Experience the craftsmanship and legacy of Yamaha with this impressive concert grand piano, CF Nippon Gakki, dating to circa 1975. This exceptional lot will be offered October 16th in our October Gallery Auction — let the music inspire you!

The September 18th Gallery Auction featured a particularly significant offering: important Dirk van Erp works from the legendary Roger Moss Collection.

Clars Auctions was privileged to represent the collection of Mr. Moss, an early and important collector of Dirk van Erp’s work and a recognized connoisseur and historian of the artist. Deric Torres, Senior Vice President of Clars Auctions, had a longstanding personal relationship with Mr. Moss and had previously represented select works from his Early California art collection.

The Moss family ultimately entrusted Clars with the collection, and the offering generated significant presale interest among collectors nationwide. Among the most closely watched works were three exceptional Dirk van Erp pieces. A Dirk van Erp and Elizabeth D’Arcy Gaw hammered copper warty bowl sold for $37,800, another Dirk van Erp and Elizabeth D’Arcy Gaw warty bowl achieved $26,460, and a Dirk van Erp hammered copper red warty jardinière sold for $25,200.

Robert Kaplan of the Robert Kaplan Collection in Maplewood, New Jersey, was present in the salesroom and acquired the collection’s most important museum-quality pieces. Following the sale, Kaplan described the offering as the largest important single-owner cache to have ever surfaced at auction up to the present time, citing the rarity and quality of the works as exceptional examples of Dirk van Erp’s historic metalwork.

Additional Arts & Crafts highlights included a Teco Pottery vase, which sold for $6,930; a cased presentation box of Nova Gems at $5,040; and a Philip Moulthrop spalted bowl at $3,840.

Clars Auctions’ three-day October auction series opens Thursday, October 15th, 1 PM PDT, with The Fall Watch Auction: Including The Collection of John Seaman.

The diverse selection of contemporary and vintage timepieces ranges from iconic sports and dive watches to independent brands and highly sought-after makers such as Rolex and Patek Philippe examples.

Among the highlights is an Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional stainless steel watch, estimated at $6,000–$8,000, alongside a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe, estimated at $6,000–$8,000, and a Heuer Autavia Jochen stainless steel watch, estimated at $4,000–$8,000. Other notable offerings include a Bremont Automatic Chronometer, estimated at $1,000–$2,000; a Breitling Superocean II Automatic 46, estimated at $2,000–$4,000; a JS Watch Co. Frisland 1941, estimated at $2,000–$3,000; and a Bremont Bamford Supermarine, number 191 of 500, estimated at $3,000–$6,000.

The auction also features a range of distinctive independent and specialty watches, including models by Frederique Constant, Oceaneva, Nomadic, MeisterSinger, Oris, Ball, IWC, Baume & Mercier, Ernst Benz, and Christopher Ward. Highlights include an Oris Big Crown ProPilot GMT, estimated at $1,800–$2,200, and an Ernst Benz Chronoscope, estimated at $2,000–$4,000. A Frederique Constant for Healy Drivers Club watch and stopwatch gift set, estimated at $2,000–$3,000, adds an interesting motorsport-related offering to the sale.

The upper end of the auction features an exceptional group of Rolex and Patek Philippe timepieces. Highlights include a 1979 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust in 18k gold and stainless steel, estimated at $7,000–$10,000; a Rolex GMT-Master II “Coke” dial, estimated at $10,000–$15,000; a 1974 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Tiffany & Co., estimated at $8,000–$12,000; a Rolex Presidential Day-Date 18k gold watch, estimated at $18,000–$25,000; and a 1978 Rolex Submariner with Maxi dial II, estimated at $10,000–$15,000.

The sale also includes a Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. 18k gold pocket watch, estimated at $4,000–$6,000, and a Patek Philippe 18k gold pocket watch, estimated at $3,000–$5,000.

With its combination of iconic Swiss sports watches, independent makers, vintage Rolex, and important Patek Philippe examples, The Fall Watch Auction offers a broad selection for both seasoned horology collectors and those looking to add distinctive timepieces to their collections.

For over 60 years, John P. Seaman was an astute student of the science and concepts of time. Throughout his 82-year lifetime, he amassed a distinguished collection of pocket watches and wristwatches acquired from reputable dealers around the world.

He and his wife traveled extensively, acquiring precious timepieces at many of their destinations. His avid interest in the measurement of time extended well beyond watches to include numerous clocks, sundials, and other instruments created to mark the passage of time. John was a refined and studious collector, and his lifelong passion is represented by a significant selection of timepieces from his estate to be offered in Clars’ Fall Watch Auction on October 15th. These works form a substantial part of the sale and are presented alongside fine timepieces from several other notable private collections.

