Clars Auctions is pleased to announce its upcoming October Gallery Auction, taking place on Friday, October 17th, 9:30 AM PDT. This exciting event will feature a curated selection of Furniture & Decorative Arts, Fine Art, and Fine Jewelry & Watches, with fresh-to-market offerings sourced from notable estates and private collections.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Furniture & Decorative Arts department offers a distinguished selection of fine and decorative pieces that showcase centuries of global craftsmanship. Highlights include exceptional examples of European and American sterling silver, porcelain, glass, and contemporary works. Featured in the sale are an impressive pair of Sèvres-style gilt bronze mounted urns, estimated $4,000–$6,000, exquisite Meissen porcelain, and sterling silver by renowned makers such as French Odiot and Tiffany & Co., including a coveted sterling ‘Wave Edge’ flatware service, estimated $3,000–$5,000.

Also notable is a standout collection of fine guitars, including an A.C. Martin marked 0452, estimated $8,000–$10,000, and Washburn models. This property is being sold at public auction under Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of Hank Risan are offered for sale. The property is sold “as is, where is,” without recourse against the United States, which offers no guarantee or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding the condition or fitness of the property.

Complementing these are superb Arts & Crafts furniture pieces by Stickley and a selection of elegant slag glass lamps. Collectors will also discover an impressive range of pottery from Mata Ortiz, San Ildefonso, and the Hopi, featuring works by respected families including Navasie, Napeyo, and Lewis. Additional highlights include Fortuny silk light fixtures, a striking Minton majolica urn, a diverse array of contemporary glass, and a compelling collection of antiquities.

Fine Art

In Fine Art, Clars will showcase a diverse range of works representing different periods, styles, and regions, with offerings that promise to appeal to collectors at every level. One of the headline lots is a seasonally fitting screenprint by Pop Art icon Andy Warhol, titled The Witch (1981), featuring American actress Margaret Hamilton in her role as the Wicked Witch of the West from the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz. Part of Warhol’s Myths series, this screenprint embodies the artist’s fascination with American pop culture icons, with other works in the series depicting figures like Superman, Dracula, and Santa Claus. Though created nearly twenty years after his famed 1960s portraits, The Witch recalls the vibrant neon palette and strong visual contrasts of Warhol’s earlier pieces, particularly Marilyn Diptych. The addition of hand-drawn lines and the use of Warhol’s own photography make this piece a dynamic and layered work, carrying an estimate of $30,000–$50,000.

Another standout in the art category is Nude Series #2 by Vietnamese artist Tran Luu Hau (1928–2020), known for his bold brushwork and abstracted forms. This expressive painting presents a faceless female figure rendered in red with black outlines, set against a background that evokes a blurred camera lens, drawing the eye firmly to the figure itself. Tran, who began his career as a propaganda artist during the First Indochina War before training at the Viet Bac Fine Arts School, developed a deeply expressive style that bridges the figurative and the abstract. This work is estimated at $15,000–$20,000.

Also featured is a serene oil on canvas landscape by California painter Ray Strong (1905–2006), a key figure in the Works Progress Administration art movement of the 1930s. Strong’s work frequently captures the unique beauty of the California landscape, and the untitled painting offered in this auction appears to depict a view from Mount Tamalpais toward the Pacific Ocean. Golden hills dotted with greenery stretch toward a slate-blue sea partially obscured by low cloud cover, with the coastal town of Bolinas visible in the distance. This contemplative piece is estimated at $8,000–$12,000.

Further notable works in the October sale include two large canvases by Bay Area Figurative Movement painter Henrietta Berk, a bucolic genre scene by Belgian artist Évariste Carpentier, and a wide-ranging selection of contemporary paintings and prints.

Fine Jewelry & Watches

The Fine Jewelry & Watches department is proud to offer a glittering array of diamond, colored gemstone, and gold pieces in this month’s sale. The selection includes antique, rare, and signed jewelry, as well as wearable staples offered at accessible price points.

