Clars is excited to present our October Collections Auction on October 13th. This sale will offer a splendid variety of art, jewelry, and furniture.

Asian Art

Highlights from the Asian Art department include a group of Chinese monochrome glazed ceramic bowls and vases from Song and Yuan dynasties, and Chinese export underglaze blue items from the Ca Mau shipwreck acquired from Sotheby’s Amsterdam in 2007.

Additionally, there will be a selection of Japanese works of art, such as two Edo era tanto daggers and various Meiji period metalwork vases.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Furniture & Decorative Arts department will offer a collection for the discerning connoisseur, including 18th and 19th century furniture and rugs, such as a Francoise Linke table, a collection of Regency Chinoiserie furniture and a Palace Kashan carpet.

Russian bronze sculptures and decorative arts, including Czarist examples and Grachev Bros enameled flatware, will also be up for auction. In addition, there will be a group of modern and contemporary pottery and art glass, and a selection of cameras and lenses available.

Fine Jewelry & Timepieces

The Fine Jewelry & Timepiece department is excited to offer a selection of diamonds, colored gemstone gold jewelry, and timepieces in their upcoming October 13th 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, including a diamond and 14k white gold tennis bracelet, estimated at $4,500–$5,500, and a colorful gem-set 18k gold bracelet, estimated at $3,500–$4,500.

Other wearable pieces that will highlight your everyday life include items such as a diamond and 18k bi-color gold starburst pendant brooch, estimated $1,200–$1,800. This brooch is complemented by classic timepieces, including a Rolex two-tone Oyster Perpetual lady’s wristwatch, estimated at $2,000–$3,000.

Fine Art

This month the Fine Art department is pleased to feature a number of works by contemporary and early California artists, including an oil on canvas painting by painter George Demont Otis. Otis first came to California in 1924, where he worked as a scene designer for Metro-Goldwyn Mayer (MGM). He later moved to San Francisco and eventually settled in Marin County. He is known for landscapes of central and Northern California scenes, often depicting eucalyptus trees and rolling hills. In the featured painting this month, titled Marin Redwoods, he depicts a grove of the California state trees with sunlight peeking in through the canopy.

Another highlight this October is a large print by funk artist William T. Wiley. Wiley began his artistic studies at the California School of Fine Arts (now the San Francisco Art Institute), and later taught at U.C. Davis alongside artists Roy DeForest and Robert Arneson. Wiley’s work has been the subject of major exhibitions, including showings at the 1980 Venice Biennial, the de Young Museum, and a retrospective at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. The monumental woodcut print featured this month, titled Mr. Bones, features hand coloring by the artist. The piece demonstrates Wiley’s eclectic visual style, including sketchy, movement-heavy lines and text interspersed throughout, with a humorous, surrealist-inspired subject. Also to be featured this month are an important print by Roberto Matta, paintings by Guy Anderson and Arthur Grover Rider, sculptures by Squeak Carnwath, and much more.

Clars is excited to present The Collectors Auction on September 15th. This spectacular collection is overflowing with an impressive variety of art, jewelry, and furniture.

Asian Art

Asian Art will feature various distinguished private collections of Chinese, Himalayan, South Indian, and Southeast Asian religious works of art. One of the highlights is a Chinese Daoist painting of various religious figures.

Also, to be presented in this auction is an extensive collection of Chinese mixed metal ink boxes, silver accessories, and miniature decorative objects.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Furniture & Decorative Arts portion of the sale will be offering an extensive selection of fine objects, including contemporary furniture from an exclusive St. Helena winery, antique furniture and decorative arts from the 17th through 20th centuries, American carousel animals from Gustav Dentzel, Native American blankets and beadwork, and Indian and Middle Eastern decorative arts.

Fine Jewelry & Timepieces

The Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department is excited to offer a selection of diamond, colored gemstone and gold jewelry, in their upcoming September 15th 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, including a diamond and 14k white gold band, estimated at $1,200–$1,800, and a pair of diamond stud earrings, estimated at $1,200–$1,800.

