In our upcoming March 21st Auction, we will be offering a Chamberlains Worcester armorial porcelain part dinner service made for the Scott Family of Great Barr Hall, early 19th century.
Sir Joseph Scott of Great Barr Hall, Worcester’s parliamentary representative, was granted a baronetcy in 1806. This armorial service, created for him, was appropriately crafted by the Chamberlains Worcester factory, highlighting the connection between the patron and the local craftsmanship.
A Chamberlains Worcester armorial porcelain part dinner service made for the Scott Family of Great Barr Hall, early 19th century. Estimate: $4,000–$6,000
The history of jewelry spans as far back as humanity itself, with evidence of ancient beads made from shells, bones, and teeth dating back 80,000–110,000 years.
As we bid farewell to 2024, we take a moment to reflect on the remarkable moments and milestones we’ve shared with you throughout the year.
Highlights
Stories & News
Property from the Collection of the Mitsui Family
Estate Spotlight
Stories & News
Clars Auctions is delighted to present a collection of Japanese and Western art from the esteemed Mitsui (Koishikawa) family, a prominent business dynasty with roots dating back to the Edo period, in our October 18th Auction.
The Mitsui family’s legacy began in 1673 as a kimono shop and evolved into the influential Mitsui Group, a zaibatsu (conglomerate) that has played a pivotal role in Japan’s economic development from the Edo period to present day.
A Japanese Kaiawase (traditional Heian-period shell-matching game) set with (3) Kaioke (laquer storage boxes), Meiji period, Kaiwase with 493 painted shells, Makie lacquer, gold and parcel gilt kaioke with floral design and mistudomoe. Custom ordered for the early 20th century marriage between Princess Hiroko of the Shimazu Clan and Mr. Takanaga Mitsui of the Mitsui Koishikawa clan. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
Two massive Hirobuta trays with the Mitsui Koishikawa clan’s family crest. Custom ordered for the early 20th century marriage between Princess Hiroko of the Shimazu Clan and Mr. Takanaga Mitsui of the Mitsui Koishikawa clan. Estimate: $1,000–$1,500 (each)
An impressive Japanese Satsuma dinnerware set, custom ordered for the early 20th century marriage between Princess Hiroko of the Shimazu Clan and Mr. Takanaga Mitsui of the Mitsui Koishikawa clan. Estimate: $2,000–$3,000
Their impact on commerce and culture is well-documented, notably in the book Mitsui: Three Centuries of Japanese Business. A remarkable 1930 article in Fortune magazine noted, “There is no business enterprise anywhere which is at once so diverse as the house of Mitsui in Japan.” This diversity is beautifully reflected in the collection we are proud to offer.
An Émile Antoine Bourdelle (1861–1929) patinated bronze ‘tête de Meduse’ (head of Medusa) door knocker, circa 1925. Estimate: $6,000–$8,000
Spanning the 20th century, the collection showcases a blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary innovation, allowing art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the rich narrative of Japanese culture. Among its highlights are exquisite gifts exchanged during the marriage of Princess Hiroko (1897–1983), of the Shimazu Clan, and Mr. Takanaga Mitsui (1892– 1962), of the Mitsui Koishikawa clan, symbolizing the family’s appreciation for art and culture.
Morino Taimei (Japanese, b. 1934), Glazed Ceramic Cube. Estimate: $2,000–$4,000
Morino Taimei (Japanese, b. 1934), Glazed Stoneware Cube. Estimate: $2,000–$4,000
Morino Taimei (Japanese, b. 1934), Black Glazed Stoneware Cube. Estimate: $2,000–$4,000
The collection features a diverse range of early 20th-century Western decorative arts, including Tiffany Studios glass and a bronze sculpture acquired directly from the renowned artist, Antoine Bourdelle, in Paris, reflecting the Mitsui family’s global perspective to fine art. Additionally, the collection proudly highlights works by contemporary Japanese artists Morino Taimei and Kyohei Fujita, showcasing their mastery of ceramics and glass.
A large Kyohei Fujita glass free form vase. Estimate: $2,500–$3,500
The history of jewelry spans as far back as humanity itself, with evidence of ancient beads made from shells, bones, and teeth dating back 80,000–110,000 years.
We are privileged and honored to present a very important work by 1991 National Artist of the Philippines, Hernando Ruiz Ocampo. Ocampo stands as an iconic artist in the Philippines, being a leader of modernist painting in the country during the first half of the twentieth century. The monumental work by Ocampo in our March sale, one of only two made by the artist in this size, is titled Mga Kiti, which can be taken as a reference to either duck embryos or mosquito larvae. Dating to 1978, the scroll-like painting, done in acrylic paint on Tetoron fabric, showcases a repeating pattern of similar forms that echo human figures, the bodies of birds, lotus pods, and cellular structures.
