Among the Furniture & Decorative Arts highlights at Clars Auctions’ July 17th Gallery Auction are three extraordinary lots that tell a fascinating story of California’s early political, financial, and cultural history.

Together, they trace the intersecting legacies of Governor Milton Slocum Latham and railroad magnate Mark Hopkins — two figures whose lives helped shape the Golden State during the nineteenth century.

At the center of this narrative is a rare set of Herter Brothers armchairs, commissioned circa 1872 for the billiard room of Governor Milton Slocum Latham’s Menlo Park estate, Thurlow Lodge. Celebrated as America’s premier cabinetmakers during the Gilded Age, Herter Brothers furnished many of the country’s most prestigious residences, and these chairs stand as exceptional examples of their craftsmanship. Following Latham’s financial collapse and death in 1882, Thurlow Lodge and its contents were purchased by Mary K. Hopkins, widow of railroad executive Mark Hopkins, weaving the furnishings of one prominent California family into the legacy of another. The armchairs remained within the Hopkins family until they were sold as part of the estate in 1942.

Further strengthening this remarkable connection is an 1878 carved marble bust of Mark Hopkins by Italian sculptor Pietro Mezzara. Executed during the same year as Hopkins’ death, the portrait captures one of the famed “Big Four” railroad pioneers whose vision transformed transportation and commerce throughout the American West. Offered alongside the Herter Brothers armchairs, the bust provides collectors with an exceptional opportunity to acquire objects connected through one of California’s most distinguished historical estates.

Completing the grouping is a beautiful Baccarat opaline glass vase dated 1867, produced during the same year the renowned French glassmaker exhibited at the Paris Exposition Universelle. Unlike the furnishings from Thurlow Lodge, the vase descends directly through the family of Governor Latham, offering an unbroken lineage to one of California’s earliest political leaders.

Together, these exceptional works represent far more than fine examples of decorative arts. They embody the intertwined histories of two influential California families, preserving a tangible connection to the personalities, homes, and ambitions that shaped the state’s Gilded Age. Opportunities to acquire objects with such well-documented provenance and historical continuity are increasingly rare, making this grouping a standout feature of Clars’ July 17th Gallery Auction

Continuing the offering from the celebrated Emmy and Dolph Andrews Estate this past February, Clars is pleased to present in the July 17th Gallery Auction another selection from one of San Francisco’s most distinguished private collections.

Emily Taylor Andrews and Adolphus “Dolph” Andrews Jr. were descendants of California pioneers and longtime figures in the city’s cultural and philanthropic circles. Their legacy of connoisseurship, refined taste, and commitment to preserving the decorative arts was reflected throughout the elegant interiors of their San Francisco residence, designed by renowned interior designers Michael Taylor and Anthony Hail.

The July offering presents another opportunity to acquire works that once furnished these storied interiors. Leading the collection is a remarkable pair of Attilio Codognato semi-precious stone-mounted silver-gilt Venetian figures, estimated at $6,000–$8,000. Created by the celebrated Venetian jeweler and designer, the sculptures exemplify Codognato’s signature blend of Renaissance inspiration, exquisite craftsmanship, and luxurious materials.

Additional highlights from the Andrews Collection include a pair of French faience or Delft blue and white orangerie urns, estimated at $600–$800, an elegant S.T. Dupont leather and Lacque de Chine lacquer dressing case, estimated at $500–$700, a dramatic pair of Italian polychrome figural pedestals, and a distinguished pair of 19th-century Russian Nicholas I mahogany brass-mounted armchairs, estimated at $1,000–$2,000. Together, these pieces reflect the Andrews’ appreciation for exceptional European craftsmanship and timeless design — qualities that defined their remarkable collection.

As another chapter in the offering of the Andrews Estate, these works invite collectors to own objects distinguished not only by their beauty and craftsmanship, but also by a provenance rooted in one of San Francisco’s most admired collecting traditions.