The sale will also include a colorful gemstone selection, including a tanzanite, diamond and silver necklace, estimated at $2,000–$3,000, and a pair of emerald, diamond and platinum-topped 18k gold ear clips, estimated at $1,000–$1,500.

Other wearable pieces that will highlight your everyday life include items from makers Seaman Schepps, in a gem-set and 18k gold, ‘Chessman,’ brooch, estimated at $1,500–$2,500, and an enamel and 18k gold bracelet, by Buccellati, estimated at $10,000–$15,000.

Fine Art

This September at Clars we are excited to offer an original print by French-American naturalist, John James Audubon. Audubon is well known for his illustrations of the birds of North America. The featured engraving is titled Canvas Backed Ducks and dates to 1836.

Also included in our sale are an oil on canvas painting by Thomas Virgil Troyon Hill Jr., depicting California’s Yosemite Valley, and a still-life oil on canvas painting by Luigi Lucioni.

Our Design + Art + Fine Asian Art Auction on August 11th will showcase a wide range of treasures, including Design pieces by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, artwork by renowned artists such as Henrietta Berk and William Laven, and fine Asian jade, porcelain, glazed pottery, and paintings.

Design

The August 11th auction will include a nice selection of Design items. Highlights include a pair of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Slipper Lounge Chairs and Ottoman, estimated at $4,000–$6,000, and a T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Sofa, Model 1711, estimated at $4,000–$6,000. This rare sofa has the original upholstery and retains the Widdicomb label.

Robsjohn-Gibbings is perhaps most well-known for his work for Widdicomb, where he worked as a designer from 1943–1956. The softness and shapeliness of his designs for the company were a stark contrast to the rigidness of the Bauhaus aesthetic that was popular at the time. Largely inspired by the Classical world, Robsjohn-Gibbings was also recognized for his Klismos furniture (designed in collaboration with Susan and Eleftherios Saridis). He was largely inspired by Greek furniture and design.

Also on offer will be a set of four Mario Bellini Cab Chairs, valued conservatively at $2,000–$4,000, and a Charles and Ray Eames 670 and 671 lounge chair and ottoman, estimated at $3,000–$5,000.

The sale will feature a collection of pottery items, including examples by Marguerite Wildenhain. The collection belonged to Lorelei Brede who studied at Pond Farm with Wildenhain from 1960–1962. Afterwards, Brede opened a pottery studio and became a pottery instructor in her own right. Several pieces by Brede will be included in the auction alongside Windenhain’s works.

Other designers in the sale include Clyde Burt, Betty Feves, Paolo Soleri, Julian Watts, Ward Bennett, Daum, Burgun, and Schverer & Cie, among others.

Fine Art

Clars is pleased to be offering a painting by influential California artist, Henrietta Berk. A member of the Bay Area Figurative Movement, Berk and her peers dedicated much of their practice to restoring focus on human form and experience in an artistic landscape that was primarily concerned with modern abstraction and conceptual art.

As a student of Richard Diebenkorn, whose own work had shifted from abstract expressionism to figurative painting, Berk was introduced to his wife, psychologist Phyllis Deibenkorn, of whom she painted a portrait. Berk’s technique in painting this portrait does not completely eschew abstraction; Diebenkorn is rendered in broad, painterly brushstrokes with an impressionistic feel, bold color choices and a somewhat geometrical approach to the play of light and shadow on her face and hair. Berk’s portrait embodies the concurrence of traditional figurative art with innovative abstraction during the mid-20th century, creating an emotive and dynamic depiction of her subject.

Asian Art

The Fine Asian Art Auction will feature the following items sourced from various distinguished estates and private collection: a 17th century Chinese cloisonné enamel meiping vase, a Kangix period Chinese famille verte phoenix-tail vase, a collection of Chinese embroidered robes, various Tang dynasty sancai glazed pottery, a group of four Qing dynasty imperial edicts, and various archaic and later period jade carvings.