Among the standout offerings are a diamond and platinum brooch, estimated at $2,500–$3,500; a honey jade and 18k gold ring, estimated at $2,000– $3,000; and a striking emerald, white enamel, and 18k gold bangle with an estimate of $7,000–$10,000. Whether you’re seeking investment-grade pieces or elegant everyday adornments, this sale offers a compelling range of options.

The Warehouse Auction: October 18th

Clars will continue its exciting auction weekend with the Warehouse Auction on Saturday, October 18th, 9:30 AM PDT. This dynamic event offers a broad and eclectic mix of items across all categories, with approachable price points that appeal to both new buyers and seasoned collectors. The sale will include a diverse selection of art, prints, photographs, modern and antique furniture, silver, porcelain, glass, fashion, and decorative objects.

Highlights from the Asian Art section include Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, and folding screens — ideal for those seeking culturally significant and visually striking pieces. The jewelry offering will feature an array of accessible diamond and silver items, while the furniture and home décor category will span both traditional and modern styles, along with collectible toys and unique curiosities.

A standout feature of this auction is Session II of an extraordinary collection of early jazz memorabilia. This session includes historic items such as an Ella Fitzgerald signed recording agreement with Clef Records, a rare handwritten music sheet by Charlie Christian, and a Billie Holiday signed contract to perform at the Loop Lounge in Cleveland in 1956. Also featured is a Surrogate’s Court order related to the estate of Billie Holiday and a collection of her original orchestral arrangement sheets. Additional highlights include memorabilia from jazz legends such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Lester Young, Fats Waller, and others — making this an unmissable opportunity for music historians and collectors alike.

Clars Auctions is pleased to announce its upcoming September Gallery Auction, taking place Friday, September 19th. This event will feature a selection of Furniture & Decorative Arts, Fine Jewelry & Watches, and Asian Works of Art, with fresh-to-market offerings sourced from prominent estates and private collections.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

Leading the selection in Furniture & Decorative Arts is a pair of rosewood Thin Edge cabinets by George Nelson for Herman Miller, estimated at $5,000–$7,000. These sleek, iconic mid-century pieces represent Nelson’s minimalist design sensibility and enduring influence. Also on offer is a finely crafted William and Mary walnut secretary, estimated at $6,000–$9,000, which highlights the refined detailing and elegant proportions of late 17th-century English craftsmanship.

A strong ceramics section will feature pottery attributed to Hans Coper and Lucie Rie, two of the most significant figures in 20th-century studio pottery. Estimates range from $700–$1,000 for works attributed to Coper and $3,000–$5,000 for those attributed to Rie. Rounding out this category is a stunning Cartier case clock in silver and lapis lazuli, estimated at $12,000–$16,000, representing a perfect balance of luxury, artistry, and precision horology.

Asian Art

Clars’ Asian Art department will present a distinguished collection of Chinese works of art, with highlights including three Chinese famille rose and blue-and-white “lotus” bowls — two bearing Guangxu marks and one with a Xuantong mark, all of the period. The Xuantong reign (1909–1911), under the last emperor Puyi, represents the final chapter of China’s Qing Dynasty. These bowls are finely potted with flared rims and deep rounded sides, decorated with underglaze blue lotus scrolls on the interiors and vibrant famille rose lotus pond scenes on the exteriors. Their refined enamels and luminous cobalt blue glazes exemplify the technical sophistication of the late Qing imperial kilns.

Also featured is a pair of Chinese clair-de-lune glazed covered weiqi jars, prized for their balanced proportions and rich sky-blue glaze. Traditionally used to store game pieces for Go, these jars symbolize literati ideals of intellect and aesthetic refinement. Their exteriors are enhanced with pink-enameled lotus scrolls, blending cultural symbolism with striking visual appeal.

In addition to these highlights, the Asian Art department will offer a range of jades, embroidered textiles, cloisonné, and scholar’s objects — offering collectors a comprehensive look into the depth and artistry of Asian craftsmanship.