Clars’ October Gallery Auction on Friday, October 16th brings together a diverse selection spanning Asian Works of Art, American fine art, European decorative arts, furniture, musical instruments, and 20th-century design, offering collectors works across a range of periods, styles, and media.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Furniture & Decorative Arts offering ranges from European sculpture and religious art to modern design and musical instruments. Highlights include three Continental polychrome and parcel-gilt figures of putti, estimated at $600–$800, and a Baroque polychrome figure of St. Francis Xavier, estimated at $800–$1,200.

A Yamaha CF Nippon Gakki concert grand piano, circa 1975, is estimated at $6,000–$8,000, while a Louis Majorelle and Daum Nancy iron and iridescent glass vase is estimated at $800–$1,200. The section also includes an Italian Renaissance style pietra dura coffee table and a Piero Palange and Werther Toffoloni Hoop chair, circa 1972, estimated at $1,000–$2,000.

Fine Art

The Fine Art selection features works by notable American artists across landscape, printmaking, and works on paper. Ray Strong (1905–2006) is represented by Klamath Country, Oregon Line, an oil on canvas board depicting the artist’s engagement with the Western landscape, estimated at $4,000–$6,000.

Philip Guston’s (1913–1980) Untitled, 1966, a pencil-signed and dated lithograph from an edition of 25, is estimated at $3,000–$5,000. Also featured is an untitled watercolor by Billy Al Bengston (1934–2022), accompanied by the artist’s studio label and estimated at $3,000–$5,000. Together, the works represent different generations and approaches within American art.

Asian Art

The Asian Works of Art section highlights traditional Chinese craftsmanship and materials, including a Chinese white jade snuff bottle with mother-of-pearl inlay, estimated at $2,500–$3,500. Textile highlights include a Chinese kesi blue-ground robe, estimated at $5,000–$7,000, and a Chinese kesi-woven altar “dragon” panel, estimated at $4,000–$6,000, showcasing the intricate artistry of this historic silk-weaving tradition.

The Warehouse Auction: October 17th

The three-day October series concludes Saturday, October 17th, with The Warehouse Auction, offering collectors an opportunity to explore Clars’ expansive warehouse selection.

Known for its variety and discovery-driven appeal, The Warehouse Auction brings together an eclectic mix of furnishings, decorative objects, artwork, and other distinctive items. The sale provides an opportunity to uncover unexpected finds across a broad range of styles, periods, and price points. Additional highlights from The Warehouse Auction will be announced with the release of the auction catalog.

The combination of fine and decorative arts, Asian works, jewelry, and the important Arts & Crafts collection makes the Friday, September 18th Gallery Auction particularly diverse, with material spanning both historic and modern collecting traditions.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

Beyond the featured Arts & Crafts material, Friday’s Gallery Auction offers a broad selection of furniture and decorative arts, providing collectors and interior designers with opportunities across a variety of styles and periods. Among the highlights are sculptures from the Palace of Fine Arts, offering a connection to one of San Francisco’s most iconic architectural landmarks. A Louis Vuitton trunk, estimated at $2,000–$4,000, brings the world of historic luxury travel into the sale, while contemporary American craftsmanship is represented by a Philip Moulthrop spalted sweet gum bowl, number 6990, with engraved signature, estimated at $800–$1,200.

A fascinating historical object is a set of Japanese military/naval binoculars, Tokyo (Tokyo Optical Co.) 5 x 4, No. 844, accompanied by a tripod marked TACO 8720A, estimated at $1,200–$1,500, will be up for grabs. Also from the furniture highlights is a pair of Rose Tarlow chairs, estimated at $1,500–$2,000. The decorative arts selection also features a monumental pair of Indian metal-clad candle prickets, estimated at $1,500–$2,000.

The auction also offers a pair of finely crafted Russian decorative objects: an 84 standard silvergilt and cloisonné enamel miniature kovsch by Feodor Ruckert, estimated at $1,500–$2,000, and a Russian 84 standard silver-gilt and enamel set of six teaspoons by Gustav Klingert, estimated at $1,200–$1,800.

Fine Jewelry & Watches

The jewelry offerings provide an appealing range of historic and decorative pieces, from Victorian jewelry and antique gold to an exceptional Pre-Columbian gold object. A standout is a Pre-Columbian high-karat gold Chiriquí frog, estimated at $2,000–$3,000. The small-scale sculpture exemplifies the sophisticated goldworking traditions of the ancient Chiriquí culture of the Isthmian region and is expected to attract collectors of Pre-Columbian art and ancient gold.