Clars is pleased to announce the upcoming two-day July auction series, featuring the Gallery Auction on Friday, July 17th, followed by the Warehouse Auction on Saturday, July 18th. Collectors, designers, dealers, and art enthusiasts will discover a thoughtfully curated selection of fine art, Asian art, furniture, decorative arts, jewelry, and estate property, offering opportunities across a wide range of collecting categories.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

Furniture & Decorative Arts highlights are led by a Herter Brothers armchair, one of only three commissioned for Thurlow Lodge, with an estimate of $8,000–$12,000. Renowned for furnishing many of America’s most prestigious Gilded Age interiors, Herter Brothers pieces remain among the most coveted examples of 19th-century American furniture.

The sale also features an impressive selection of decorative arts, including two Carlton Ware luster articles in the celebrated ‘Chinatown’ pattern, estimated at $400–$600, and two Carlton Ware pottery luster vases decorated with the ‘Magical Tree and Heron’ and ‘Tree and Cloud’ motifs, estimated at $800–$1,200.

Additional highlights include an English Rococo-style gold-mounted agate patch or pill box, estimated at $800–$1,200, and a large signed Baccarat opaline glass vase, estimated at $2,500–$3,500. Together, these pieces offer collectors exceptional examples of European decorative arts, fine craftsmanship, and timeless design.

Fine Art

Leading the Fine Art category is an exceptional carved wood relief by Mario Sanchez. Old Key West – Everything in Profusion is a vibrant oil on carved and painted wood relief that captures the colorful character and architectural charm of historic Key West. Signed and titled by the artist, the work is expected to realize $20,000–$40,000.

Additional Fine Art highlights include Henrietta Berk’s Green Valley Road, a richly colored oil on canvas signed and titled by the artist, estimated at $7,000–$10,000. Also featured is Charles Reiffel’s Untitled (Trees Along Water’s Edge with Buttes in the Distance), an atmospheric oil on canvas estimated at $6,000–$9,000.

Completing the category highlights is Ira Yeager’s Untitled (Snow Leopard), an expressive oil on canvas estimated at $3,000–$5,000. Together, these works represent a compelling selection of American art spanning Impressionist landscapes, California scenes, folk art, and contemporary wildlife painting.

Fine Jewelry & Watches

The Fine Jewelry & Watches department offers an elegant selection of jewelry and luxury watches, led by a Rolex 14k gold hidden watch bracelet, estimated at $4,000–$6,000. Combining the prestige of the Rolex name with the sophistication of a concealed bracelet watch design, this piece is expected to attract significant interest from both watch collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.

Additional highlights include a striking diamond and platinum ring, estimated at $2,000–$3,000, showcasing the enduring appeal of classic platinum-set diamonds. Also featured is an antique turquoise, blue diamond, 14k, and 18k gold pendant necklace, estimated at $700–$1,000, offering collectors a distinctive example of antique craftsmanship with vibrant gemstone accents. Together, these pieces present a refined cross-section of fine jewelry and luxury accessories, ranging from collectible watches to elegant diamond and gemstone designs.

Asian Art

The Asian Art department presents a refined collection of Japanese cloisonné enamels and Chinese textiles, highlighting the extraordinary craftsmanship of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Among the featured offerings is a Japanese cloisonné enamel carp vase by Ando Jubei, estimated at $3,000–$5,000, alongside a Japanese cloisonné enamel vase by Gonda Hirosuke, also estimated at $3,000–$5,000.

Additional highlights include a Japanese cloisonné enamel wisteria vase attributed to Hayashi Kodenji, estimated at $1,500–$2,500, a Japanese cloisonné vase estimated at $1,500–$2,500, and a Japanese cloisonné enamel sake pot in the style of Namikawa Yasuyuki, estimated at $2,000–$4,000.

Complementing these exceptional enamels is a Chinese blue-ground silk brocade dragon robe, estimated at $2,000–$4,000. This carefully selected group reflects the remarkable artistry and technical mastery that continue to make Japanese cloisonné and Chinese court textiles highly sought after by collectors worldwide.

The Warehouse Auction: July 18th

Following the Gallery Auction, the July 18th Warehouse Auction features hundreds of additional lots from estates and private collections.The sale includes furniture, decorative arts, fine art, collectibles, home furnishings, and unique discoveries across a wide range of price points, making it an ideal opportunity for both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers. Whether searching for antiques, interior furnishings, or one-of-a-kind estate finds, bidders will find an exciting array of opportunities throughout the sale.

