The Furniture & Decorative Arts segment will feature a number of standout pieces in our March 21st auction.
One such piece is a rare Northern Baroque carved altar table with tabernacle, dating to the late 17th century, estimated at $8,000–$12,000. Fully carved with biblical reserves, this exquisite table highlights the exceptional craftsmanship of the period.
Learn more the rare Northern Baroque carved altar table to be offered March 21st!
A fine and rare Northern Baroque carved altar table with tabernacle, late 17th century, fully carved with biblical reserves. Provenance: Property from the collection of Santa Sabina Center, San Rafael, and the Sisters of St. Dominic. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
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.
As we bid farewell to 2024, we take a moment to reflect on the remarkable moments and milestones we’ve shared with you throughout the year.
Highlights
Stories & News
Eight Immortals Verte Globular Vase
Asian Art
Stories & News
The Asian Art department will showcase a range of rare and desirable items at our March 21st auction, including a 19th-century Chinese famille verte globular vase.
This exquisite vase, decorated with the legendary Eight Immortals, showcases exceptional craftsmanship and vibrant colors. Valued between $1,000–$1,500, it presents an opportunity for collectors to acquire a piece of Chinese cultural history.
Learn more the beautiful Chinese famille verte globular vase to be offered March 21st!
A Chinese famille verte reticulated globular vase. Estimate: $1,000–$1,500
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.
The January 17th auction will feature important works from China, including a late 18th to early 19th century Chinese brocade blue-ground dragon skirt.
Asian Art
Highlights
Artist Spotlight: Marion Kavanaugh Wachtel
Artist Spotlight
Fine Art
This March 21st at Clars Auctions, we will be featuring a curated assortment of artwork from a wide range of periods and locales.
From our own state of California, we have an oil on canvas by plein air painter Marion Kavanaugh Wachtel (American, 1876–1954). Wachtel was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and studied in Chicago before moving to California, where she studied under Scottish American master landscapist William Keith.
Marion Kavanaugh Wachtel beautifully captures the vibrant transformation of the leaves in the foothills of California.
Keith’s influence coupled with her new surroundings inspired Wachtel to move away from portraiture and embrace landscape painting, focusing her attention on the mountains, coasts, and foliage of southern California. The painting in this month’s sale is titled Autumn, Trabuco Mountains, California, (estimate: $8,000–$12,000) and depicts the leaves changing color amidst the peak on the border of Orange and Riverside Counties.
Marion Kavanaugh Wachtel (American, 1876–1954), Autumn, Trabuco Mountains, California, oil on canvas, 26″ x 30.5″. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
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
March Fine Art Highlights
Fine Art
Highlights
This March 21st at Clars Auctions, we will be featuring a curated assortment of artwork from a wide range of periods and locales.
Starting in our own state of California, we have an oil on canvas by plein air painter Marion Kavanaugh Wachtel (American, 1876–1954). Wachtel was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and studied in Chicago before moving to California, where she studied under Scottish American master landscapist William Keith.
Marion Kavanaugh Wachtel (American, 1876–1954), Autumn, Trabuco Mountains, California, oil on canvas, 26″ x 30.5″. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
Keith’s influence coupled with her new surroundings inspired Wachtel to move away from portraiture and embrace landscape painting, focusing her attention on the mountains, coasts, and foliage of southern California. The painting in this month’s sale is titled Autumn, Trabuco Mountains, California, (estimate: $8,000–$12,000) and depicts the leaves changing color amidst the peak on the border of Orange and Riverside Counties.
Ambera Wellmann (Canadian, b. 1982), Cloud #7, oil on panel, 12″ x 16″. Provenance: Purchased from the artist. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
Next in our selection of highlights this month is an oil on panel painting by contemporary Canadian artist Ambera Wellmann (Canadian, b. 1982). Wellmann is known for her surreal, collage-like painting techniques that evoke the work of earlier experimental painters like Francis Bacon and Max Ernst, often depicting hybrid bodies and intensely pigmented bacchanal-like scenes. These works regularly bring over $100,000 at auction, and Wellmann is currently represented by major contemporary art gallery Hauser & Wirth. In Wellmann’s early work, her mastery of blending color is apparent, as is her ability to access emotion in unexpected imagery. The piece featured at Clars this month is titled Cloud #7 (estimate: $8,000–$12,000) and dates to 2009. Wellmann presents a mass of gray and white clouds in varied tones moving against a cerulean sky while a hint of peachy, warm sun glows from behind the vapor.