Fine Jewelry & Watches

The Fine Jewelry & Watches department is proud to present a diverse selection of antique, signed, and modern pieces on September 19th. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or looking to build your personal jewelry wardrobe, this sale offers an array of elegant options at accessible price points. Highlights include a Buccellati ruby, diamond, and bi-color 18k gold ring, estimated at $10,000–$15,000; a lava stone and 14k gold brooch, estimated at $1,000–$2,000; a pair of Victorian 14k gold bracelets, estimated at $1,000–$2,000; and a colorful emerald, ruby, pearl, enamel, and 14k gold necklace, also estimated at $1,000–$2,000.

Additional standout offerings include a Bulgari ruby, diamond, and 18k gold necklace, estimated at $20,000–$30,000; a diamond, sapphire, and platinum brooch, estimated at $10,000–$15,000; a sapphire, diamond, and platinum brooch, estimated at $5,000–$7,000; a ruby, diamond, and 14k gold necklace, estimated at $4,000–$6,000; and a jade, enamel, and 18k gold bracelet, estimated at $3,000–$5,000.

The Warehouse Auction: September 20th

On Saturday, September 20th Clars will host its Warehouse Auction, offering a diverse selection of items at accessible price points. This auction will feature an eclectic mix of art, prints, photographs, modern and antique furniture, silver, porcelain, glass, fashion, and decorative objects. Notable highlights from the Asian Art section will include Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, and folding screens — perfect for collectors looking to add unique, culturally significant pieces to their collections. The jewelry segment will showcase a variety of affordable diamond and silver necklaces, while the broader Warehouse Auction will offer an affordable range of modern and antique furniture, home décor and collectible toys.

Clars Auctions is pleased to announce its August Auction, taking place on Friday, August 15th, at 9:30 AM PDT. This sale presents a thoughtfully curated selection of fine furniture, decorative arts, ethnographic works, fine art, and jewelry — offering exceptional pieces for collectors, connoisseurs, and design enthusiasts alike.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

There will be an expansive offering of furniture and decorative arts in our August 15th auction. Highlights include ethnographic works from African, Pacific Northwest, Luristan, and Pre-Columbian cultures. The selection is further enriched by antique English and Continental furniture, sterling silver, and modern design pieces. Unique and collectible items such as a Louis Vuitton suitcase, musical instruments, Swarovski binoculars, and a Leica camera add further interest to this multifaceted sale.

Fine Art

The Fine Art department brings together a diverse group of works from notable artists across time periods and geographies. One of the standout offerings is an oil on canvas by Edward Mitchell Bannister (American/Canadian, 1828–1901), a pioneering African American artist. Born in New Brunswick and active in Boston and Providence, Bannister rose to prominence despite the challenges of racial discrimination. His serene 1893 landscape — depicting a marshy pond beneath a dappled gray sky — reflects his signature pastoral style. The work is estimated at $10,000–$15,000, following the recent success of a Bannister painting sold at Clars in July for $30,720.

Also featured is an oil on canvas by Paris-born artist Marcel Dyf (1899–1985), a post-Impressionist painter whose work reflects the influence of Renoir and Manet. The painting, Une Vue du Port de Cannes, captures boats docked along the southern French harbor beneath an overcast sky and is estimated at $3,000–$5,000.

Another noteworthy highlight is a historical 1896 lithograph of the Sutro Baths, the iconic San Francisco landmark built by Adolph Sutro. The image shows the baths at their height, filled with swimmers and illuminated by sunlight pouring through the grand glass ceiling. This evocative print, which captures a bygone era of the city’s history, is estimated at $2,000–$4,000.

Building on the strong response to its July auction, Clars will offer additional pieces by celebrated Oaxacan artist Alejandro Santiago (Mexican, 1964–2013), known for his monumental work 2501 Migrantes. Santiago’s bold, abstract works on paper — four of which are included in the August auction — are complemented by several prints, each reflecting his vibrant color palette and socially conscious themes.

Fine Jewelry & Watches

The August 15th Fine Jewelry & Watches Auction will include a strong selection, offering a range of diamond, colored gemstone, and gold jewelry. Among the top highlights is a stunning 7.86-carat VS2 diamond and platinum ring, notable for its brilliance and rarity, with an estimate of $40,000–$60,000. Also featured is an exceptionally rare Tiffany & Co. brooch composed of a natural saltwater pearl, diamonds, and platinum-topped 18k gold, estimated at $8,000–$12,000.

