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.

Clars will hold their Fine Jewelry and Timepieces auction on February 17, followed by auctions showcasing Fine Art, Asian Art and Furniture & Decorative Arts February 19–20.

Fine Jewelry

On February 17th 2022, Clars Auction will be offering a Fine Jewelry & Timepiece sale including a variety of colored gemstone, diamond, gold and signed jewelry and timepieces. The sale includes a nice selection of colored gemstones of exceptional origin, impressive diamond and Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

The selection of gemstones are highlighted by lot 3012, a Ceylon sapphire, diamond and eighteen karat white gold ring, estimated at $4,000–$6,000; lot 3050, a Colombian emerald, diamond and platinum pendant, estimated at $5,000–$7,000; and lot 3019, a Burmese ruby, diamond and eighteen karat white gold ring, estimated at $10,000–$15,000.

A selection of impressive diamond jewelry includes old and new, with lot 3005, an Art Deco diamond and platinum ring, estimated at $8,000–$12,000; a wide strap bracelet set with 45.00 carats of diamonds, estimated at $35,000–$45,000; and lot 3080, a 4.30 carats round brilliant-cut diamond ring, estimated at $25,000–$35,000.

Tiffany & Co. is represented by, lot 3081, a sapphire and eighteen karat gold ring, estimated at $3,000–$5,000; lot 3144, a cultured pearl torsade necklace, designed by Paloma Picasso, estimated at $2,000–$3,000; and lot 3108, an ‘Open Heart’ eighteen karat gold pendant necklace, by Elsa Peretti, estimated at $1,000–$1,500.

Fine Art

Clars’ February sale will offer a wide collection of Fine Art from varying genres and mediums. The main highlight of the sale will be a stunning painting by Herbert James Draper (British, 1864–1920), demonstrating his classical style sea nymphs basking along a rocky coast. Draper was known for painting mythological themes, having studied at the Royal Academy of Arts and traveling to Paris and Rome to further this knowledge of the style. The painting to be offered February 20th, titled Evening Calm, is estimated at $70,000–$100,000.

Clars is also eager to offer a beautiful example of Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s (French, 1841–1919) lithograph Le Chapeau Épinglé. The print depicts the daughter of Renoir’s contemporary Berthe Morisot, Julie Manet, along with her cousin Paulette, in the traditional attire of the times. Easily one of Renoir’s most recognizable prints, this olive green print is a first plate version, from a small edition of just fifty printed in that color. The lithograph is valued at $6,000–$9,000.

A student of William Merritt Chase, Addison Thomas Millar’s (American, 1860–1913) Orientalist scenes with figures were highly desired among collectors at the turn of the last century, The painting, Rue de Diable, Algiers, epitomizes this and will be offered at $8,000–$12,000.

For those historical purists that prefer photographs, the rare orotone by Edward Sheriff Curtis (American, 1868–1952) titled, The Rush Gatherer, is estimated at $15,000–$20,000 and will surely get noticed by collectors.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

For the Furniture and Decorative Arts portion of the sale, there will be a patinated verdigris metal sculpture executed in the Renaissance taste, valued at $2,500–$3,500. Decorated with whimsical mythological figures, this sculpture will undoubtably captivate the auction audience.

Also up for offer is an early Gorham Aesthetic Movement coin silver hot beverage service estimated at $6,000–$9,000. The large Marcus & Co. New York sterling tray will be offered in a subsequent lot, and at 220 toz. is expected to command $7,000–$9,000. Collecting fine silver is a passion for many. Elaborate table-scapes that sparkle in pictures are trending on various Social Media platforms, including Instagram.

A Santa Inez painted decorated Santos caged figure, Guatemala, 18th century, will be offered with an estimate of $2,000–$4,000.

There will be a nice selection of Native American basketry and Navajo blankets. Highlights include a Karuk basketry hat, as well as Maidu, Washoe and Tlingit examples.

Asian Art

The Asian art department will have several highlights including a Chinese parcel-gilt copper alloy repousse figure of the Medicine Buddha (lot 6840). Commonly known as the Medicine Buddha, he is considered a healer who alleviates suffering and offers solace to the afflicted through the medicine of his teachings. The practice of veneration of the Medicine Buddha is popular in China and Tibet, as he is depicted as one of the three prominent Buddha figures, the others being the founder Shakyamuni and Amitabha. The current example hails from the late 17th century to early 18th century, and was made for a devoted Buddhist practitioner of significant wealth and stature. The Buddha carries an auction estimate of $15,000–$25,000.

Featuring prominently in the auction will be a Chinese white jade pendant (lot 6894). The plum blossom featured on the white jade pendant is a symbol of winter and a harbinger of spring. Specifically, the plum blossom came to symbolize perseverance and hope, as well as beauty, purity, and the transitory state of life. The two character seal inscription ‘Meishou’ on the reverse grants the owner of the jade pendant hope and longevity. This jade pendant is a fine example of 18th century workmanship and the jade stone is of a high quality.

Clars Auction Gallery sees strong results for Modern + Contemporary Art + Design sales in 2021.