The jewelry selection also includes an antique seed pearl, turquoise, diamond, and 10k gold necklace, estimated at $1,000–$2,000, offering a distinctive combination of colorful gemstones and period craftsmanship. Rounding out the highlights are a Victorian hardstone and 14k gold cameo necklace, estimated at $400–$600, and a pair of antique 14k gold earrings, estimated at $350–$550.

Asian Art

The Asian Art section adds another dimension to Friday’s auction, with highlights ranging from Chinese furniture and porcelain to enamel and Japanese cloisonné. Leading the section is a Chinese huanghuali side table, banzhuo, estimated at $10,000–$15,000. The offering highlights the enduring appeal of huanghuali furniture among collectors of Chinese classical furniture and decorative arts.

Also featured is Zhang Daqian (1899–1983), Masterworks of Chang Dai-Chien, estimated at $5,000–$7,000. Additional Asian highlights include a Chinese champlevé enamel tripod censer and cover, estimated at $1,000–$1,500, and a Chinese blue and white handled vase, also estimated at $3,000–$5,000. A set of four Chinese blue and white porcelain wall panels is estimated at $2,000–$4,000, while a Japanese cloisonné enamel vase by the Ando Cloisonné Company carries an estimate of $1,000–$1,500.

The Warehouse Auction: September 19th

The three-day September auction series concludes with The Warehouse Auction, offering collectors, dealers, designers, and enthusiasts a broad and varied selection of property across categories and price points.

The Warehouse Auction provides an opportunity to discover distinctive works, decorative objects, furnishings, and other treasures, making it an accessible and engaging conclusion to the September auction series.

Clars’ September Gallery Auction will provide an elevated experience, bringing together an Important Arts & Crafts Collection that features distinguished designers.

The Arts & Crafts section is led by a Dirk Van Erp hammered copper and mica rivet-base table lamp, featuring a vented shade, original mica, and closed-box mark with the ghost of D’Arcy Gaw. The 19-inch-high lamp is estimated at $8,000–$10,000.

A Tiffany Studios Favrile lamp, measuring 17.5 inches high, carries an estimate of $5,000–$7,000. A fascinating piece of Panama-Pacific International Exposition history is represented by a cased presentation box of fitted Novagems, given to Edwin J. Symmes in 1915 in appreciation of his architectural contributions to the exhibition’s “Joy Zone.” The boxed set is expected to achieve $5,000–$7,000.

The collection continues with an early L. & J.G. Stickley three-door bookcase, #331½, Onondaga Shops, estimated at $4,000–$6,000, and a Gustav Stickley spindle Morris chair, estimated at $2,500–$3,500. Collectors will also find an impressive group of works associated with Dirk Van Erp and Elizabeth D’Arcy Gaw, including two hammered copper “warty” bowls, as well as an Arts and Crafts Wilder Bentley leaded glass door, original to the Frederickson House in Berkeley, California, estimated at $2,000–$4,000.

Furniture highlights include a Gustav Stickley nine-drawer chest, estimated at $2,000–$5,000; a Gustav Stickley Eastwood, New York, bookcase, estimated at $1,500–$2,500; a Gustav Stickley model 65 dining table, estimated at $1,500–$2,500; and a Gustav Stickley leather-top lamp table, also estimated at $1,500–$2,500. Several Stickley pieces carry provenance from Isak Lindenauer, San Francisco.

Ceramics include a rare Rookwood Kataro Shirayamadani iris-decorated vase, estimated at $2,000–$3,000, and a rare and massive Teco Pottery floor vase with steel-blue matte glaze, estimated at $2,000–$4,000. A hand-hammered copper and mica floor lamp rounds out the lighting selection at $2,000–$4,000.

The Important September Fine Art Auction on September 17th, beginning 10 AM PDT at Clars, brings together an exceptional selection of American, European, Latin American, modern, and contemporary art, encompassing paintings, works on paper, prints, photography, and sculpture.

Beginning in California, we have an oil on canvas by Granville Redmond (American, 1871–1935) dating to 1910. Depicting a shepherd guiding his flock through a hilly landscape, the canvas, titled Heading Home, bursts with shades of green lit by the sun and dappled with shadow. The idyllic scene is exemplary of Redmond’s work — depicting the California hills lush with wildflowers. However, the work at Clars this month is notable as one of Redmond’s larger canvases. The vast scene shows the artist’s mastery of texture and light and is not to be missed in this month’s auction. This piece is estimated at $50,000–$70,000.