Wolfgang Stiller (German, b. 1961), Matchsticks, 2017, wood, polyurethane, and paint sculpture, 64.5″ x 25.5″ x 12.75″. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
A third feature in our March auction is a large-scale sculpture by German artist Wolfgang Stiller (German, b. 1961) titled Matchsticks (estimate: $5,000–$7,000). Stiller, whose first solo gallery show was in 1986, focuses his practice on objects and installations, often transforming familiar and ordinary items into uncanny and unsettling facsimiles. Among his ouvre are cast wax geodes, a recreation of a scientific laboratory inside a disused train car, and bronze baby heads fashioned into ginseng roots. The human head is a common point of inspiration for Stiller, and this is apparent in Matchsticks, in which three wood matchsticks are topped with hairless, male heads, burnt black and resembling medieval death masks in a kind of postmodern memento mori.
Thomas Hill (American, 1829–1908), Untitled (Woodland Scene with Trees and Deer), 1882, oil on canvas, 50″ x 24″. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
Also among the featured highlights in our March auction are works by Thomas Hill, Maurice Braun, John Frederick Kensett, Tavakol Esmaili and much more.
Maurice Braun (American, 1877–1941), View of San Diego, oil on canvas, 16″ x 19.5″. Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
John Frederick Kensett (American, 1816–1872), Waterfall Near Tivoli, circa 1846, oil on canvas, 10″ x 8″. Estimate: $7,000–$10,000
Tavakol Esmaili (Iranian, 1923–1994), Untitled (Goat), iron sculpture, 12.5″ x 14″ x 9″. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
Bidding for Clars’ March auctions is available by phone, absentee bid, live online at Live.Clars.com and through Liveauctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. Clars Auctions is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609. Clars Auctions is based in Oakland (CA) and is the largest full-service auction gallery in the Western United States. Clars Auctions 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 Auctions has sold well over $500,000,000 of Fine Art, Furnishings, Jewelry, Vehicles and Collectibles and has set multiple new world auction records. Follow Clars on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
Clars Auctions invites you to join us for our exciting auction on Friday, February 21st, where beauty, history, and exceptional craftsmanship converge.
This January we are excited to offer unique works by Cady Wells, whose style was inspired by Southwestern desert landscapes and topography.
Artist Spotlight
Fine Art
March Auction Highlights
Auction
Highlights
Clars is pleased to announce its upcoming March 21st Furniture, Art, Jewelry & Asian Auction, beginning 9:30 AM PDT. This highly anticipated sale will showcase an exceptional selection of rare and beautiful works, offering something for every collector, from fine antiques to contemporary masterpieces.
The Furniture & Decorative Arts segment will feature a number of standout pieces. We’ll begin with a rare Northern Baroque carved altar table with tabernacle, dating to the late 17th
century, estimated at $8,000–$12,000. Fully carved with biblical reserves, this exquisite table highlights the exceptional craftsmanship of the period.
A fine and rare Northern Baroque carved altar table with tabernacle, late 17th century, fully carved with biblical reserves. Provenance: Property from the collection of Santa Sabina Center, San Rafael, and the Sisters of St. Dominic. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
Also featured is a Chamberlains Worcester armorial porcelain dinner service made for Sir Joseph Scott of Great Barr Hall, estimated at $4,000–$6,000. This early 19th-century set reflects the connection between the patron and the renowned Worcester factory.
A Chamberlains Worcester armorial porcelain part dinner service made for the Scott Family of Great Barr Hall, early 19th century. Estimate: $4,000–$6,000
Additional highlights include a pair of English polychrome decorated ironstone potpourri urns, valued at $1,800–$2,500, and a George I gilt bronze mounted ebonized bracket clock, by John Gerrard, estimated at $1,800–$2,500. With these and other fine offerings, the auction promises an impressive array of rare and historical pieces.
A large pair of English polychrome decorated ironstone potpourri urns in the Indian Flower pattern. Estimate: $1,800–$2,500
An English George I gilt bronze mounted ebonized bracket clock, John Gerrard, London, first half 18th century. Estimate: $1,800–$2,500
Fine Art
Clars’ Fine Art section will feature works from diverse periods and regions. A key highlight is Marion Kavanaugh Wachtel’s Autumn, Trabuco Mountains, California, a breathtaking oil on canvas capturing the changing colors of the leaves in the foothills of California’s mountains. The painting is estimated at $8,000–$12,000.
