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.

Asian Art

On February 11th, the Asian Art department will feature two fine Chinese jade lots comprising a set of imperial quality Chinese white jade belt buckle and associated ornaments depicting dragons and cranes from the 18th to 19th century.

The other lot is a Republic Period Mughal style celadon jade vase and linked cover finely carved in low relief with bamboo, prunus and chrysanthemum along with a pair of magpies. It also has a pair of openwork peony handles and a finial, all set with a linking chain. It is estimated at $4,000–$6,000.

Another imperial quality piece being offered in this month’s auction is a 18th century Chinese mother-of-pearl inlaid black lacquered box and cover, which is decorated with a stylized longevity character painted in gold lacquer, surrounded by a profusion of floral roundels inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

There will be a fine selection of furniture, porcelains, coins, silver, and other objects de vertu in our February 10th sale. Highlights include a pair of French Napoleonic demilune bronze mounted tables circa 1850, estimated at $3,000–$5,000.

Fine Jewelry & Timepieces

The Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department is excited to offer a selection of antique diamond, colored gemstone and gold jewelry in their upcoming February 10th sale.

This sale features a variety of lovely new and old wardrobe staples to build up the foundation of your jewelry collection at accessible price points, including a colorful gemstone selection with an Art Deco star sapphire and diamond ring, estimated at $800–$1,200 and a pair of emerald, diamond and fourteen karat bi-color gold earrings, estimated at $1,500–$2,500. Other exquisite pieces that will highlight your everyday life are represented by an Edwardian diamond and platinum pendant brooch, estimated at $2,000–$4,000, and an antique diamond and eighteen karat gold pendant, estimated at $1,200–$1,800.

The Estate of Joanna Barnes and Jack Warner (Santa Barbara, California), will highlight Clars’ January auctions.

Asian Art

A selection of woodblock prints will lead the Asian Section of the January auctions. Among the woodblock prints created by the great Shin-hanga artist, Kawase Hasui (1883–1957), is the design Zojo Temple, Shiba, commissioned in 1925. Zojo Temple, Shiba is regarded as Hasui’s most outstanding and iconic creation. Among collectors of Japanese prints of the Shin-hanga movement, it is one of the most sought-after and valuable designs.

Fine Art

Clars is pleased to be offering the Estate of Joanna Barnes and Jack Warner (Santa Barbara, California). Ms. Barnes was a Hollywood film actress featured in movies such as Auntie Mame (1958) and The Parent Trap (1961). Mr. Warner was a prominent architect featured in numerous issues of Architectural Digest. One of the highlights from the estate is a large monotype (diptych) by Charles Arnoldi (American, b. 1946), Untitled (GTW-CA-SF-3-86), estimated at $12,000–$18,000. This colorful work exemplifies Arnoldi’s bold style.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

Clars’ Furniture & Decorative Arts department will be offering a selection of Spanish Colonial religious figures including a Spanish Colonial santos figure, 18th century, with inset glass eyes and painted details, overall 22″h estimated at $2,000–$4,000, and a Spanish Colonial gilt and polychrome decorated santos figure, retaining original pigment decorated face with glass eyes, and traces of pigment to the body, 37″h x 28″w, also with a $2,000–$4,000 estimate. Rounding out the sale, our fine silver and Vertu department will offer a selection of fine sterling silver from important Bay Area estates and collections.

Fine Jewelry & Timepieces

The Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department at Clars is excited to offer a selection of diamond, colored gemstone and gold jewelry, in their upcoming January 13th sale. This sale features a variety of wardrobe staples to build up the foundation of your jewelry collection at accessible price points, including a colorful gemstone selection with a jadeite and fourteen karat gold ring, estimated at $800–$1,200, and an opal, diamond and fourteen karat gold pendant necklace, estimated at $2,500–$3,500. Other wearable pieces that will highlight your everyday life are featured by makers such as Tiffany & Co., represented in a coral and eighteen karat gold brooch, estimated at $1,200–$1,800.

The December 16th–18th auction series will include the Winter Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Auction and the Winter Design + Art + Asian Art Auction.

Jewelry & Timepieces

Clars is thrilled to host their Winter Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Auction on Friday, December 16th, beginning at 10 AM PST. The sale includes a fine selection of diamond, colored gemstone, antique and signed jewelry.

The sale is highlighted by a selection of important diamonds, which includes lot 5241, a 4.01 carats VVS1 Fancy Yellow diamond, diamond and eighteen karat white gold ring, estimated at $40,000–$60,000; and lot 5229, a 7.75 carats old European-cut diamond ring, estimated at $25,000–$35,000.