Another important California scene featured this September is an oil on canvas board by E. Charlton Fortune (American, 1885–1969) titled Unloading the Catch, Monterey. Fortune was a pioneer among female artists, studying with notable painters such as William Merritt Chase and traveling to Europe while developing her unique style. Fortune’s time in Paris influenced her technique as she was exposed to the work of the French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists of the early 20th century.

Upon returning to her family home in Monterey, she used the loose brushwork and bright palettes of her peers in Europe to depict the landscapes and towns of coastal California. Unloading the Catch, Monterey, is a harbor scene in which small fishing boats gather by a dock, bustling with activity while gently floating on the calm, blue waters. Fortune’s harbor scenes are among the most prized in her oeuvre, and fetch some of the highest prices at auction for California Impressionist art. This piece is estimated at $40,000–$60,000.

The auction presents an especially compelling pair of works by renowned Dutch artist M.C. Escher, both with remarkable provenance. Ascending and Descending, 1960, a signed lithograph from an edition of 31/108, is estimated at $30,000–$50,000; while Möbius Strip II (Red Ants), 1963, a signed color woodcut on Japan paper, is estimated at $20,000–$40,000. Both works descended from the collection of Professor Kurt Servos of Menlo Park, California, who purchased the works directly from Escher and was a friend of the artist. The provenance provides a particularly compelling connection between these internationally recognized works and the Bay Area.

Moving south to Mexico, Clars is pleased to offer a masterfully painted acrylic on canvas by Rafael Coronel (1932–2019). Titled La Moneda, Recuerdo de Espana, this portrait of a man in a priestly frock features notable hallmarks of Coronel’s work: smooth application, with sfumato contributing to a surreal atmosphere, and naturalistic precision. The figure holds a gold coin to his chest in a mysterious gesture, staring out at the viewer. Coronel’s work ties into the rich Latin American artistic tradition of magical surrealism, infusing religious imagery with dark whimsy. This painting is estimated at $15,000–$20,000.

Contemporary art is represented by David Wiseman’s Untitled (Branch with Blossoms), estimated at $20,000–$40,000, as well as works by Rafael Coronel, Sergio Hernández, John Hoyland, Paul Jenkins, Paul Wonner, Jennifer Losch Bartlett, and Tom Wesselmann. These works demonstrate the auction’s range across abstraction, figuration, mixed media, and works on paper. The sale also features a strong selection of American and California art, with highlights by artists whose work helped define the visual character of the American West and the Bay Area. Among them are Jessie Arms Botke’s Untitled (Egrets), an oil and gold-leaf work estimated at $15,000–$25,000; Henrietta Berk’s Untitled (View of East Bay), a monumental 72 x 78 inch oil on canvas estimated at $15,000–$20,000; and Thomas Hill’s The Intruder, 1888, estimated at $15,000–$20,000.

Berk is represented by a second work, Racing the Tide, estimated at $7,000–$10,000, while other California-focused highlights include Joseph Kleitsch’s California, Hanson Duvall Puthuff’s The Arroyo, Thomas Bierstadt’s Mt. Starry King, Yosemite, James Harwood’s Waterfall in the Watsatch (Utah), Maynard Dixon’s Arizona, and Helen Thomas Dranga’s Sunlight on the Waves, Hawaii.

The auction also offers works of historical significance and broad international appeal. Edward Bannister’s Bridge Over the Creek, 1886, estimated at $10,000–$15,000, represents the work of one of the most important African American painters of the 19th century. Max Halberstadt’s portrait of Sigmund Freud, a gelatin silver print signed by Freud, is estimated at $10,000–$15,000, providing a fascinating intersection of photography, portraiture, and intellectual history.

Works on paper and prints further enrich the sale, including Paul Cézanne’s The Bathers, small plate (Les Baigneurs, petite planche), 1897, estimated at $7,000–$10,000, as well as works by Tom Wesselmann, John Hoyland, Paul Wonner, and others.

The auction’s contemporary and modern offerings are complemented by sculpture, including a bronze male torso by Igor Mitoraj, estimated at $7,000–$10,000, and the distinctive work of contemporary artist David Wiseman. The breadth of mediums and artistic approaches underscores the diversity of Clars’ Fine Art auctions, where historic works are presented alongside modern and contemporary pieces.

Fine Art has always been at the heart of Clars, and this September auction reflects the remarkable range of material that our collectors have come to expect from the department, said Rick Unruh, CEO and President. We are particularly excited about the strength of the California material, the exceptional provenance of the two Escher works, and the dialogue created by bringing together American, European, Latin American, modern, and contemporary works in a single sale.