The objects an artist chooses to keep often tell a story that formal histories cannot. Gathered over decades, the works in Viola Frey’s personal collection trace a network of friendships, mentorships, artistic affinities, and shared histories.

The Artists’ Legacy Foundation and Clars are pleased to present a benefit auction offering access to this deeply personal constellation of objects and the vibrant creative community from which it emerged on June 18th, beginning 10 AM PDT.

Together, these works illuminate a remarkable chapter in Bay Area art history. They reflect the creative community that surrounded Frey and the artistic currents that shaped the region from the 1970s through the 1990s — from functional ceramics and experimental sculpture to the vibrant culture of California College of Arts and Crafts.

Viola Frey collected with care. Every work in the auction was made by an artist who was part of her extended community. During her tenure at California College of Arts and Crafts from 1963–1999, Frey taught and mentored generations of artists. Beginning as a part-time teaching assistant and “resident potter,” she became a tenured professor and helped guide the design and construction of the Noni Eccles Treadwell Ceramics Art Center, known as “the Pot Shop,” in 1973.

The expansive collection to be offered at Clars includes works by Frey’s colleagues and students at California College of the Arts as well as pieces by popular ceramicists and fine artists including Richard Blake Shaw, Arthur E. Nelson, Marguerite Wildenhain, and more. From functional pieces like whimsical tea sets and elegant vases to finely rendered sculptural work, there is something for every collector to admire in this treasure trove.

Frey’s life in the Bay Area intersected with many of the defining artistic and social movements of the late twentieth century: abstraction and figuration, Funk art, Hippie counter-culture, LGBTQ+ activism, and the AIDS crisis. The works in this auction bear witness to those histories and to the community of artists with whom Frey lived, worked, and taught.

While best known for her ceramic monumental sculptures, Frey’s artmaking spanned more than 40 years and encompassed paintings, drawings, and bronze and glass sculptures. Frey was obsessively devoted to her practice and produced thousands of artworks during her lifetime.

Her work explores social constructs, marks of civilization, and gender dynamics, and features a thoughtfully built iconography including suited men, hands, and cast figurines. Her work in clay was ahead of its time, bridging the gap between craft and fine art, while pushing the boundaries of ceramic sculpture.

The Artists’ Legacy Foundation stewards Frey’s legacy and advances the preservation of artists’ estates. Proceeds from this auction support our ongoing work to expand scholarship on Frey, care for her archive, and provide educational resources for artists planning their own legacies. We hope these works find homes who value not only their individual histories, but also their connection to Frey and this extraordinary moment in Bay Area art.

Clars is pleased to announce its upcoming Summer Antique Jewelry Salon Auction on June 18th, featuring an exceptional selection of fine antique and estate jewelry, rare gemstones, and historically significant decorative arts.

The highly curated sale will showcase an elegant array of Victorian, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco, Retro, and contemporary jewelry designs, highlighting remarkable craftsmanship, important gemstones, and timeless sophistication. Collectors will encounter an exciting selection of antique diamond jewels, colored gemstone creations, fine goldwork, and rare collector pieces drawn from distinguished private collections.

Leading the sale is a spectacular diamond, gem-set and 18k gold suite, estimated at $25,000–$35,000, alongside an impressive Retro diamond and 18k gold bracelet, estimated at $8,000–$12,000. Additional highlights include a jade, diamond, platinum and 14k gold pendant necklace, estimated at $8,000–$12,000; a Retro ruby, diamond, and 18k gold brooch estimated at $6,000–$8,000; and an antique diamond and 14k gold brooch carrying an estimate of $2,000–$4,000.

The sale further features a striking Retro ruby, diamond, and 14k gold ring, estimated at $5,000–$7,000; an elegant diamond, sapphire and 18k gold brooch, estimated at $3,500–$5,500; and a refined pair of diamond and platinum brooches, estimated at $4,000–$6,000 and $2,000–$3,000 respectively.