This sale presents both timeless classics and exceptional finds across a range of price points, appealing to new buyers as well as seasoned jewelry collectors.

The Warehouse Auction: August 16th

On Saturday, August 16th Clars will host its Warehouse Auction, offering a diverse selection of items at accessible price points. This sale will feature an eclectic mix of art, prints, photographs, modern and antique furniture, silver, porcelain, glass, fashion, and decorative objects. Notable highlights from the Asian Art section will include Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, and folding screens — perfect for collectors looking to add unique, culturally significant pieces to their collections. The jewelry segment will showcase a variety of affordable diamond and silver necklaces, while the broader Warehouse Auction will offer an affordable range of modern and antique furniture, home décor and collectible toys.

In the Furniture & Decorative Arts section of our July 18th auction, Clars will offer a strong lineup of fine traditional pieces and feature esteemed makers like William Moorcroft and Augustin Heyne.

Antique Persian Bidjar Carpet

Bidjar rugs, woven in northwest Iran, are famed for their dense structure and durability, often referred to as the “iron carpets of Persia.” This antique example displays a rich, jewel-toned palette and classical geometric motifs, balancing tribal tradition with refined technique. Such carpets were long favored in European interiors for their resilience and grandeur.

William Moorcroft

British potter William Moorcroft (1872–1945) earned international acclaim for his hand-decorated art pottery, characterized by deep glazes and naturalistic themes. His flambé pieces, like this undersea-themed vase, utilize complex kiln chemistry to achieve glowing, unpredictable surface effects — no two glazes are alike. Moorcroft’s work was embraced by collectors and royalty alike, and he remains one of the most collected ceramicists of the early 20th century.

Augustin Heyne

A rare and exquisitely preserved tankard by Augustin Heyne, a master silversmith from Breslau (now Wrocław, Poland), this work exemplifies the lavish artistry of early Baroque German metalwork. Parcel-gilt detailing, figural repoussé, and historic inscriptions reflect the ceremonial function of such vessels. It is a remarkable artifact from a time when silver was both status symbol and heirloom.

Florentine Cassone

The cassone, or marriage chest, was one of the most important furnishings in the Italian Renaissance home. Commissioned by wealthy families, they were often adorned with allegorical scenes, coats of arms, and lavish ornamentation. This example, dating to the late Gothic period in Florence, is notable for its early painted decoration and architectural form, marking it as both utilitarian and symbolic. Very few cassoni from this early period survive outside major museum collections, making this piece a rare and culturally significant offering.

Clars will offer a strong lineup of Modern Design in our July 18th auction. Design highlights include pieces by Philip and Kelvin Laverne, Robert Mallet-Stevens, James Mont, Folke Ohlsson and Hans Wegner, among others.

Philip & Kelvin LaVerne

The father-son team of Philip and Kelvin LaVerne developed an entirely new category of design in mid-century America — furniture that functioned simultaneously as sculpture, historical commentary, and high art. Their signature technique involved acid-etched bronze and pewter inlaid over wood and sealed under glass, producing intricate surface patterns with a painterly quality.

The “Chan” coffee table — inspired by ancient Chinese art — exemplifies their fusion of classical imagery with modernist form. No two tables are identical, each bearing hand-finished surfaces that evoke patinated metalwork and antiquities. Their pieces are now housed in major museum collections and remain highly sought after for their historical richness and collectible rarity.

Robert Mallet-Stevens

A leading figure in French modernism, Robert Mallet-Stevens (1886–1945) is best known for his radical architectural designs — such as the streamlined Villa Cavrois — which integrated form, light, and materials into holistic environments. His lighting designs reflect the same ethos: a minimalist approach that privileges geometry and proportion over ornamentation.

These torchieres are characteristic of Mallet-Stevens’ architectural vocabulary — simple, cylindrical forms that cast light upward and create dramatic spatial ambiance. As a designer who believed that every detail of an environment should serve the whole, his furnishings were often custom-made, and today are extremely rare.