Jade, porcelain, glazed pottery, antique textiles, scrolls and paintings sourced from various distinguished estates and private collections will headline the Fine Asian Art Auction to be held on Friday, August 11th. Our inaugural Timed Asian Decorative Arts Auction will feature Chinese jade and hardstone carvings, Chinese ceramics, furniture items, Chinese scrolls, Japanese woodblocks, and works of art. Bids will be accepted 8/5–8/14.

One of the August 11th sale highlights is a Chinese cloisonné enameled gilt bronze meiping vase from the 17th century, with an estimate of $6,000–$9,000. The exterior is decorated with two registers of flower blossoms amidst leafy scrolls, all against a blue enameled ground and between vertical lappets. The upper section is further decorated with large ribbon roundels.

Another highlight in the auction is a large Chinese iron-red decorated ‘dragon’ charger. This charger has two energetic five-clawed dragons, amongst ruyi-clouds, which are chasing a precious flaming pearl heightened in gold. Two additional dragons are on the exterior walls engaged in the same pursuit. The charger has a Guangxu six-character mark in regular script and is of the Guangxu period. This lot is estimated at $2,000–$4,000.

A Chinese famille verte phoenix-tail vase, depicting an auspicious bird perching on wutong and flowering plum trees over a lotus pond with Mandarin ducks, will be featured in the sale as well. This lot is estimated at $5,000–$7,000.

Another interesting item in the sale is a large Chinese grisaille-decorated ‘figural’ vase, with a globular body that was skillfully painted with a fictional scene. The scene depicts a figure bowing to a seated official figure, surrounded by an additional nine figures. One side of the vase has an inscription echoing the painted scene, dated ‘renshen,’ corresponding to 1932. There are three painted seals and the slightly waisted long neck is decorated with geometric bands, ruyi-heads, and stylized lappets. The rim and some of the painted details are highlighted in gilt, and the recessed base bears an apocryphal ‘Kangxi yu zhi’ mark. The vase will be offered at an estimate of $4,000–$6,000.

Also up for auction is a Chinese embroidered lady’s turquoise-ground silk robe, estimated at $2,000–$4,000. The slender robe has a right side opening and a turquoise-green ground made of brightly colored silk floss. The robe is embroidered with pleasant flowering branches and butterflies. It’s lined with purple floral ribbon and wide black bands that are embroidered with a similar flower and butterfly theme.

Additional highlights of the sale include a Tang dynasty sancai glazed pottery horse, amphora vase, a group of four Qing dynasty imperial edicts, work by Zhu Qizhan, and various archaic and later period jade carvings.

The Han Dynasty was known for its exquisite craftsmanship and artistic design. Today, surviving examples of Han Dynasty vases, vessels, and figures are highly prized and collected for their historical importance and artistic value.

Typically Ding vessels feature a round body and a lid, creating a covered container. They are often adorned with intricate relief decorations depicting various motifs such as mythical creatures, dragons, birds, animals, or geometric patterns. These decorative elements were meticulously cast into the bronze surface and sometimes embellished with additional details using techniques like engraving or inlay.

The above vessel was produced during the Han Dynasty, 206 BCE to 220 CE in China. This type of vessel was made using the technique of bronze casting, which involved pouring molten bronze into molds.

Ding vessels were highly valued for their ceremonial and ritual significance. They were used for a variety of purposes, including storing and presenting offerings, as well as serving as burial objects or prestigious gifts. They are considered to be symbols of status and wealth, reflecting the sophisticated artistic taste of the Han Dynasty.

Han Dynasty works provide valuable insights into the ancient Chinese civilization and the advanced metalworking techniques of the time.

Clars’ July 14th and 15th auctions will offer an important collection of ethnographic art, ancient Chinese pottery, abstract paintings from artists such as Herb Jackson and James Franco, and beautiful diamond, colored gemstone and gold jewelry that is perfect for any Summer event.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The sale will be led by a major and important collection of ethnographic art from Vanna and N. Lee Lacy (Palm Springs, California). Mr. Lacy was a prominent Hollywood producer of films, creative golden-era TV series, and iconic commercials. His collecting has spanned six decades. Highlights include a Bakota reliquary, Gabon, estimated at $15,000–$20,000, and an Olmec figure of a baby, valued at $12,000–$18,000.