Collectors of antique jewelry will also appreciate a diverse selection of Victorian and Art Nouveau treasures, including a Victorian guilloche enamel, diamond, and 18k bi-color gold pocket watch, estimated at $1,000–$2,000; an antique quartz, ruby, mother-of-pearl and 14k gold pendant-brooch, estimated at $500–$700; and an antique peridot, seed pearl and 9k gold lavalier necklace, estimated at $500–$700.

Additional offerings include antique jade, coral, amethyst, sapphire, and seed pearl jewelry, as well as mourning jewelry and decorative pendants that reflect the rich artistry and symbolism of 19th and early 20th century design. Among them are a coral and jade worry bead necklace, estimated at $2,500–$3,500; a carved jade and 22k gold pendant, estimated at $800–$1,200; an amethyst and 14k gold pendant, estimated at $250–$350; and a Victorian coral, turquoise and gold-filled figa seal, estimated at $300–$500.

Concluding the sale is The Irene Deitsch Collection of English Victorian and French Posy Holders, an extraordinary collection of more than 130 antique tussie-mussies and posy holders, many of which are being offered at auction for the first time. These delicate and highly decorative objects, once fashionable accessories of the Victorian era, were designed to hold fragrant floral bouquets and symbolized refinement, romance, and sentiment.

Clars is pleased to present its upcoming June 19th Gallery Auction, offering an exceptional selection of Fine Art, Asian Works of Art, Furniture, Decorative Arts, and Design. The sale will feature important paintings, rare Asian objects, fine furnishings, and decorative pieces spanning centuries of craftsmanship and collecting traditions.

Fine Art

Leading the Fine Art offerings is Chaparral Hills (1918) by celebrated Western artist Maynard Dixon (American, 1875–1946). Executed in oil on canvas and signed and dated lower right, the work exemplifies Dixon’s iconic depictions of the American landscape through bold composition and rich tonal atmosphere. The painting carries an estimate of $15,000–$25,000.

Also featured is Yosemite View by Thomas Hill (American, 1829–1908), an important California landscape painter renowned for his romantic portrayals of the American West. The oil on canvas painting, signed lower right, captures the grandeur and serenity of Yosemite’s natural beauty and is estimated at $6,000–$9,000.

Asian Art

The Asian Works of Art department will present an impressive selection of Chinese and Japanese objects highlighting exceptional craftsmanship and historical significance. Among the leading lots is a Chinese four-panel rosewood, burlwood, and famille verte porcelain screen from the 19th century, estimated at $4,000–$6,000. Also featured is a pair of Chinese famille rose ‘bats’ bowls bearing Daoguang marks and of the period, estimated at $5,000–$7,000. The duo reflects the refined porcelain artistry of the Qing dynasty.

Additional highlights include Ananda by renowned Japanese artist Munakata Shiko (1903–1975), estimated at $3,000–$5,000, as well as a Japanese export sterling tea service by Arthur & Bond of Yokohama, estimated at $4,000–$6,000, showcasing the elegance and craftsmanship associated with one of Japan’s most celebrated export silversmiths.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

Complementing the sale is an exceptional presentation of Furniture and Decorative Arts, showcasing European and American antiques, modern and contemporary design, fine silver, ceramics, lighting, and decorative objects. Collectors can anticipate a thoughtfully curated offering of elegant case furniture, seating, mirrors, garden elements, and designer furnishings, paired with distinctive decorative accessories that span traditional to modern aesthetics.

The department continues to attract discerning collectors and interior designers alike with pieces that seamlessly combine functionality, craftsmanship, and enduring appeal. Highlights include: a large Tiffany & Co. sterling ice bucket, estimated at $7,000–$10,000; a collection of 60 American flag paperweights, including a rare pair of dual American and Italian flag glass paperweights, estimated at $400–$600; Kip Stewart’s Bronze Age collection outdoor patio suite, estimated at $6,000–$9,000; a Christian Dior porcelain dinner service in the Casablanca pattern, estimated at $2,000–$3,000; and a Spanish Vargueño cabinet, circa 1820, estimated at $1,000–$1,500.