Hernando Ruiz Ocampo (Filipino, 1911–1978), Mga Kiti, 1978, acrylic on Tetoron, 35.5″ x 354.25″ (zoomed in shot). Estimate: $700,000–$1,000,000
Another featured work is a life-size ceramic kimono by American sculptor, Karen LaMonte. LaMonte is known for her sculptures of garments which appear to be draped over a human form but stand alone as if moving on their own. LaMonte works in glass, bronze, and ceramic, and the child’s kimono in our March sale is made of ceramic with a light blue celadon glaze.
Karen LaMonte (American, b. 1967), Child’s Kimono, ceramic with celadon glaze, overall: 40″ x 17.5″ x 12″. Estimate: $30,000–$50,000
Eric Goulder (American, b. 1954), The Woman, 1991, sculpture bronze, overall: 32″ x 21″ x 23″. Estimate: $20,000–$30,000
Another sculpture highlight in the March sale is a bronze by Eric Goulder, titled The Woman. This figural piece depicts a nude woman seated while raising a hand to her mouth — a look of surprise on her face. The nearly life-size sculpture is formed in a highly realistic style displaying musculature and hair texture, as well as emotion and body language.
Henrietta Berk (American, 1919–1990), Untitled (Seated Figures/Possibly JFK and Jackie), oil on canvas, 48″ x 54″. Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
Moving on to our selection of paintings this March, we are pleased to offer two works by Bay Area Figurative Movement member, Henrietta Berk. Berk is celebrated for her emotive use of color and the strong element of movement in her painting. She often utilizes an impasto painting technique, which we see in both pieces in the March auction. One painting, titled Spanish Landscape, depicts a starkly lit town with a blazing orange sky over green fields and scattered buildings. The second piece, an untitled figurative painting, shows a young woman and man seated and talking in the grass. Speculation of this work and other similar pieces by Berk alleges that the couple is modeled after President John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Raimonds Staprans (American/Latvian, b. 1926), Seated Nude (Erica), 1976–78, oil on canvas, 40″ x 40″. Note: This work was commissioned by the artist’s friend, Maurice Amzallag. Amzallag was a restaurant owner (as well as a poet, artist and architect) in Los Altos, California. This is a portrait of Amzallag’s wife, Erica. Estimate: $40,000–$60,000
Another standout in the March auction is a large oil on canvas by Latvian-American painter, Raimonds Staprans. Staprans built a large following while practicing in San Francisco during the second half of the 20th century. He is known for bold color and painterly brushwork, often focusing on architectural landscapes and still lifes. The painting at Clars this month is a rare figural work depicting a female nude. Staprans maintains his signature bold color and audacious painting technique in his exploration of the human figure.
Enrico Donati (American/Italian, 1909–2008), Cerveteri in Red + Blue, 1984–85, oil and mixed media (sand) on canvas, 60″ x 50″. Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
Joan Brown (American, 1938–1990), Running at Ocean Beach, 1976, pencil and gouache on paper, 17.75″ x 24″. Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
Also included this March are large paintings by Enrico Donati and Hunt Slonem, a work on paper and print by Bay Area artist Joan Brown, and much more.
Juvenal Sanso (Spanish/Filipino, b. 1929), Untitled (Surreal Landscape), oil on canvas, 23.75″ x 28.75″. Estimate: $30,000–$50,000
Goetz Valien (Austrian, b. 1960), Ego, 2007, acrylic on canvas, 108″ x 120″. Estimate: $25,000–$35,000
Matt Gondek (American, b 1982), Rugrats, acrylic on canvas, 47.5″ x 71.5″. Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
Lenore Tawney (American, 1907–2007), Blue Moon, warp-faced weft-ribbed plain weave with collage and paint, weaving: 13″ x 10″, overall (with shadowbox): 17″ x 14.75″. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
John Evans (American, b. 1945), Beach Parking, 1997, oil on canvas, 48″ x 52.25″. Provenance: Acquired by descent from the Estate of Allan Stone. Estimate: $7,000–$10,000
Sylvia Lark (American, 1947–1990), China, No, 1987, oil on canvas, 60″ x 78″. From the private Collection of Allan Stone. Note: Born in Buffalo of Native American and Italian-American heritage, Lark had exhibited in over 125 national and international group shows and is in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), the Museum of Contemporary Art (Chicago), the University Art Museum (Berkeley, CA), the Oakland Museum, the Legion of Honor, (San Francisco), Bank of America World Headquarters (San Francisco), and ARCO Foundation (Los Angeles) among others. Estimate: $7,000–$10,000
Richard MacDonald (American, b 1946), Elena II, 2004, patinated bronze sculpture, overall: 26.5″ x 13″ x 13″. Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
Davide Salvadore (Italian, b. 1956), Chitimara 2, Murrini glass with fiber, 29.5″ x 12.5″ x 16″. Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
Therman Statom (American, b. 1953), Agua de Esmerelda, glass with mixed media, overall: 84″ x 16″ x 5″. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
Henrietta Berk (American, 1919–1990), Spanish Landscape, 1941, oil on canvas, 36″ x 40″. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
Clars Auctions invites you to join us for our exciting auction on Friday, February 21st, where beauty, history, and exceptional craftsmanship converge.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time bidder, Clars Auctions invites you to participate in this celebration of beauty, history, and craftsmanship. Mark your calendars for Friday, January 17.
