclectic mix of items across all categories, with approachable price points that appeal to both new buyers and seasoned collectors. The sale will include a diverse selection of art, prints, photographs, modern and antique furniture, silver, porcelain, glass, fashion, and decorative objects.

Highlights from the Asian Art section include Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, and folding screens — ideal for those seeking culturally significant and visually striking pieces. The jewelry offering will feature an array of accessible diamond and silver items, while the furniture and home décor category will span both traditional and modern styles, along with collectible toys and unique curiosities.

A standout feature of this auction is Session II of an extraordinary collection of early jazz memorabilia. This session includes historic items such as an Ella Fitzgerald signed recording agreement with Clef Records, a rare handwritten music sheet by Charlie Christian, and a Billie Holiday signed contract to perform at the Loop Lounge in Cleveland in 1956. Also featured is a Surrogate’s Court order related to the estate of Billie Holiday and a collection of her original orchestral arrangement sheets. Additional highlights include memorabilia from jazz legends such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Lester Young, Fats Waller, and others — making this an unmissable opportunity for music historians and collectors alike.

The second installment of the Naomi Lindstrom collection on October 16th will include over one hundred lots of silver beads and ornaments from various cultures and an array of worldwide beads. Bidding begins at 1 PM PDT.

The silver portion of the auction consists of many examples from India, the Middle East, and part of Africa. The bead portion of the auction will feature glass examples from ancient Egypt, Venice, West Africa, and parts of Southeast Asia. There will also be beads of various minerals such as turquoise, carnelian agate, shell and many others.

Hank Risan’s musical instrument collection included more than 750 examples of fine 19th and 20th century acoustic instruments. On October 17th, we are happy to offer over 50 of these magnificent guitars and mandolins.

Risan owns an 1835 Martin 2½-17 guitar that is believed to have accompanied Mark Twain (born Samuel Clemens) throughout his life. During a 1999 appearance on National Public Radio’s (NPR) All Things Considered program, Risan played an arrangement of the Stephen Foster classic, Old Susannah, on the Twain guitar.

In 2014, Risan placed 265 of his classic guitars on the block with boutique auction house Guernsey’s in New York. The auction was called The Artistry of the Guitar. However, many of the guitars, including the Martin — which was ultimately purchased by The Martin Guitar Company — did not reach their pre-auction estimates or reserves.