Complementing the auction will be exceptional gemstones, including lot 5043, a 13.64 carats Colombian emerald ring, estimated at $15,000–$25,000; lot 5244, a natural pearl, diamond and platinum pendant, estimated at $10,000–$20,000; and lot 5033, a jadeite “A” jade, diamond and platinum ring, estimated at $6,000–$9,000.

Makers, such as Van Cleef & Arpels, are represented in lot 5246, a diamond and white gold brooch, estimated at $25,000–$35,000, and lot 5247, a pair of diamond ear clips, estimated at $10,000–$20,000. Tiffany & Co. is represented in lot 5005, a sapphire, diamond and palladium bracelet, estimated at $5,000–$7,000. Lot 5069, a pair of coral, onyx, emerald and diamond pendant earrings, will present Cartier, estimated at $8,000–$12,000.

Also leading the sale is a selection of timepieces led by lot 5184, an early Rolex small crown Submariner wristwatch, ref 6205, estimated at $50,000–$70,000; lot 5178, an eighteen karat gold wristwatch, ‘Hourglass,’ Patek Phillepe, estimated at $4,000–$6,000; and lot 5177, an eighteen karat rose gold wristwatch, Tri-Compax Chronograph, Universal Geneve, estimated at $3,000–$5,000.

Design

The December 18th auction will be led with Design. There will be a large selection of pottery including several pieces by Toshiko Takaezu. Takaezu, a Hawaiian ceramicist of Japanese descent, is most well known for her ‘Closed forms.’ Clars is pleased to offer four ‘Closed Forms’ in the auction; the largest, a ‘Closed Form (with rattle),’ commanding a conservative estimate of $4,000–$6000. Other designers include Viola Frey and Jim Melchert, among other Clay Funk potters.

Another highlight of the sale will be a Napoleone Martinuzzi Incaminciato vase, estimated at $8,000–$12,000. Incaminciato glass is a Murano glass technique that overlays lattimo (or milk glass) with layers of transparent colored glass, in this case cobalt blue. There will also be numerous noteworthy Italian glass items on offer by various designers such as Carlo Scarpa, Fontana Arte, Vittorio Zecchin, etc.

Beyond pottery and glass, there will also be a fine collection of furniture, including a Mathews Furniture Shops fall front desk estimated at $3,500–$4,500. Numerous noteworthy names will be featured, including Charles and Ray Eames, John Dickinson, Mies Van Der Rohe, George Nakashima, Vladimir Kagan Couture, etc.

Asian Art

The Asian Art department will offer a fine group of Chinese scholar’s rocks hailing from a Piedmont, CA collection. The collection consists of rocks of various forms suggesting mountain landscapes as well as an array of abstract imagery evoking mythical animals and sagely figures. The collection also features rocks of various sizes ranging from the small desktop variety to the imposing variety used for furnishing scholar’s studios and gardens.

Also up for auction is set of three watercolor paintings by the famous Burmese artist, Mg Tun Hla (1874–1946). Hla was one of the first and most important Burmese artists who painted in Western watercolor style in the early 20th century. The three watercolors depict street scenes from Mandalay, the former capitol of Burma.

Fine Art

Clars Fine Art department is excited to offer two ceramic pitchers by Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973). The two works, titled Visage and Quatre Visage, were both produced at the Madoura de Vallauris workshop in the 1950’s and have Picasso and Madoura stamped beneath. They will be offered at $6,000–$9,000 and $4,000–$6,000.

On November 20th Clars will hold our Fine Collectors Auction. This auction is devoted to outstanding property from fine estates and collections, including 18th through 20th century furniture, decorative art, Native American basketry, and gold coins.

Fine Art

Clars Fine Art department is excited to feature a Tom Wesselmann (American, 1931–2004) original work from his iconic series Great American Nude in the November 20th auction. The oil and mixed media work, titled The Great American Nude #13, was completed in 1962 and is an early example of the series, which he completed in 1973 with number #100. The work demonstrates the artist’s use of bold color and military imagery, along with his famous female nude form — the recurring subject throughout his career. The artwork is estimated at $50,000–$70,000.