On December 20th, Clars will present a rare Qing Yongzheng Robin’s Egg Glazed hu-form Vase, a masterpiece by Liu Jiutong, and a variety of other exceptional Asian artworks.
Mark your calendars for our exciting December 20th Auction, which offers both established masterpieces and unique treasures across a wide range of categories.
Clars is pleased to offer one of the most extensive contemporary glass collections in Northern California as part of a prominent Bay Area estate on Thursday, March 21st in our Spring Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction.
Dale Chihuly (American b. 1941), Translucent Violet Persian set with yellow-orange lip wrap, 1992. Estimate: $15,000–$20,000
The couple were tireless and passionate about the art of glass blowing, and spent over three decades acquiring important pieces. They were known nationally as top tier collectors. From this collection, Clars will be offering iconic pieces from several artists, including Dale Chihuly, Dan Dailey, Therman Statom, David Salvadore, and Joel Phillip Myers.
Dan Dailey, Moon Man, vase, 1992, blown, cut and etched glass, 20″h x 15″dia. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
Jay Musler, Cityscape Bowl, sandblasted and airbrushed paint decorated glass, 9.5″h x 18″dia. Provenance: Marx Saunders Gallery, Chicago, IL 1999. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
Joel Philip Myers, Contiguous Fragment Series, vase, glass, 14.5″h x 15.5″w x 3.5″d. Provenance: Maurine Littleton Gallery, Washington DC, 2000. Estimate: $4,000–$6,000
Richard Royal, R93-161 & R93-162, Relationship Series, lot of two, 1993, blown and acid etched glass, greatest 32″h. Provenance: Richard Royal Studio, Seattle, WA 1993. Estimate: $4,000–$6,000
John Littleton and Kate Vogel, Four Bags, 2006, blown glass 17.5″h x 12.5″w x 8″d. Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
Davide Salvadore (Italian, b. 1956), Chitimara 2, Murrini glass with fiber, 29.5″h x 12.5″w x 16″d. Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
Therman Statom (American, b. 1953), Agua de Esmerelda, glass with mixed media, overall: 84″h x 16″w x 5″d. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
Steven Klein, Balance 64, two vessels on plinth, 2007, glass, 7″h x 7″dia; base: 1.25″h x 18.5″w. Provenance: Davis and Cline, Ashland, OR, 2008. Estimate: $2,000–$4,000
Petr Hora, sculpture Czechoslovakia, 1998, glass, signed, 13″h x 17.75″w x 3.25″d. Provenance: Heller Gallery, New York City, NY. Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
Concetta Mason, Wild Seed, glass vase on pedestal, 26.5″h x 15″w x 9″d. Provenance: Heller Gallery, New York, NY, 1995. Estimate: $2,000–$4,000
Clars is pleased to offer the Art & Photography Collection from the Estate of Professor Raymond Lifchez who made a deep and lasting impact on teaching and advocacy for accessible design.
Frank’s Fisherman, located on San Francisco’s waterfront, was established in 1946 and began as a chandlery for the bay area’s commercial fishing fleet.
Originally based in Tiburon, CA, they sold investment grade European Decorative Art and select Furniture from coast to coast. Their largest public sale is a rare 18th century porcelain mounted salon table that sold for a staggering $2.4M in 1998. Mr. Schwartz helped numerous clients build very well curated collections that are still highly regarded.
A monumental and rare Louis XVI style gilt bronze and mirrored three-piece mirrored plateau. Estimate: $18,000–$25,000
Clars Auctions is please to present a selection from their exclusive collection, featuring formal French furniture, 19th-century bronze sculptures, ormolu-mounted marble clocks, and KPM porcelain plaques in our January 18th auction. Each piece is a testament to the discerning taste of the Schwartz family, showcasing their distinctive blend of European sophistication.
A fine French champlevé enamel and gilt bronze clock garniture, retailed by Schneider, Campbell & Co, Union Square, New York. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
A Louis XV Vernis Martin style gilt bronze mounted kingwood cabinet, late 19th century. Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
A large pair of Egyptian Revival patinated bronze two-handled urns, 19th century. Estimate: $2,500–$3,500
Left: A fine pair of Louis XVI style gilt bronze mounted marble urns by Susse Frères Foundry. Estimate: $2,500–$3,500 Right: An impressive Sèvres style luster and gilt decorated gilt bronze mounted porcelain covered urn, late 19th/early 20th century. Estimate: $1,800–$2,500
This August at Clars we are excited to offer a collection of unique and stunning illustrations and decorative items from the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition (PPIE) in San Francisco.
Clars is pleased to offer the Art & Photography Collection from the Estate of Professor Raymond Lifchez who made a deep and lasting impact on teaching and advocacy for accessible design.