The Warehouse Auction: June 20th

The series concludes on Saturday, June 20th with The Warehouse Auction, an eclectic and accessible sale offering decorative arts, furnishings, collectibles, and estate material. Known for its breadth and opportunity, this auction provides bidders with the chance to discover unique pieces and exceptional value across numerous collecting categories.

A Lifetime of Collecting Elegance and Sentiment: The Irene Deitsch Collection of Victorian & French Posy Holders will be offered through Clars Auctions as the closing presentation of the June 18th Summer Antique Jewelry Salon Auction. The event presents a rare opportunity to acquire pieces from a deeply personal collection — each lot carrying forward a fragment of a story defined by elegance, craftsmanship, and enduring taste.

Irene Deitsch was born in Akron, Ohio, and graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in art education. She married Marshall Deitsch and moved to Los Angeles, where she taught art at the junior high school level before leaving the classroom to raise their two sons. When the family relocated to Palo Alto, California, she joined the art library at Stanford University, deepening the scholarly sensibility that would later define her life as a collector.

After a brief venture into catering, Irene pursued gemology and jewelry design, eventually opening Vanguard Gems, her own store, which she ran with great success for many years. With her sons grown and her grandchildren “up and out,” she turned her full attention to worldwide travel and antique collecting.

Her passion for antique tussie-mussies took hold in the late 1990s after visiting an exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. From that moment, she began assembling what would become a sizable and highly refined collection of posy holders, many of which are depicted in her book Tussie-Mussies: A Collector’s Guide to Victorian Posy Holders (published in 2016 by Marene Press). She also collects antique scent bottles, while her husband Marshall has long been devoted to paperweights.

Now appearing at auction for the first time, The Irene Deitsch Collection of English Victorian and French Posy Holders comprises approximately 130 examples, known variously as porte-bouquets, bouquetiers, or tussie-mussie holders. At the height of fashion between the 1830s and 1880s, these exquisite objects were designed to carry fragrant nosegays, often suspended from chains or fitted with finger rings — uniting artistry, sentiment, and elegance in a single luxurious form.

The collection stands among the most significant private holdings of its kind to appear at auction, rivaling institutional collections in quality and scope. The Frances Jones Poetker Collection at the Smithsonian Gardens, by comparison, comprises approximately 250 examples — underscoring just how remarkable this private assemblage is. Ranging from gold and silver to enamel, jeweled, and filigree work sourced from across Europe and beyond, the collection reflects decades of passionate pursuit and an eye of refinement.

Highlights include a very rare Chinese high carat gold posy holder with presentation case, circa 1890, estimated at $8,000–$12,000, with an intricate wire basket and filigree handle, attached floral pin and finger ring, and a fitted presentation box carved with figural panels and its original key. Also featured is an English 14k gold and enamel posy holder, Liverpool, circa 1880, estimated at $2,000–$3,000, in a satin and velvet-lined octagonal case; a rare English enamel-decorated silver-gilt and glass combination posy holder, perfume bottle, and vinaigrette, circa 1870, estimated at $400–$600; and two European posy holders, circa 1870, estimated at $400–$600, one a possibly Russian example set with a hand-painted miniature portrait encircled by diamonds, the other gilt-metal inset with portrait miniatures and paste jewels on a mother-of-pearl handle.

The Irene Deitsch Collection presents a portrait of a life shaped by discernment, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for artistry across cultures and eras. A consistent thread of sophistication runs throughout — objects chosen not simply for beauty, but for meaning, craftsmanship, and presence — suggesting a home where each piece was genuinely lived with and admired.

Following the Important Fine Art session, the May Gallery Auction continues with a diverse and compelling selection across multiple collecting categories.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

Furniture & Decorative Arts offerings include a Bernhard Rhone for Mastercraft low table, estimated at $300–$500; a fine French Régence ormolu-mounted commode, estimated at $2,000–$4,000; a French Neoclassical polychrome and parcel-gilt console table, estimated at $1,000–$1,500; and a Stickley Audi bow arm Morris chair with ottoman, estimated at $1,200–$1,800.

