The star lot will be the complete portfolio of Andy Warhol’s 1986 Cowboys and Indians. The ten screenprint series portrays a range of imagery representing both historical and mythical lore of the American West. They will be offered with an estimate of $500,000–$700,000. Additional highlights will include important works by Bay Area Figurative artists including Nathan Oliveira, Raimonds Staprans and Joan Brown, as well as works by KAWS, M.F Husain, Yayoi Kusama, and Richard Pettibone.
Andy Warhol (American, 1928–1987), Cowboys and Indians (the complete set of ten screenprints), 1986, screenprints in colors, 36″ x 36″ each. Estimate: $500,000–$700,000
Nathan Oliveira (American, 1928–2010), Untitled (from the Windhover series), 1990, oil on canvas board mounted to panel, 16.5″ x 20.5″. Estimate: $12,000–$18,000
Raimonds Staprans (Latvian/American, b. 1926), Boats in Blue Water, 1963, oil on canvas, 22″ x 25″. Estimate: $12,000–$18,000
Joan Brown (American, 1938–1990), Cucumber and Lemon, 1965, oil on plywood board, 16.25″ x 15″. Estimate: $40,000–$60,000
KAWS (American, b. 1974), Four Foot Companion, 2007, black cast vinyl sculpture, 51″ x 23″. Estimate: $40,000–$60,000
Maqbool Fida Husain (Indian, 1913–2011), Untitled (Woman and Horse), 2000, acrylic on canvas, 54.5″ x 34″. Estimate: $60,000–$80,000
Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1929), Napping Pumpkin, 1993, screenprint, 20.8″ x 25.75″. Estimate: $30,000–$50,000
Richard Pettibone (American, b. 1938), Andy Warhol Double Elvis, 1968, screenprint on canvas, 8.5″ x 8.5″. Estimate: $30,000–$50,000
Gustave Baumann (American/German, 1881–1971), Rain in the Mountains (1926), 1956, woodcut in colors, 9.25″ x 11.25″. Estimate: $12,000–$18,000
Invader (French, b. 1969) Invasion Kit #11: Blue, 2009, ceramic tile mosaic, 6.25″ x 8.75″. Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
Nathan Oliveira (American, 1928–2010), Smiling Man with Green Eyes, 1961, oil and gouache on paper, 25″ x 20″. Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
Our February 10th and 11th Auctions will offer stunning jade from China, rare furniture and collectibles, and Edwardian and Art Deco jewelry from private estates.
Yayoi Kusama is well known for her sculptures and installations, paintings, performances and fashion.
Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary
Fall Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Highlights
Auction
Modern + Contemporary
Clars’ upcoming Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction will be held Friday, September 16th, featuring an array of mid-century San Francisco Bay Area figurative works.
Andy Warhol (American, 1928–1987), Cowboys and Indians (the complete set of ten screenprints), 1986, screenprints in colors, 36″ x 36″ each. Estimate: $500,000–$700,000
Highlights include the complete portfolio of Andy Warhol’s Cowboys and Indians — one of his last major works before his death — estimated at $500,000–$700,000. In this portfolio, Warhol portrays a range of images that represent both the history and constructed lore of the American West, pulled from reality and fiction. Warhol interspersed portraits of world-famous Americans with those of anonymous Native Americans in his ironic commentary on America’s collective mythology of the historic West.
Joan Brown (American, 1938–1990), Cucumber and Lemon, 1965, oil on plywood board, 16.25″ x 15″. Estimate: $40,000–$60,000
Another exceptional highlight is an oil on panel from 1965 by Joan Brown (American, 1938–1990) titled Cucumber and Lemon estimated at $40,000–$60,000. This charming still life was gifted to fellow artist and friend, Ira Yeager (1938–2022), on his birthday.
Nathan Oliveira (American, 1928–2010), Untitled (from the Windhover series), 1991, oil on panel, 16″ x 20″. Estimate (each): $12,000–$18,000
Two later paintings by Nathan Oliveira (American, 1928–2010) from his Windhover series (commissioned by Stanford University in 1991) will be also offered at $12,000–$18,000 each.
Mario Bellini, Cab Chairs Model 413. Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
The auction will feature a fine selection of Design items including a set of Mario Bellini Cab Chairs estimated at $10,000–$15,000, an Angelo Mangiarotti Eros Dining Table estimated at $6,000–$9,000, and a Vladimir Kagan Couture Sloane II sofa estimated at $6,000–$9,000.