James Mont

Known as the “bad boy of mid-century design,” James Mont (1904–1978) brought a lavish, often provocative sensibility to American interiors. His work blended Art Deco, Hollywood Regency, and Asian influences — what he called “Oriental Modernism.” His clients ranged from the elite of Hollywood to underworld figures, lending his reputation an aura of danger and mystique.

These oxbow armchairs with faux snakeskin upholstery demonstrate Mont’s theatrical flair. With curving silhouettes and exotic materials, the chairs are both sensual and commanding — hallmarks of Mont’s approach to statement design.

Folke Ohlsson

Swedish-born Folke Ohlsson (1919–2002) was a key figure in the transatlantic spread of Scandinavian modernism. After relocating to California in the 1950s, he established DUX Inc. and helped adapt clean-lined, functional Nordic design to the preferences of American consumers.

This mid-century Dux sofa exemplifies Ohlsson’s strengths: ergonomic form, warm wood accents, and restrained elegance. Designed for comfort as much as beauty, it bridges two design cultures and continues to resonate with collectors and designers seeking timeless simplicity.

Hans Wegner

Few designers have achieved the reverence granted to Hans J. Wegner (1914–2007), often called “the master of the chair.” A leading figure in the Danish modern movement, Wegner was trained as a cabinetmaker and believed deeply in the integrity of materials. His work combines utility, elegance, and a near-spiritual respect for craftsmanship.

This GEG daybed, made for Getama, reflects his design philosophy: minimal yet warm, meticulously constructed, and deeply functional. Designed for modern living, the piece embodies Wegner’s ideal that “a chair is to have no backside. It should be beautiful from all sides and angles.”

Clars is pleased to announce the upcoming Modern Design, Art, Jewelry, & Asian Auction, taking place on Friday, July 18th, beginning at 9:30 AM PDT. This dynamic sale features a curated selection of exceptional works across multiple categories, including modern and traditional furniture, notable fine art, exquisite jewelry, and important Asian works of art.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

In the Furniture section, Clars will offer a strong lineup of both Modern Design and fine traditional pieces. Highlights from the Modern Design selection include a Chan coffee table by Philip and Kelvin Laverne, estimated at $4,000–$6,000; a pair of torchiere floor lamps by French modernist Robert Mallet-Stevens, estimated at $1,200–$1,800; and a striking pair of oxbow armchairs by James Mont, featuring stained walnut frames and faux snakeskin upholstery, expected to bring $2,000–$4,000. Other notable pieces include a Folke Ohlsson for Dux sofa and a Hans Wegner for Getama GEG daybed, each estimated at $1,500–$2,500 and $1,000–$2,000 respectively.

In the realm of fine furniture and decorative arts, Clars will present an antique Persian Bidjar carpet and a flambe-glazed pottery vase by William Moorcroft titled Fish and Jellyfish, both estimated at $4,000–$6,000. Also on offer is an early 17th-century German parcel-gilt silver tankard by Augustin Heyne of Breslau, estimated at $6,000–$8,000, and a rare and important early Florentine polychrome cassone dating to the 14th or 15th century, which carries a presale estimate of $25,000–$35,000.

Fine Art

The Fine Art category will feature a broad range of works from celebrated artists across time periods and styles. Leading the sale is an oil on canvas by Edmund Osthaus (German-American, 1858–1928), depicting three setters in a lush autumn landscape. Osthaus is celebrated for his detailed portrayals of hunting dogs, and this exemplary piece is estimated at $20,000–$40,000.

Also on offer is a tranquil oil landscape by Albert Bierstadt (German-American, 1830–1902), known for his luminous and romantic views of the American West. The painting features rolling hills, a lake, and a pastel sunset sky, and carries an estimate of $10,000–$15,000. From the mid-20th century, a gelatin silver print by Diane Arbus (American, 1923–1971), titled Russian Midget Friends in a Living Room on 100th St., New York City, 1963, will be featured. This intimate and striking photograph is estimated at $7,000–$10,000.