Marion Kavanaugh Wachtel (American, 1876–1954), Autumn, Trabuco Mountains, California, oil on canvas, 26″ x 30.5″. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
Ambera Wellmann’s surreal and emotionally charged Cloud #7, an oil on panel, offers an exploration of color and form and is estimated at $8,000–$12,000.
Ambera Wellmann (Canadian, b. 1982), Cloud #7, oil on panel, 12″ x 16″. Provenance: Purchased from the artist. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
Other notable works include Wolfgang Stiller’s Matchsticks, a large-scale sculpture that blends the human form with everyday objects, valued at $5,000–$7,000, and pieces by celebrated artists such as Thomas Hill, Maurice Braun, and John Frederick Kensett.
Wolfgang Stiller (German, b. 1961), Matchsticks, 2017, wood, polyurethane, and paint sculpture, 64.5″ x 25.5″ x 12.75″. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
Maurice Braun (American, 1877–1941), View of San Diego, oil on canvas, 16″ x 19.5″. Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
Fine Jewelry & Watches
The Fine Jewelry & Watches Auction will feature a curated selection of exquisite jewelry pieces, from vintage watches to one-of-a-kind designs. Collectors can expect stunning gold
jewelry, statement pieces, and timeless designs suited to a variety of tastes. With items ranging from elegant rings to bold necklaces and bracelets, this sale offers an opportunity for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to acquire pieces that reflect craftsmanship and style. In addition, vintage watch collectors will be delighted by the fine offerings available for bid.
From Left to Right: A Triffari enamel brooch. Estimate: $300–$500; A Thomas Mann mixed media figural brooch. Estimate: $500–$700; A Ceylon pink sapphire diamond and 18k gold ring. Estimate: $4,000–$6,000
Asian Art
The Asian Art department will showcase a range of rare and desirable items, including a 19th-century Chinese famille verte globular vase, decorated with the Eight Immortals, estimated at $1,000–$1,500.
A Chinese famille verte reticulated globular vase. Estimate: $1,000–$1,500
Another exciting highlight is a Hirado blue and white trumpet form vase — featuring scholars beneath cranes and pine trees — and a watercolor and ink painting by Chiura Obata that captures the iconic landscape of the Carmel coast, estimated at $1,500–$2,500. These treasures reflect the depth and beauty of Asian artistry.
A Hirado blue and white trumpet form vase. Estimate: $1,000–$1,500
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time bidder, Clars Auctions invites you to join us for this exciting event, where beauty, history, and exceptional craftsmanship converge.
The Warehouse auction offers a dynamic and diverse selection of art, prints, and photographs, with each month featuring a curated mix of paintings, sculptures, and works from across the globe, all with accessible estimates. The Asian Art section will showcase a thoughtfully curated array, including Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, folding screens, and other fine decorative items. In the Jewelry department, we are thrilled to present a range of affordable pieces, from diamonds to silver and gold necklaces. Additionally, The Warehouse boasts an accessibly priced collection that encompasses modern and antique furniture and décor, silver, porcelain, glass, fashion, collectible toys, books, and indigenous arts.
Bidding for Clars’ March auctions is available by phone, absentee bid, live online at Live.Clars.com and through Liveauctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. Clars Auctions is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609. Clars Auctions is based in Oakland (CA) and is the largest full-service auction gallery in the Western United States. Clars Auctions 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 Auctions has sold well over $500,000,000 of Fine Art, Furnishings, Jewelry, Vehicles and Collectibles and has set multiple new world auction records. Follow Clars on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
Clars Auctions invites you to join us for our exciting auction on Friday, February 21st, where beauty, history, and exceptional craftsmanship converge.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time bidder, Clars Auctions invites you to participate in this celebration of beauty, history, and craftsmanship. Mark your calendars for Friday, January 17.
The January 17th auction will feature important works from China, including a late 18th to early 19th century Chinese brocade blue-ground dragon skirt.
Asian Art
Highlights
Armorial Dinner Service Up For Auction
Furniture & Decorative Arts
Stories & News
In our upcoming March 21st Auction, we will be offering a Chamberlains Worcester armorial porcelain part dinner service made for the Scott Family of Great Barr Hall, early 19th century.