Fine Art

In September, Clars was proud to present the firm’s Modern + Contemporary Art + Design auction. This curated specialized sale was a great success realizing over $1,300,000 with just over 365 lots. The sale was led by Andy Warhol’s iconic Moonwalk screenprints. Printed in 1987, the suite depicts Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin’s famous walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission of 1969. Emphasized in both yellow and pink, the prints capture Warhol’s classic pop art visuals while simultaneously demonstrating a shift away from commercial imagery to historical events and figures. The works were intended to be a part of a series depicting famous and influential television events but due to the artist’s death just months after their printing, Moonwalk was the only image completed. With numerous telephone bidders from across the globe, and many collectors vying for the prints, the price soared to $417,500.

Rick Unruh, CEO and President of Clars noted, “Our Modern + Contemporary Art + Design sale reached a global audience, evidence of the fact that Clars is on the map when it comes to Modern and Contemporary. We also continue to reach record prices with works by Andy Warhol. It couldn’t have been better timing in offering these screenprints, with the splash down of the SpaceX Inspiration4 this weekend — the first all-civilian space flight.” 

Another major highlight from the sale was a Paul Wonner (American, 1920–2008) painting, Flowers and Boxes of Fruit (1991) that commanded $125,000, well over its $80,000–120,000 estimate.

Portraiture of racy historical sitters are often a favorite among collectors. Such was the case at Clars Auction Gallery on February 21, when The Lady in Black and Green (Mrs Dudley Ward) by Sir John Lavery (Irish, 1856–1941) crossed the block in the firm’s Fine Art & Antique Auction. The sitter was an English socialite best known for being the married mistress of the Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VIII) from 1918 to 1929. Painted in 1920 at the peak of her romance with the future king, this oil on canvas stirred up some old gossip. With numerous international telephone bidders vying for the portrait, it ultimately commanded a total of $135,300.

Rick Unruh, CEO and director of the Fine Art department at Clars said, “We were very pleased with the outcome of Lavery’s painting, The Lady in Green and Black (Mrs. Dudley Ward). I believe that the sitter, being a fairly renowned personality in early Twentieth Century British society, and her connection to King Edward VIII, made this painting quite special. Also, having 14 international telephone bidders on this lot did help immensely, too.”

The painting came to Clars from a San Francisco Bay Area estate. Deric Torres, senior vice president of Trust and Estates added, “The trust bequeathed many items to institutions around the country, and the Lavery painting is one of many fine items we will be offering from this very important estate.”

Furniture & Decorative Arts

20th Century Design was featured prominently in the 2021 auction series. A Dale Chihuly (American b. 1941), Untitled (Pink and white glass chandelier) commanded $62,500. Art glass always sells well, and Clars will have a nice selection of glass in the March 2022 Art + Design auction, including Chihuly, Fontana Arte, and Afro Celotto among others.

A collection of Hermes furniture realized at total of $77,125 across eight lots. Several of the pieces were reissues of models originally designed by Jean Michel Frank for Hermes in the 1920s. The strong selling price for the Hermes furniture is indicative that Art Deco style is starting to trend into 2022.

A Philip and Kelvin Laverne Eternal Forest coffee table commanded $22,500. This table, from the 1960s, is in a rare natural motif, which undoubtably led to several bidders vying for the lot.

Fine Jewelry

Jewelry at Clars saw great successes in 2021. The department achieved nearly $3M in sales, more than doubling the previous year’s sales. This was in-part to the introduction of their curated Fine Jewelry Sales, which represented excellent examples of diamond, colored gemstone and signed jewelry spanning the Georgian period to contemporary.

The year surmounted by the sale of a very light blue diamond, weighing 8.58 carats. The rare color, often surrounded by myth and lore, thrilled buyers, achieving a sales result of $468,500.

Diamonds continued to achieve top prices with the sale of a 5.04 carats pear brilliant-cut diamond ring, showing G color and VS1 clarity. The sizable stone displaying great clarity achieved a sale price of $87,500.

We also saw excellent results in fresh-to-market antiques, like this Victorian colored diamond brooch designed as a horseshoe, which achieved a sale price $9,375.

The call for signed jewelry was strong across decades. This included the sale of an eighteen karat gold necklace produced by American jewelry house, David Webb, which fetched $19,050; and in addition, the sale of a fine diamond and gemstone brooch, designed by Oskar Woldemar Pihl for Fabregé, designed as a frond, which achieved $12,500.

Asian Art

The Asian Art department had several important auction items, including a gilt bronze Buddhist figure in the Tibeto-Chinese style, that sold for $187,500. Produced during the 15th century for the Ming dynasty, imperial patronage are highly distinguished for their unsurpassed craftsmanship, overall refinement and gracefulness.

The distinct Imperial style of the bronze figure that sold at Clars includes the double-lotus bases with beaded rims and characteristic facial features with broadened outline, gently arched brows above the lidded eyes and subtle smile, all finished with great attention to detail.

A Chinese huanghuali corner leg table, with a single paneled top and “giant’s arms” braces supporting the beaded legs and apron, went for $93,750. The table measured 18 inches high and 77 inches long.

The Eighteenth Century table was cut down to coffee table height and would have originally been taller. They were primarily made for painting, calligraphy or writing in a scholar’s studio.

When asked what made it special, Harry Huang, Associate Director of Asian Art at Clars said, “It’s primarily the age and the size of the table. It’s roughly Eighteenth Century and it’s very comparable to other pieces sold at other major auction houses. The size, at 77 inches, is pretty much the max for that type of table.”