Angelo Mangiarotti Eros Dining Table. Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
There will be other noteworthy Designers in the auction including ceramicists such as James Lovera, Antonio Prieto and Lagardo Tackett, as well as Danish Modern including Eric Hansen, Arne Iversen, Johannes Andersen, Peter Hvidt, and American and Italian Modern such as Charles and Ray Eames, Christian Liaigre, among others.
Vladimir Kagan Couture Sloane II sofa. Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
Our February 10th and 11th Auctions will offer stunning jade from China, rare furniture and collectibles, and Edwardian and Art Deco jewelry from private estates.
Yayoi Kusama is well known for her sculptures and installations, paintings, performances and fashion.
Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary
Dragon Vases Soar Above Estimates
Asian Art
Stories & News
Clars Auction Gallery had an excellent August sale with many highlights and strong prices in our Asian Art Department.
Dozens of telephone bidders were vying for two Chinese imperial bronze ‘dragon’ vases. These vases soared well above estimate to realize a price of $245,000.
Left: Chinese imperial bronze ‘dragon’ vase, mark and period of Qianlong. Right: Chinese imperial bronze ‘dragon’ vase, mark and period of Jiaqing.
Each features five-clawed dragons in pursuit of flaming pearls amid scrolling clouds in low relief. The precision and intricacy of the molding indicates the imperial origin, while the patina on the surface demonstrates the age. One statue has the inscription “Qianlong Nianzao of the Great Qing Dynasty” and the other has the book “Great Qing Jiaqing Nianzao,” both of which were purchased in Tokyo, Japan around 1949.
Clars will offer an exquisite selection of paintings and calligraphy, archer’s rings, fine porcelains, and other categories of Asian works of art on November 20th.
Clars Auction Gallery is proud to partner with the ICA of San José in their 2022 Annual Benefit Art Auction, IN THEIR OWN WORDS. Join us November 5th, 5PM.
The Asian art department will offer a fine selection of Asian works of art on Sunday, August 14th. This auction will include various exquisite Chinese Imperial metal works, ceramics, huanghuali furniture, Buddhist objects and other categories of Asian works of art.
Chinese imperial bronze ‘dragon’ vase, Mark and Period of Qianlong.
The sale will be led by two related Qing dynasty imperial bronze square-form zun vases. Each features five-clawed dragons in pursuit of flaming pearls amid scrolling clouds in low relief. One vase features a six-character Qianlong mark, and the other one features a six-character Jiaqing mark. The precision and intricacy of the molding indicates the imperial origin, while the patina on the surface demonstrates the age. Both square-form zun vases were acquired in Tokyo, Japan, circa 1949. Another imperial object is a cloisonne enamel ‘crane and peach’ wall panel, depicting a pair of cranes perching on a garden rock under nine peaches, symbolizing longevity and prosperity.
The porcelain section will feature a blue and white brush pot of the Kangxi period. The cylindrical scholars’ object is painted with scholars in a serene mountain and river landscape with a fishman sailing on a boat. The masterful utilization of shades depicts the depth of the landscape, while the vivid illustration of the figures adds a lively touch to the tranquil scene.
Liu Guosong (Chinese, b. 1932), Smokey Landscape.
Other highlights of the sale include a Ming dynasty bronze figure of Manjushri, a pair of Qing dynasty celadon glazed arm rests, a huanghuali round-corners cabinet, a Liu Guosong (Chinese, b. 1932) watercolor depicting an abstract Smokey Landscape executed in 1980, a white jade bird-finial seal, and many other fine selections from various categories of Asian works of art.
Fine Art
The art portion of the Clars August sale will offer an exquisite watercolor and gouache on silk painting by renowned Bay Area artist, Chiura Obata (Japanese/American, 1885–1975). The 1933 painting, titled Shower, Point Lobos, captures Obata’s time in California and his exploration of the landscapes in the greater Bay Area. The intricate watercolor also demonstrates his skills at traditional Japanese sumi-e ink painting, a style Obata trained in as a young boy. Shower, Point Lobos will be offered on Sunday August 14th with an estimate of $15,000–$20,000.
Chiura Obata (Japanese/American, 1885–1975), Shower, Point Lobos, 1933, watercolor and gouache on silk, 19.5″ x 14″.
Furniture & Decorative Arts
The Furniture & Decorative Arts portion of the auction will be led by a large 18th century Flemish verdure tapestry, depicting a castle within a naturalistic setting, estimated at $8,000–$12,000. The tapestry was the centerpiece on the wall of chic San Francisco, CA Financial District pied-de-terre. Also coming up the auction block will be an early Mughal School miniature painting attributed to Payag, also known as Prayaga, dating to 17th century, depicting a mystic sitting around campfire with a group of devotees; this painting is a highlight from an impressive collection of Indian miniature paintings, presale estimate of $30,000–$50,000.