Sir Joseph Scott of Great Barr Hall, Worcester’s parliamentary representative, was granted a baronetcy in 1806. This armorial service, created for him, was appropriately crafted by the Chamberlains Worcester factory, highlighting the connection between the patron and the local craftsmanship.
A Chamberlains Worcester armorial porcelain part dinner service made for the Scott Family of Great Barr Hall, early 19th century. Estimate: $4,000–$6,000
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.
As we bid farewell to 2024, we take a moment to reflect on the remarkable moments and milestones we’ve shared with you throughout the year.
Highlights
Stories & News
Artist Spotlight: Andy Warhol
Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary Art
Our Modern + Contemporary Fine Art Auction on February 20th will feature many exceptional works by renowned artists. One of the standout pieces is Vote McGovern (1972), an iconic screenprint by Andy Warhol, estimated $30,000–$50,000.
This politically charged work from 1972 reinterprets a photograph of Richard Nixon, using a vivid color palette that references First Lady Pat Nixon’s dress. The unsettling portrait, created to support George McGovern’s presidential campaign, is a striking example of Warhol’s ability to blend art with political activism.
Andy Warhol blends art with political activism. Bid on this captivating work and much more on February 20th.
Andy Warhol (American, 1928–1987), Vote McGovern, 1972, screenprint, 42″ x 42″. Estimate: $30,000–$50,000
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
Artist Spotlight: John Alexander
Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary Art
Our Modern + Contemporary Fine Art Auction on February 20th will feature many exceptional works by renowned artists. One of the standout pieces is The Summit Conference (1986), an oil painting by John Alexander estimated at $30,000–$50,000.
Known for his atmospheric depictions of the Gulf Coast’s bayou landscapes, Alexander infuses his paintings with surrealist elements, such as skeletons in formal wear and masked figures. The work on offer features two baboons facing off against one another, with intense, expressive brushstrokes suggesting a deeper political commentary during the tense era of the Reykjavik Summit talks between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev.
Learn more about the tense John Alexander work to be offered February 20th!
John Alexander (American, b. 1945), The Summit Conference, 1986, oil on canvas, 60″ x 66″. Estimate: $30,000–$50,000
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
Artist Spotlight: Marc Chagall
Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary Art
Marc Chagall, revered worldwide for his ability to blend diverse artistic techniques into a distinct, dreamlike style, is particularly known for integrating his Jewish heritage into his art.
Chagall‘s vivid, often surreal compositions are alive with color, and his use of blue — which has been interpreted as symbolizing spirituality and divinity — is particularly notable. Drawing from his personal experiences and Jewish folk traditions, Chagall’s works come alive with a sense of movement and emotion, making them both fantastical and deeply personal.
Learn more about our impressive Marc Chagall lots to be offered February 20th!
Among the highlights of the auction are two rare works on paper by Chagall, L’hiver: Procession de Noël (Les quatre saisons) (1974) and Le Dimanche (circa 1939), each carrying an estimate of $300,000–$500,000.
Marc Chagall (French/Belarusian, 1887–1985), L’Hiver: Procession de Nöel – Les Quatre Saisons (Winter: Christmas Procession – The Four Seasons), 1974, gouache, tempera, pastel, India ink, colored pencils and graphite on paper, 63 cm x 90 cm (24.80″ x 35.43″). The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by the Marc Chagall Committee. Estimate: $300,000–$500,000 (USD)
In L’hiver, Chagall presents an enchanting scene filled with angelic figures in the sky, joyful dancers, a fantastical half-human, half-hen figure with her young, and a procession of Christmas revelers. This eclectic composition echoes Chagall’s 1974 mosaic Four Seasons in Chicago’s Chase Tower, where he similarly fused vibrant, animated figures with animals and abstract forms. This work exemplifies Chagall’s later style, where his compositions often feel
spontaneous and unrestrained.
Marc Chagall (French/Belarusian, 1887–1985), Le dimanche (Sunday), circa 1939, pastel and gouache on paper, 68 cm x 52.7 cm (26.77″ x 20.75″). The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by the Marc Chagall Committee. Estimate: $300,000–$500,000 (USD)
Le Dimanche, created around 1939, depicts a tranquil rural scene with a couple strolling past a goat and a chicken. The horned goat, a recurring symbol in Chagall’s work, is often linked to his childhood in the shtetl and is sometimes interpreted as an allegory for the artist himself. The piece also reflects Chagall’s connection to the innocent life he left behind, likely providing him with solace during the uncertain period of World War II. Both of these works, created with
gouache, pastel, and mixed media, are rich in color and texture, showcasing Chagall’s
masterful use of materials.