Clars will also be offering a work on paper by renowned abstract expressionist artist, Richard Pousette-Dart (American, 1916–1992), titled The Chalice. The watercolor and gouache on paper was created during the 1940s while the artist was experimenting with biomorphic and symbolic forms. Pousette-Dart was a contemporary of several successful expressionist artists such as Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Ad Reinhardt, to name just a few. The work will be offered at $12,000– $18,000.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

Clars is pleased to offer a fine selection of European and American furniture and decorative arts. Highlights include a Fine Neo Grec salon cabinet circa 1870 likely Herter Brothers, estimated at $4,000–$6,000, a pair of Louis XVI style malachite mounted gilt bronze gueridons, at $4,000–$6,000, and a Russian Napoleonic gilt bronze chandelier valued at $7,000–$9,000.

Also on offer will be a fine Italian micro-mosaic plaque of the Doves of Pliny by the Vatican Mosaic Workshop, late 19th century, and a French gilt bronze and champleve enamel clock garniture retailed by Le Roy et Fils, Paris, late 19th century.

The department will also feature several specialized collections, including a large collection of South African Gold Krugerrands, Native American baskets, Indian miniature paintings, and Russian icons, among others.

Asian Art

The paintings and calligraphy section will be led by a massive ink and color on paper hanging scroll by Wu Changshuo (1844–1927), titled Pine and Lingzhi, painted in 1921. As one of the world’s most acclaimed masters in Chinese painting and one of the leading masters of Shanghai School in the Republic period, Wu Changshuo is known for his style of merging calligraphy techniques into paintings, using the ink and brushstroke to demonstrate the conception rather than striving for realism, which greatly influenced the modern and contemporary Chinese art world. This massive piece at Clars presents a great example of Wu Changshuo’s iconic style of mixing traditional Chinese with Western sensibility to depict one of his favorite subject matters in his late years, the pine tree. The painting comes from an important Southern California estate and it will be offered with an estimate of $80,000–$120,000.

A strong San Francisco Bay Area collection of archer’s rings will lead the jade and miscellaneous section, presenting nearly 40 lots of imperial quality white jade, celadon jade, jadeite, agate, glass, enamel, and various organic material archer’s rings. The collector acquired this impressive collection throughout 1970s to 1990s from various important dealers and estates in the San Francisco Bay Area, including Ching Wah Lee, Herb Newman, and Sandra Sakata, among others.

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 November 20th sale.

This sale features a variety of wardrobe staples as your perfect gifts to kick off the holiday season. A wide selection of wearable diamond jewelry will be offered including lot 2044, an approx. 3.40 carats colored diamond and eighteen karat gold ring, estimated at $7,000–$9,000; and lot 6016, a diamond and fourteen karat white gold bangle bracelet, estimated at $3,000–$5,000. To be offered as well is a colorful gemstone selection, including lot 6023, a Burma ruby, diamond and fourteen karat white gold bracelet, estimated at $7,000–$9,000; and lot 6004, a South Sea pearl, diamond and platinum ring, estimated at $800–$1,200. Other wearable pieces that will highlight your everyday life are featured by makers such as Tiffany, represented in lot 6003, an Early 20th Century diamond and pearl silver-topped fourteen karat gold pin, Tiffany & Co., estimated at $800–$1,200; and lot 6159, a sterling silver bracelet, Buccellati, estimated at $700–$900.

The October 16th auction at Clars will feature a wide range of Fine Art, Asian Art, Furniture and Decorative Arts, and Fine Jewelry.

Fine Art

Clars is pleased to offer a monumental work by Nathan Oliveira (American, 1928–2010) titled, Wing-Owl (1996), is estimated at $20,000–$30,000. This large oil on canvas (50″h x 42″w) was part of a series the artist was commissioned to create for Stanford University in the 1990s. It was also featured in Architectural Digest magazine in December 1999.

Offered in its entirety for the first time at auction, Richard Diebenkorn’s (American, 1922–1993), Six Soft Ground Etchings, a suite of six (6) prints, will be offered at $15,000–$25,000 on October 16th. This rare group of etchings comes from the collection of the assistant printmaker on this project published by Crown Point Press in 1978.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

There will be a fine selection of sterling silver in the auction including a large Wallace Grande Baroque sterling silver flatware service, 196 pieces, estimated at $5,000–$7,000.

Also to be offered is a Heyn carousel horse, valued at $2,000–$4,000, and an Hermes “Attelage” flatware set expected to sell for $1,500–$2,000.