Flemish Verdure Tapestry.
An Indian miniature painting, gouache on paper, depicting an ascetic before a cave attended by various figures, sight 9″ x 6.5″.
There is also a lovely mélange of 19th century European ceramics and 20th century art glass including a large Spanish Triana majolica basin featuring a rabbit, a fine Victorian pair of Minton porcelain pate sur pate pilgrim flasks depicting a scenes from Aesop’s fables and a Daum pate de verre glass ‘Les Danseurs’ figural group.
A fine pair of Minton porcelain pate sur pate pilgrim flasks of Aesop’s fables by Thomas H. Rice or Frederick Alfred Rhead, last quarter 19th century, one depicting the tortoise and hare, and the cow and frog, indistinct ‘TR’ artist’s cipher in decoration, gold printed crowned globe mark, impressed ‘MINTONS,’ shape 1819, date cypher for 1872 or 1882, original paper label, 10.25″ h.
A Daum pate de verre glass ‘Les Danseurs’ figural group, designed by Dan Dailey, limited edition 5 of 200, engraved ‘5 / 200,’ (restored), 14.25″ h x 13.25″ w. Provenance: Property of a prominent Hillsborough, CA estate.
Fine Jewelry
The Fine Jewelry & Timepiece department at Clars Auction Gallery is excited to offer a selection of diamond, colored gemstone and gold jewelry, in their upcoming August 14th sale.
A Retro diamond and fourteen karat gold ring.
This sale features a variety of wardrobe staples to build up the foundation of your jewelry collection at accessible price points, including diamond jewelry such as a pair of diamond and fourteen karat white gold earrings, estimated at $3,000–$5,000 and a Retro diamond and fourteen karat gold ring, estimated at $1,000–$2,000. To be offered as well is a colorful gemstone selection, including a peridot, pink beryl and fourteen karat gold ring, estimated at $400–$600 and a sapphire, diamond and eighteen karat gold ring, estimated at $800–$1,200. Other wearable pieces that will highlight your everyday life are represented by a gemstone and eighteen karat gold brooch, by Fred Paris, estimated at $800–$1,200.
A gemstone and eighteen karat gold brooch, Fred Paris.
Bidding for Clars’ August 13–14, 2022 auctions is available by phone, absentee bid, and live online at Live.Clars.com and through Liveauctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. Clars Auction Gallery is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609. Clars Auction Gallery is based in Oakland (CA) and is the largest full-service auction gallery in the Western United States. Clars Auction Gallery has been the chosen auction gallery of a number of institutions and distinguished private collectors across the country including the Richard Mellon Scaife Estate, the Thomas J. Perkins Estate and The Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC). In the last 5 years, Clars Auction Gallery has sold well over $125,000,000 of Fine Art, Furnishings, Jewelry, Vehicles and Collectibles and has set multiple new world auction records. Follow Clars on Facebook and Twitter!
Our February 10th and 11th Auctions will offer stunning jade from China, rare furniture and collectibles, and Edwardian and Art Deco jewelry from private estates.
The December auction series will include the Winter Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Auction on December 16th and the Winter Design + Art + Asian Art Auction on December 18th.
Our Fine Collectors Auction will showcase outstanding property from fine estates and collections, including 18th through 20th century furniture, decorative art, Native American basketry, and gold coins.
Auction
Huanghuali Highlights
Asian Art
Auction
First rising in popularity during the Ming Dynasty, Huanghuali (Dalbergia odorifera), has been desired and sought after since. Huanghuali means “yellow flower pear,” a slow-growing, small-to-medium-sized tree.
With small supply of wood, the availability of furniture made from it is limited. The highly figured honey-hued wood has long been appreciated for its mountain peak and ghost face patterns. Huanghuali furniture can be incorporated into any type of decor to create a more traditional Chinese style in your home, or you can choose to mix and match with more contemporary decor.
Pair of Chinese huanghuali horseshoe back armchairs. Provenance: Acquired in Hong Kong, 1989. Estimate: $30,000–$50,000
Clars Asian Art department is excited to offer a a pair of Chinese huanghuali horseshoe back armchairs. Featuring ‘S’-shaped back splats delicately carved with a scrolling bracket design and decorated with a ruyi-shaped mythical beast inlay. Acquired in Hong Kong, 1989.
Chinese huanghuali tapered cabinet. Provenance: Acquired in Hong Kong, 1989. Estimate: $40,000–$60,000
Other furniture highlights include a Qing dynasty huanghuali cabinet of tapered form and a Chinese huanghuali painting table. The elegant designs amplify the rich and dramatic wood grains of huanghuali.