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
February Auction Highlights
Auction
Highlights
Clars Auctions is excited to announce its upcoming Furniture, Art, Jewelry & Asian Auction on Friday, February 21st, 9:30 AM PST. This event will feature a curated selection of pieces from artists and craftsmen, spanning centuries and continents.
Among the highlights of this auction is a 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL, showcasing a nearly pristine interior and exterior, previously featured in an international Mercedes periodical.
A 1971 Mercedes Benz 280 SL (W113) Pagoda, two door hard top convertible. Estimate: $100,000–$120,000
Additionally, the sale will include a wide range of antique and contemporary furniture, with notable pieces from Michael Taylor and Parish-Hadley-designed interiors. The decorative arts category will offer a Louis Vuitton monogram trunk, sterling silver items, Native American baskets, and an impressive selection of rugs and carpets.
A Louis Vuitton monogram steamer trunk. Estimate: $7,000–$9,000
Fine Art
This auction also features pre-war Californian, American, and international art, including paintings, works on paper, and sculptures in various styles. The works come from globally recognized artists, providing an exciting opportunity to acquire pieces that reflect diverse artistic traditions and movements.
Edouard Léon Cortès (French, 1882–1969), Théâtre du Châtelet, oil on canvas, 25″ x 35″. Estimate: $25,000–$35,000
Fine Jewelry & Watches
The jewelry section promises an incredible collection of wearable gold pieces, from timeless classics to bold, one-of-a-kind statement designs. This sale will offer a range of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings—each crafted to complement the wearer’s personal style. Whether you’re seeking a versatile accessory or a standout piece to make a statement, there is something for every taste, blending traditional elegance with modern flair.
A high karat gold jewelry suite. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
A pearl, diamond and 18k gold jewelry suite. Estimate: $4,200–$6,800
A pair of high karat gold necklaces. Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
Asian Art
The Asian Art department is offering remarkable pieces in our upcoming auction, including a stunning set of Chinese 24-karat gold zodiac figures, featuring all twelve zodiac animals rendered in high karat gold.
A set of twelve Chinese 24k gold zodiac animal figures. Estimate: $40,000–$60,000
The ceramic section will include a Chinese famille rose ‘three rams’ vase from the late Qing dynasty, decorated in the Qianlong style with a continuous scene symbolizing the change of fortune and the arrival of Spring.
A Chinese famille rose ‘three rams’ vase. Estimate: $4,000–$6,000
Another highlight is a Chinese embroidered apricot-ground lady’s informal robe featuring roundels of butterflies, flower sprigs, and cranes — symbols of longevity and birthday celebrations.
A Chinese embroidered apricot ground lady’s informal robe. Estimate: $4,000–$6,000
The Warehouse Auction: February 22nd
The Warehouse Auction offers a dynamic and diverse selection of art, prints, and photographs, with each month featuring a curated mix of paintings, sculptures, and works from across the globe, all with accessible estimates. The Asian Art section will showcase a thoughtfully curated array, including Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, folding screens, and other fine decorative items. In the Jewelry Department, we are thrilled to present a range of affordable pieces, from diamonds to silver and gold necklaces. Additionally, The Warehouse boasts an accessible priced collection that encompasses
modern and antique furniture and décor, silver, porcelain, glass, fashion, collectible toys, books, and
indigenous arts.
Bidding for Clars’ February auctions is available by phone, absentee bid, live online at Live.Clars.com and through Liveauctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. Clars Auctions is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609. Clars Auctions is based in Oakland (CA) and is the largest full-service auction gallery in the Western United States. Clars Auctions 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 Auctions has sold well over $500,000,000 of Fine Art, Furnishings, Jewelry, Vehicles and Collectibles and has set multiple new world auction records. Follow Clars on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time bidder, Clars Auctions invites you to participate in this celebration of beauty, history, and craftsmanship. Mark your calendars for Friday, January 17.
The January 17th auction will feature important works from China, including a late 18th to early 19th century Chinese brocade blue-ground dragon skirt.