Asian Art

The Asian Art Department gladly offers a large Chinese embroidered ‘dragon’ wall panel with an estimate of $3,000–$5,000. The panel features two pairs of dragons chasing a flaming pearl and one dragon in the center with a fierce expression. While the dragons symbolize royal status and power, the bats and Shou medallions surrounding them represent longevity and prosperity.

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 October 16th sale.

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 lot 2014, a diamond and eighteen karat white gold bracelet, estimated at $3,000–$5,000; lot 2043, a diamond and eighteen karat white gold moi et toi ring, estimated at $2,000–$3,000. To be offered as well is is a colorful gemstone selection, including lot 2001, a Ceylon sapphire, diamond and eighteen karat white gold ring, estimated at $2,500–$3,500; and lot 2046, an emerald, diamond and fourteen karat gold ring, estimated at $2,000–$3,000. Other wearable pieces that will highlight your everyday life are featured by makers such as by Hammerman Brothers in lot 2105B, a gemstone and eighteen karat gold brooch, estimated at $1,000–$2,000; and lot 2105A, an eighteen karat gold brooch, by Buccellati, estimated at $300–$500.

California has a long-standing tradition for metalwork. One of the most renowned metalworkers was a San Franciscan, Dirk Van Erp, who was prominent during the Arts and Crafts Period.

While he is most well-known for his table lamps, Van Erp also designed a variety of decorative arts including vases, humidors, jadinieres, and tea kettles, among others. Dirk Van Erp table lamps were typically executed in hand-hammered copper with a mica shade.

Also prized are Van Erps hammered copper vases. “Warty” vases are particularly collectible. They feature a hammered warty body, and often have a fine original red patina.

What makes a Dirk Van Erp piece more collectible? Collectors often prize the original patina, or finish. Another important factor is the date of the piece — which can be determined by taking a look at the stamped mark on the underside. Dirk Van Erp pieces are typically marked with an impressed windmill signature with text below (Van Erp was a Dutch American artisan).

The earliest signature reads, “D’ARCY GAW DIRK VAN ERP.” In 1909, Dirk joined forces with D’Arcy Gaw, an interior designer. In 1910, the duo began to use an impressed mark bearing both of their names. This mark was used until 1911. Many collectors consider works from this period to be of the best and most desirable quality.

In 1911, when their partnership dissolved, D’ARCY’s name was removed (chiseled off) from the stamp. At this stage, the stamp became known as a “closed-box” mark, with Dirk Van Erp’s name only. This was used between the years of 1911–1912, and the box was inadvertently damaged due to chiseling, to become an “open-box” mark.

In addition to the open box, it is thought that during and after the 1915 World’s Fair, Dirk Van Erp added “San Francisco,” which usually appears below the box. Van Erp exhibited at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition — the San Francisco World’s Fair that demonstrated to the world that the city had risen from the ashes, a mere nine years after the Great Fire. It was a world class exhibition that brought many of the world’s finest artists to California, and served as evidence that the San Francisco Bay Area was (and is) a world class destination bursting with talent.

This mark was used from 1915 through the death of Dirk Van Erp’s son, William, in 1977.

The August sale at Clars will be led by the Asian art department with numerous highlights from porcelains, to furniture and paintings, among others.

Asian Art

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Asian 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The May sale will feature a Spring Fine Jewelry and Timepiece Sale on May 19th, with general auctions to follow on the 21st and 22nd.

Fine Jewelry

The Fine Jewelry & Timepiece department at Clars Auction gallery is thrilled to present a dynamic selection of diamond, colored gemstone, signed jewelry and timepieces in our upcoming Spring Fine Jewelry & Timepiece Sale, set to take place on Thursday, May 19th beginning at 10AM PST. The collection includes important diamonds, such as lot 3150, a 2.03 carats fancy blue VVS modified rectangular step cut diamond, estimated at $500,000–$700,000. Exceptional colored gemstones are highlighted by lot 3114, a 7.67 carat Colombian emerald and diamond ring, estimated at $16,000–$18,000; and lot 3046, a 3.77 carats unheated Burma and diamond ring, estimated at $10,000–$15,000. Makers such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co., Fabergé, and more are well represented, including lot 3057, a Cartier sapphire and eighteen karat gold Panthère ring, estimated at $5,000–$7,000. In addition, Clars is excited to represent two important Rolex wristwatches, including lot 3020, an early Rolex small crown Submariner wristwatch, reference no. 6205, estimated at $80,000–$100,000; and lot 3018, a Rolex Daytona chronograph wristwatch.