Chinese huanghuali painting table. Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
Our February 10th and 11th Auctions will offer stunning jade from China, rare furniture and collectibles, and Edwardian and Art Deco jewelry from private estates.
The December auction series will include the Winter Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Auction on December 16th and the Winter Design + Art + Asian Art Auction on December 18th.
Our Fine Collectors Auction will showcase outstanding property from fine estates and collections, including 18th through 20th century furniture, decorative art, Native American basketry, and gold coins.
Auction
July Highlights
Auction
Clars Auction Gallery will offer a fine selection of Asian works of art on Sunday, July 17th. This auction will include various Chinese Ming dynasty bronze Buddhist sculptures, huanghuali furniture, Chinese paintings, porcelains, and other categories of Asian works of art.
The auction will be led by three Ming dynasty bronze Buddhist sculptures. The first will be a bronze Avalokiteshvara figure seated on a double-lotus thrown with one hand in an abhaya gesture, estimated at $10,000–$15,000. The back of the base is incised with the name of the patron of the sculpture and dated the sixteenth year of Hongzhi reign (1503). This bronze sculpture of Avalokiteshvara is from a Bay area private collector who previously acquired it from Gu Yea Guan Art Gallery in Bangkok in 1993. The other is a seated figure of Avalokiteshvara in ‘royal ease’ position, with a calm and serene expression. The gilt bronze figure of Vajrasattva is presented sitting on a double-lotus throne, holding a Vajra and a bell in each hand, with turquoise inlay on the crown and ornaments. These two bronze sculptures come from a prominent San Francisco estate. In addition to the three sculptures, there will also be several other gilt bronze Himalayan Buddhist sculptures from an important San Francisco collector.
Left: Cast bronze figure of Avalokiteshvara. Estimate: $10,000–$15,000 Middle: Gilt bronze figure of Vajrasattva. Provenance: San Francisco estate. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000 Right: Bronze figure of Avalokiteshvara. Provenance: San Francisco estate. Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
The furniture section will feature a pair of Qing Dynasty huanghuali horseshoe-back armchairs, valued at $30,000–$50,000. Each chair features a ruyi-head-form roundel on the back carved in relief with a mythical beast amongst flaming clouds. The arched back and the arms with white brass hardware are decorated with prunus motifs.
Pair of Chinese huanghuali horseshoe back armchairs. Provenance: Acquired in Hong Kong, 1989. Estimate: $30,000–$50,000
Another furniture highlight is a Qing dynasty huanghuali cabinet of tapered form, expected to sell for $40,000–$60,000. The elegant design amplifies the rich and dramatic wood grains of huanghuali.
Chinese huanghuali tapered cabinet. Provenance: Acquired in Hong Kong, 1989. Estimate: $40,000–$60,000
Other highlights of the sale include a painting by a contemporary Chinese artist, Gu Gan (Chinese, born 1942); this painting was acquired from Michael Goedhuis Gallert, in London in 2001, and is valued at $5,000–$7,000. Along with a pair of blue and white ‘dragon’ bowls with Xianfeng mark of the period, are a pair of blue and white garden stools, a cobalt blue ground yellow glazed ‘dragon’ dish with Chuxiugong Zhi mark, a Japanese early Edo period Katana, and a Japanese wakizashi.
Gu Gang (1922–2020), Harmony. Provenance: Michael Goedhuis Gallert, London, 2001. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
Fine Art
Clars is pleased to offer two large paintings by Harry Curieux Adamson (American, 1916–2012) titled, Flooded Timber Mallards and Winter Quarters – Widgeon. Both are estimated at $10,000–$15,000 each. Adamson’s portrayals of wildfowl in their natural surroundings are highly sought after by many sporting art enthusiasts.
Harry Curieux Adamson (American, 1916–2012), Winter Quarters – Widgeon, 1971, oil on board, 24″ x 36″. Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
The print portion of Clars’ July 17th sale will have a wide variety of works for all collectors. Several prints will be offered by Bay Area figurative artist Nathan Oliveira (American, 1928–2010) including four intaglio works from his Revisited series printed in 1994. Christopher Brown (American, b. 1951) followers will also be excited to see the three works In the Green, Malage, and Station coming up for auction. Rounding out the sale is a collection of Salvador Dali (Spanish, 1904–1989) lithographs formally in the private collection of master printer, Irwin Hollander. The early prints by Dali were trial proofs aside from the known edition of 150. One of the 1965 prints, titled Cosmic Rays Resuscitating Soft Watches, will be offered at $7,000–$10,000.