Fine Jewelry & Watches

The Fine Jewelry section features an antique turquoise and 15k gold necklace and earring suite, estimated at $4,000–$7,000, alongside distinctive antique brooches including lava stone and gemstone snake examples.

Asian Art

Asian Works of Art highlights include a Chinese blue and white ‘qilin’ charger from the Transitional period, estimated at $3,000–$5,000; a famille rose ‘hundred bats’ charger bearing a Guangxu mark, estimated at $2,000–$4,000; and an 18th-century huanghuali chest, estimated at $4,000–$6,000.

The Warehouse Auction: May 16th

The series concludes on Saturday, May 16th with The Warehouse Auction, an eclectic and accessible sale offering decorative arts, furnishings, collectibles, and estate material. Known for its breadth and opportunity, this auction provides bidders with the chance to discover unique pieces and exceptional value across numerous collecting categories.

Clars Auctions is proud to present its May 15th Gallery Auction, distinguished by a commanding Important Fine Art section that will lead the sale.

This premier opening segment brings together an exceptional and thoughtfully curated group of works spanning American, European, and contemporary art, now further enriched by the inclusion of works by Raimonds Staprans, one of the foremost representatives of post-war California painting nationwide, and Fernando C. Amorsolo, one of the most celebrated figures in Philippine art, underscoring Clars’ continued strength in presenting high-caliber, globally significant fine art to the market.

A major highlight of the sale is La Lavandera (1937) by Fernando Amorsolo (Filipino, 1892–1972), an exceptional oil on board measuring 13 x 17 inches, estimated at $80,000–$120,000. Exemplifying Amorsolo’s masterful handling of light and his iconic depictions of rural Philippine life, this work stands as a rare and significant offering within the auction’s international fine art selection.

Further reinforcing the strength of the Important Fine Art section are standout works such as An Old Street in Taos by Joseph Henry Sharp, estimated at $40,000–$60,000; and a rare four panel Monterey Cypress mural by Chiura Obata, estimated at $15,000–$25,000.

Collectors will also find notable examples by Julian Alden Weir, Leon Dabo, and Eustace Paul Ziegler, alongside important modern and contemporary voices including Christopher Brown, Bruce Nauman, and Gregory Crewdson.

The depth of the fine art offering continues with works connected to Pablo Picasso, including an etching from La Suite Vollard and a tapestry after Jacqueline.

Significant California and American artists are well represented, with works by Granville Redmond, Maynard Dixon, Edward Potthast, and Wayne Thiebaud. Additional highlights include a bronze relief by Ruth Asawa, a sculptural work by Anne and Patrick Poirier, and contemporary pieces by Ben Quinn and Marcel Dzama — further demonstrating the breadth and quality of this leading section.

Clars Auctions is privileged to present Property from the Estate of Senator Dianne Feinstein and Richard C. Blum on May 14th beginning at 2 PM PDT, offering a rare opportunity to acquire distinguished works from their celebrated Sea Drift and Pacific Heights residences.

This exceptional collection reflects the refined taste and legacy of one of the most influential figures in modern American political history — the longest-serving female United States Senator, former Mayor of San Francisco, and past Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee — and her husband, the noted financier and philanthropist. The auction comprises an elegant, curated selection of luxury decorative arts, Asian works of art, and personal memorabilia from their shared homes.

Highlights from the sale include a striking Chinoiserie red-painted floor lamp; two framed landscapes, including a view of Diamond Head by Dianne Feinstein, estimated at $100–$150; a plaster portrait of Feinstein as Mayor of San Francisco by Romany Downie, dated 1982, estimated at $200–$300; and a group of seven Chinese porcelain table articles, estimated at $1,000–$1,500.

Additional offerings include a Mottahedeh porcelain dinner service in the Tobacco Leaf pattern, estimated at $1,800–$2,500; a pair of Chamberlain’s Worcester lozenge-shaped dishes, estimated at $200–$300; three Tibetan Buddhist silver ritual objects, estimated at $200–$300; and two color serigraph artist’s proofs by Melanie Taylor Kent: Return of the Cable Cars and Golden Gate Bridge, estimated at $400–$600.