Lore and mystery surround blue diamonds, including some of the world’s most famous gemstones, such as the infamously ‘cursed’ Hope Diamond. Blue diamonds are among the rarest gemstones in the world. Their remarkable color is most often caused by the mineral impurity boron. These stones, precious for their rare hue, are infamously difficult to cut, as the rough is commonly asymmetric in shape and display color zoning. It is common for cutters to fashion colored stones into brilliant-cuts, to make the color appear more saturated. Contrary to common cutting practices, lot 3150, is fashioned as a step-cut. This demonstrates how truly exceptional the inherent color of the stone is. The cut allows multiple views into the depths of the stone, flaunting its exceptional clarity. This mystique, in conjunction with its beauty and rarity, make blue diamonds some of the most desirable gemstones on the market.

The timepiece, reference number 6205, is an early model of the Rolex Submariner. It was produced only second to 6204, and was later followed by 6200. Reference 6205 is one of three early models produced in 1954, including reference numbers 6204 and 6200. Although reference 6205 was produced the same year as 6204 and 6200, it quickly ceased production, while other models continued to enter the market. These early models marked the beginning of a 60+ year evolution of the Submariner.

References 6204, 6200 and 6205, share major aesthetic differences from their later counterparts, marking a major shift in its design progression. Reference 6205, was one of the first models to display the name ‘Submariner’. The dial does not feature the Submariner’s now iconic Mercedes hands, but pencil hands which are sought-after by collectors. Reference 6205 is considered ‘small crown’, as models today are easily identified by their oversized crown, a feature beginning with reference 6200. The watch remains intact with its original riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet.

This Daytona Cosmograph, reference no. 6263, began production in the early 1970s. Reference 6263, was the first model to be fitted with screw-down pushers, allowing for water protection up to 100 meters. Reference no. 6263, is one of the last to include a manually wound Valjoux movement. In 1988, the watches were equipped with automatic movements. This early model features a unique black dial, lacking the ‘Daytona’ name, but signed ‘Rolex Oyster Cosmograph’, marking the early evolution of the watch.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Furniture and Decorative Arts department will be offering an Italian polychrome decorated dressing chest circa 1750, commanding an auction estimate of $6,000–$9,000.

Appealing to a musically inclined audience, the sale will include four pianos, two of which are Steinways, one, a Model M, is valued at $8,000–$12,000.

Fine Art

Clars will be offering a beautiful oil on canvas by artist Michele Cascella (Italian/American, 1892–1989) in the May 22nd sale. The painting titled Summer Holidays is a classic example of the artist’s impressionist style. Much influenced by artists such as Van Gogh and Raoual Dufy, Cascella utilizes a colorful and vibrant palette to entice his audience. The painting is estimated at $4,000–$6,000.

The prints and multiples portion of the sale will feature a wide variety of works from artists like Alex Katz, Yaacov Agam, and Jim Dine to name a few. It will also feature two Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1929) prints each estimated at $10,000–$15,000. With prints ranging in price and genre, Clars will have something for any buyer.

Asian Art

Among the woodblock prints created by the great shinhanga artist, Kawase Hasui (1883–1957), is lot 6803. The design Zojo Temple, Shiba is regarded as his most outstanding and iconic creation. Among collectors of Japanese prints of the shinhanga movement, it is one of the most expensive designs.

The April 24th sale at Clars will be led by the Asian art department with numerous highlights from porcelains, to furniture, paintings, jade and snuff bottles, among others.

Asian Art

Clars Auction Gallery will offer a fine selection of Asian works of art on Sunday, April 24th. This auction will include various Chinese antique porcelains, jade and stone carvings, furniture, Chinese paintings, embroidered works, and other categories of Asian works of art.

A finely molded Dingyao bowl featuring lotus and other aquatic plants along with a double-fish medallion will headline the auction. The Song dynasty bowl was acquired from the late Chingwah Lee Collection of San Francisco sold at Sotheby’s Los Angeles Fine Oriental Art Sale on June 8th, 1981. A fine example of Chinese monochromes is the Qianlong mark and period celadon-glazed and carved vase displaying overlapping lotus petals throughout. Another Qing imperial porcelain is the Guangxu mark and period famille rose ‘Three Rams’ bowl, which has four medallions each depicting the Three Rams against a lemon-yellow sgraffito ground.