In addition to the ethnographic collection, the sale with feature a fine selection of sterling silver and objects of vertu, including a Cartier 14k gold cigarette case, estimated at $6,000–$9,000. There will also be an array of traditional decorative arts on offer, including a large collection of samplers, an English bracket clock, and a Swiss orchestral music box, among other items.

Asian Art

The Asian Art department will feature a curated group of ancient Chinese pottery and bronze objects from a Palm Springs, CA collection. Leading the group is a finely cast bronze tripod ding ritual vessel, with original lid dated to the Han dynasty. Another noteworthy item from the Han dynasty is an elegant pottery goose-form bottle vase, which still retains some of its original hand painted pigments. Rounding out the collection are two painted pottery jars from the Neolithic period. Both have classic geometric designs and are still in remarkably good condition.

Fine Art

This July at Clars, we are pleased to offer an acrylic on canvas painting by American artist, Herb Jackson. Known for abstract and non-objective paintings, Jackson’s colorful compositions are in collections throughout the world, including in the Brooklyn Museum in New York and the British Museum in London. The work up for auction this month, titled Ancient Cycles, features bright earth tones and has a heavily textured appearance. This piece by Herb Jackson is estimated at $8,000–$12,000.

Also to be featured in the July sale is a bronze sculpture by contemporary French artist, Christophe Charbonnel. Titled Homme à la Pierre, this statue depicts a male figure modeled in a style influenced by antique Greek and Roman sculpture. Charbonnel’s figures often echo Classical statuary but are modernized with heavily textured elements and a degree of abstraction alongside emotive expressions on each sculpted face. The bronze in this month’s sale is estimated at $5,000–$7,000.

Lastly, we present an acrylic on canvas painting by well-known American actor and artist, James Franco. Franco’s artwork appears to be influenced by street art and urban scenery, while also paying homage to Neo-Expressionist artists, like Jean-Michel Basquiat, with bright colors and an energetic feel. The painting will be offered at $4,000–$6,000.

Fine Jewelry & Timepieces

The Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department is excited to offer a selection of diamond, colored gemstone, and gold jewelry in their upcoming July 14th 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 a pair of diamond and eighteen karat gold stud earrings, estimated at $1,000–$1,500, and a diamond and fourteen karat white gold bracelet, estimated at $3,000–$5,000.

The sale will also include a colorful gemstone selection, including a pair of coral, diamond, and fourteen karat gold earrings, estimated at $3,500–$4,500; a ruby, diamond, and fourteen karat white gold pendant necklace, estimated at $2,500–$3,500; and an emerald, diamond, and eighteen karat white gold bypass ring, estimated at $2,000–$4,000.

Other wearable pieces that will highlight your everyday life include a David Yurman diamond and sterling silver bracelet, estimated at $500–$700, and a John Hardy sterling silver and eighteen karat gold necklace and ear clips suite, estimated at $400–$600.

Harry Huang, Associate Director of Asian Art at Clars, spoke to Rob Stewart, PBS TV Host & Executive Producer, on the beauty and intricacies of a Mughal style jade vase for 2023’s Antique Valuation Day.

The very well-hollowed vessel is finely carved in low relief with bamboo, plum blossom, and chrysanthemum, along with a pair of magpies. The shoulders display a pair of openwork peony handles and the cover is decorated with a floral form finial.

This vase is carved out of a single piece of nephrite jade stone — executed in the Mughal style — with a thin body and cover linked by finely carved chains. The plants and the pair of magpies signify the arrival of spring, which grants well wishes for the New Year.

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.

Asian Art

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yan’s audacious use of color and brushwork has made him an inspiration for modern Chinese painters and a favorite amongst collectors.

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.

Asian Art

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.