Additional highlights include paintings by John Marshall Gamble, Franz Bischoff, and Edward Mitchell Bannister, as well as prints by Sam Francis and Mel Ramos.

Fine Jewelry & Watches

Clars’ Jewelry & Watches department will present a diverse collection of fine diamonds, colored gemstones, and antique and period pieces, including signed examples from notable makers. Highlights include a natural alexandrite, diamond, and 18k gold ring estimated at $3,000–$5,000; a colored diamond and 18k gold ring estimated at $2,500–$3,500; and a matching bracelet and ring set featuring diamonds in 14k gold, expected to bring $3,500–$4,500.

Also featured are a sapphire, seed pearl, and 14k gold brooch estimated at $1,000–$2,000, and a Victorian mourning locket with a $150–$250 estimate. The sale includes a particularly strong group of Art Deco and Victorian jewelry, reflecting timeless elegance and exquisite craftsmanship.

Asian Art

The Asian Art department is proud to present a refined offering of Chinese works of art that reflect the cultural symbolism and meticulous artistry of traditional craftsmanship. Featured in the sale is a pair of finely embroidered Chinese panels, intricately worked with auspicious imagery including dragons, phoenixes, qilin, lingzhi, and deer — symbols of prosperity, harmony, and longevity. Another standout is a gold-embroidered rustground dragon robe, a richly decorated textile evoking the imperial splendor of Qing dynasty court attire.

Complementing the textiles is a Chinese huanghuali side table, admired for its graceful proportions and deep patina. The auction also includes jade articles, ceramics, scholar’s objects, and additional embroidered textiles, making this a compelling opportunity for collectors of Asian art.

The Warehouse Auction: July 19th

On Saturday, July 19th, Clars will host its Warehouse Auction, offering a diverse selection of items at accessible price points. This sale will feature an eclectic mix of art, prints, photographs, modern and antique furniture, silver, porcelain, glass, fashion, and decorative objects. Notable highlights from the Asian Art section will include Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, and folding screens — perfect for collectors looking to add unique, culturally significant pieces to their collections. The jewelry segment will showcase a variety of affordable diamond and silver necklaces, while the broader Warehouse Auction will offer an affordable range of modern and antique furniture, home décor and collectible toys.

The Furniture & Decorative Arts portion of the April 18th auction will feature an impressive selection pieces. Featured is a sculptural Alvar Aalto bentwood tea trolley.

Crafted by Finnish modernist master Alvar Aalto, this elegant tea trolley exemplifies his signature minimalist form. Aalto’s visionary approach to design brought warmth and humanity to modernism — balancing clean lines with natural materials.

This piece is not only functional — it’s a sculptural icon of 20th-century design.

Big moment on Pawn Stars! Our very own appraiser, Deric Torres from Clars Auctions, helped a customer who thought she had a rare Oscar Bach Hall telephone table worth a fortune. After closely inspecting the piece, Deric revealed it wasn’t authentic — here’s why:

…because the casting was not well done, not marked, and not executed in the same manner one would expect on a well-documented authentic example. Below is information about the history of the firm, and Bach’s bitter break up with business partner Bertram Segar — who is infamous for making poor reproductions of designs created by Bach.

Oscar Bach was a technically adept, stylistically diverse, and commercially successful master metalsmith. Born in Germany, he studied at both the Royal Academy and Imperial Academy of Art in Berlin before becoming the artistic director of a metallic arts firm in Hamburg. In 1911, Bach won the Grand Prix at the World’s Exposition in Turin for a bed he designed for Kaiser Wilhelm II. That same year, he moved to the United State to establish a business with his brother Max in New York City.

The brothers quickly opened a metal design studio and flourished throughout the 1920s and 30s, with Oscar creating beautiful objects for wealthy New York clientele and custom architectural elements for country estates. He designed a multitude of domestic objects and grand commissions, including the lobby panel for the Empire State Building and monumental plaques for Radio City Music Hall — created in collaboration with Hildreth Meiere. Bach was awarded the prestigious Medal of Honor in 1926 from the Architectural League of New York for a set of bronze doors he designed for their club room. Not just a talented designer, but a savvy marketer and self-promoter, Bach enjoyed a long and successful career. His work can be found in the permanent collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Minneapolis Museum of Art, The Wolfsonian, and Reynolda House.