The jade, hardstone and snuff bottle portion of the sale will feature an eclectic selection of carvings from the Neolithic period up to the modern era. A fine example can be seen in the white jade snuff bottle with finely carved decoration in the Rococo style. Rounding out the section is a group of jade and hardstone toggles and pendants from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The furniture portion will feature a pair of 18th century huanghuali horseshoe-back armchairs. These armchairs feature decorative carved panels on the backs with auspicious floral groupings and mythical creatures. Another furniture highlight is the huanghuali altar coffer dated to the late Qing to Republic period. The wide single panel top is flanked by a pair of everted flanges above three drawers with white brass hardware, atop a coffer cabinet with a pair of hinged double doors. The simplistic design exemplifies the rich and attractive huanghuali wood grains.

Another highlight of the sale is an ink on paper hanging scroll by Wu Changshuo (Chinese, 1844–1927). The ink painting depicting plum blossoms is extensively inscribed by the artist and dated to 1915. The painting is a perfect example of the artist’s masterful utilization of dry and wet brush techniques to illustrate the strength of the branches and the depth of the scene. This painting was acquired in Shanghai prior to 1945 and this is the first time that it has been offered for sale at auction.

Fine Art

Clars fine art is excited to offer the first printings of the photograph Girl with Candy by Ukrainian photographer Oleskii Kyrychenko. Oleskii gained recognition on social media after uploading the photo of his young daughter holding a (unloaded) double barrel rifle with lollipop in mouth, just days before Ukraine was attacked by Russian forces. Oleksii, who’s been a photography hobbyist since school, wanted to capture and show the world what a war-torn Ukraine would look like for its people and its children. Despite attempts to share the images on Facebook, they were not truly appreciated until his dystopian photograph became reality.

Clars will be auctioning one photograph, printed here in Oakland by permission of the photographer, in our April 24th sale with an estimate of $1,000–$2,000. Oleksii has requested that half of the proceeds be donated to Come Back Alive, a non-governmental organization helping the Ukrainian military by supplying troops with technical support and medical aid.

The print multiples portion of the sale will also hold two works by famous art nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha (Czech, 1860–1939). Titled Tetes Byzantines, the lot will include both the Brunette and the Blonde profiles printed on the original 1897 round paper. The two images became quite popular at the turn of the century and were printed numerous times in different variants for advertising and souvenir purposes. Brunette and Blonde will be offered at $6,000–$9,000 for the pair.

Clars Auction Gallery is also pleased to offer two prints by Yayoi Kusama, Grapes, a screenprint, from 1982, and Shoes a lithograph, from 1984. A preeminent figure in the art world, Kusama emerged onto the art scene in the 1960s in New York, collaborating with Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenberg, and Robert Morris and contributed to the rise of feminist and pop art. Throughout her work, Kusama has explored such themes as her own obsessive-compulsive disorder, hallucinations, sexuality and freedom. Grapes and Shoes exhibit Kusama’s signature style, featuring polka dots and nets in dense patterns with obsessive repetition. In 1993, Kusama represented Japan at the Venice Biennale. She has been the subject of major exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art, Centre Pompidou, Tate Modern, and the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo as well as a major retrospective at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 2012. In 2017, she opened the Yoyoi Kusama Museum in Tokyo near her studio and the psychiatric hospital where she has voluntarily lived since 1977. Each print is estimated at $10,000–$15,000.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

There will be a fine selection of coins, silver, and other objects de vertu. Highlights include a Parker Rare and Exceptional ribbon eye dropper fountain pen, dated 1914, estimated at $8,000–$12,000, and an 1887 $1 Gold type 3 Princess Head PCGS Proof 63 cameo valued at $5,000–$7,000.

Also to be offered, is a collection of Native American basketry and blankets, a large selection of Daum glass, and Berkeley Mills furniture.

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 April 24th sale.

This sale features a variety of brightly colored gemstone jewelry to enlighten your wardrobe in time for Spring and build up the foundation of your jewelry collection at accessible price points. These whimsical and colorful pieces include a pair of beryl and fourteen karat gold earrings, estimated at $800–$1,200, a turquoise, diamond and eighteen karat white gold ring, estimated at $1,800–$2,200, a pair of floriform eighteen karat gold earrings and a pendant necklace suite, estimated at $400–$600.

Clars will also be offering a nice selection of diamond jewelry in time for bridal season, including a diamond and eighteen karat white gold necklace, estimated at $3,500–$5,500, a pair of South Sea pearl and fourteen karat white gold earrings, estimated at $800–$1,200, and a pair of diamond tassel and fourteen karat white gold earrings, estimated at $1,500–$2,500.