Harry Curieux Adamson (American, 1916–2012), Flooded Timber Mallards, oil on canvas board, 24″ x 36″. Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
Furniture & Decorative Arts
The Furniture & Decorative Arts portion of the sale will be led by a large Empire style gilt bronze and crystal six light chandelier circa 1909, estimated at $6,000–$9,000. The chandelier was original to the Scottish Rite Freemasons lodge 1909, currently the Regency Center, San Francisco, CA. Also coming up the auction block with the same provenance will be another large Empire style chandelier at $5,000–$7,000, and a pair of Empire style gilt bronze wall sconces, circa 1909, having swan supports.
Left: A large Empire style gilt bronze and crystal six light chandelier circa 1909. Provenance: Original to the Scottish Rite Freemasons lodge 1909, currently the Regency Center, San Francisco CA. Estimate: $6,000–$9,000 Right: A massive Empire style twelve light chandelier with gilt bronze mounts and canopy. Provenance: Regency Ballroom, San Francisco CA. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
There will be a lovely mélange of decorative arts, including an Italian micro mosaic, a selection of Delftware including a figure of a dalmatian, chargers, faience figures of cows, a Rene Lalique Ambre perfume bottle, etc.
An Italian micromosaic by Cesare Roccheggiani.
Selection of Continental Faience and Delftware, including 18th and 19th century examples.
Fine Jewelry
The Fine Jewelry & Timepiece department at Clars Auction Gallery is excited to offer a selection of diamond, colored gemstone and gold jewelry, in their upcoming July 17th sale.
A pair of unheated Burma ruby, diamond and fourteen karat gold ear jackets. Estimate: $2,500–$3,500
This sale features a variety of wardrobe staples to build up the foundation of your jewelry collection at accessible price points, including bridal jewelry such as lot 2004, a diamond and eighteen karat white gold ring, estimated at $1,500–$2,500; everyday diamonds such as lot 2076, a diamond and eighteen karat gold necklace, estimated at $1,800–$2,200. To be offered as well are a colorful gemstone selection, including lot 2038, a pair of unheated Burma ruby, diamond and fourteen karat gold ear jackets, estimated at $2,500–$3,500 and lot 2073, a black opal, diamond and fourteen karat gold ring, estimated at $2,000–$3,000. Other wearable pieces that will highlight your everyday life include gentleman rings such as lot 2077, a diamond and fourteen karat bi-color gold ring, estimated at $1,000–$2,000.
A black opal, diamond and fourteen karat gold ring. Estimate: $2,000–$3,000
Bidding for Clars’ July 16–17, 2022 auctions is available by phone, absentee bid, and live online at Live.Clars.com and through Liveauctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. Clars Auction Gallery is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609. Clars Auction Gallery is based in Oakland (CA) and is the largest full-service auction gallery in the Western United States. Clars Auction Gallery has been the chosen auction gallery of a number of institutions and distinguished private collectors across the country including the Richard Mellon Scaife Estate, the Thomas J. Perkins Estate and The Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC). In the last 5 years, Clars Auction Gallery has sold well over $125,000,000 of Fine Art, Furnishings, Jewelry, Vehicles and Collectibles and has set multiple new world auction records. Follow Clars on Facebook and Twitter!
Our February 10th and 11th Auctions will offer stunning jade from China, rare furniture and collectibles, and Edwardian and Art Deco jewelry from private estates.
The December auction series will include the Winter Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Auction on December 16th and the Winter Design + Art + Asian Art Auction on December 18th.
Our Fine Collectors Auction will showcase outstanding property from fine estates and collections, including 18th through 20th century furniture, decorative art, Native American basketry, and gold coins.
Auction
Clars + The Junior League
Event
Stories & News
Clars Auction Gallery was a proud sponsor of The Junior League of San Francisco’s 110th Anniversary and Women at the Center Honors Awards Honoring: Mayor London N. Breed and Sallie Huntting, May 20, 2022.
Rick Unruh, President and CEO of Clars Auction Gallery, led the auctioneering efforts at the awards ceremony, where proceeds from each sold lot were donated back to the Junior League of SF and community programs.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – May 20 – Rick Unruh attends Junior League Women at the Center Honors on May 20th 2022 at War Memorial in San Francisco, CA (Photo – Natalie Schrik for Drew Altizer Photography).
Clars Auction Gallery is proud to partner with the ICA of San José in their 2022 Annual Benefit Art Auction, IN THEIR OWN WORDS. Join us November 5th, 5PM.