1001 Vallejo Street, an iconic “Gold Coast” home at the top of Russian Hill, was designed by Houghton Sawyer following the 1906 earthquake for Robert Hanson.

Later owners include Gabrielle Guittard Cavalsky, tied to the Guittard chocolate legacy, Paul Verdier of the City of Paris department store, and Nobel laureate Myron Scholes. Long known as “The House of the Grand Passion,” the home’s interiors were styled by its current owners to reflect that dramatic history through an avant-garde collection and design — select pieces from which will be offered in the upcoming September Gallery Auction at Clars.

Clars Auctions is pleased to present its three-day August auction series, beginning with the Gallery Auction on Friday, August 14th, followed by The Warehouse Auction on Saturday, August 15th, and concluding with the Clars Wine Cellar Timed Only Auction on Monday, August 17th. Together, the three sales offer collectors an opportunity to acquire fine art, antiques, jewelry, decorative arts, Asian works of art, and wine from distinguished estates and private collections.

Fine Art

The August 14th Gallery Auction showcases an impressive selection of Fine Art led by notable American painters whose works celebrate both California and the American landscape. Leading the category is William Lewis Marple’s Rutherford Hill, a sweeping California landscape, estimated at $6,000–$9,000, alongside Porfirio Salinas’ Texas Autumn, estimated at $5,000–$7,000.

Also featured is Mary DeNeale Morgan’s rare circa 1925 View of Oakland Skyline, estimated at $3,000–$5,000, as well as Edwin Deakin’s atmospheric Sierra Nevada landscape, also estimated at $3,000–$5,000. The sale further includes Roger Herman’s Flugel (1978), estimated at $2,000–$4,000; Erté’s signed and editioned bronze bowl Trois Femmes, estimated at $2,000–$4,000; and a signed Salvador Dalí Symbols portfolio, estimated at $2,000–$4,000, reflecting the auction’s broad appeal to both traditional and modern collectors.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Furniture & Decorative Arts department presents an equally compelling offering anchored by a monumental palace-size Persian Kirman carpet. Additional highlights include an Art Deco sterling silver four-piece tea and coffee service, estimated at $4,000–$6,000; an Egyptian Revival ibis stool, estimated at $1,200–$1,500; and an intricate Italian micromosaic paperweight, estimated at $600–$800, offering collectors an exceptional range of decorative objects spanning multiple periods and styles.

Fine Jewelry & Watches

Jewelry enthusiasts will discover a carefully curated selection of estate and designer pieces featuring exceptional gemstones, enameling, and fine goldwork. Highlights include a diamond, green enamel, and 18k gold bangle, estimated at $3,500–$4,500; an Alexander Marchak Paris turquoise, ruby, diamond, cultured pearl, and 18k gold brooch, estimated at $4,000–$6,000; a Boris Le Beau coral, diamond, jade, and 18k gold figural brooch, estimated at $3,000–$5,000; a pair of Gaston Lebo blue enamel, rock crystal, and 18k gold ear clips, estimated at $1,500–$2,500; and an Indian multi-color sapphire and fabric necklace, estimated at $2,000–$4,000.

Asian Art

Asian Works of Art will offer collectors an exceptional group of jade carvings and decorative works highlighted by a Chinese green jadeite “three abundance” pendant, estimated at $15,000–$20,000. Additional highlights include a Chinese white jade and spinach jade pendant necklace, estimated at $2,000–$4,000; a painting by contemporary Balinese artist Anak Agung Gde Anom Sukawati, estimated at $3,000–$5,000; and a Japanese six-panel folding screen, estimated at $2,000–$4,000, illustrating the diversity and enduring appeal of Asian artistic traditions.

The Warehouse Auction: August 15th

Following the Gallery Auction, Clars’ Warehouse Auction on Saturday, August 15th, presents an expansive offering of furniture, decorative arts, fine art, jewelry, and collectibles from estates and consignments throughout the region. Known for its wide-ranging selection and accessible price points, the Warehouse Auction continues to attract seasoned collectors, decorators, and first-time buyers alike in search of distinctive and unexpected finds.

Clars Wine Cellar Auction: August 17th

The August auction series concludes on Monday, August 17th, with the Clars Wine Cellar Timed Only Auction, featuring a selection of nearly 70 lots from a distinguished single-owner cellar. The sale is highlighted by wines from Peter Michael, Kamen, Chateau Montelena, Kistler, and Laparita, along with an exceptional selection of Cabernet Sauvignon from many of Sonoma and Napa Valley’s premier vintners. Offering opportunities for both seasoned collectors and enthusiasts, the auction presents an outstanding selection of fine and rare wines ideal for collecting, cellaring, and entertaining.