In April of 1923, upon an acrimonious split with a third business partner named Bertram Segar, the Bach brothers moved to a new studio at 511 West 42nd Street and renamed their firm Oscar B. Bach and Associated Craftsmen. Bertram Segar remained in the West 17th Street studio, renaming it The Segar Studios. There, Bertram Segar continued to reproduce many of Bach’s original designs and variations on Bach’s designs, either selling them in an unmarked state or stamping them with his SEGAR STUDIOS mark.

Desperate to set the record straight, Bach put full page advertisements in multiple issues of Arts & Decorations stating that, “All products designed and executed in my studios bear my facsimile signature, and no other articles are genuine.” And, “It is distressing to find other things — ugly things that I could not create, put before the public with the insinuation that they are my work. It is not only distressing but a fraud on the public.”

This is why the conclusion of it not being authentic was determined. Watch the full story unfold and how Deric gently let the buyer down easy (we hope). Catch the episode and let us know what you think!

Designer French steamer trunks have been collected by both aficionados and novice collectors alike for decades, but what makes them so collectible?

In order to get a better understanding of steamer trunks and their popularity, it is necessary to learn more about their historical context. Following the Industrial Revolution, the invention of steam locomotives and ocean liners from the early to mid-19th century opened the door for intercontinental travel. This resulted in increased use of large trunks to transport traveler’s belongings.

Originally, steamer trunks had a domed top that would protect fine clothing from the elements. However, with increased travel on large ocean liners and trains, how could locomotives and liners successfully store so many pieces of luggage? In response, Louis Vuitton established his company in 1854, fashioning high end steamer trunks with an innovative rectangular form.

Surprisingly, the first Louis Vuitton trunks did not use the well-known monogram canvas. Early steamer trunks were made in grey canvas. Beginning in 1872, this changed to red and beige striped canvas, and in 1888, moved to a Damier checkerboard canvas. It was not until after Louis Vuitton’s death that the company began to produce trunks with the signature Louis Vuitton monogrammed pattern.

How can you find the date of your Louis Vuitton steamer trunk?

The first clue lies with the label found on the interior. Generally, you should pay close attention to the store locations. The newer the trunk, the more store locations included on the label. Here are several images of labels on a variety of trunks offered at Clars.

Additionally, you will want to find a stamped or printed serial number. It is also important to take a look at the engravings on the hardware, as well as embroidery and stitching on the interior. Signatures will also appear on other elements, right down to the hangers. As antique Louis Vuitton trunks were not mechanically massed produced, there are many details to look for.

What should I look for when purchasing a Louis Vuitton trunk?

There are several important factors to ask when buying a Louis Vuitton trunk, but it is most important to purchase your trunk from a reputable source. It is imperative is to request additional photographs, and ask the seller questions about the trunk. When in doubt, it is important to send photographs of your trunk and label to a reputable gallery.

Steamer trunks are only one of many forms of luggage produced by Louis Vuitton. Clars has sold a variety of forms, including a train case, a cabin trunk, a wardrobe, as well as hardcase luggage. A form that is rarer can be more collectible, for example this exceptional vertical Louis Vuitton steamer trunk with basket insert that hammered for $13,000. For further reading, Louis Vuitton has produced a guide titled Louis Vuitton: 100 Legendary Trunks, which includes over eight hundred photographs of Louis Vuitton trunks and luggage.

Are there other early 20th century French designers who manufactured steamer trunks?

Louis Vuitton was not the only French designer manufacturing steamer trunks at the turn of the 20th century. Another well-known and collectible French designer is Goyard. Goyard was established in 1853, just one year before Louis Vuitton opened his doors. While the company began under the leadership of Francois Goyard, many rectangular steamer trunks, circa 1900, were created under the authority of Edmond Goyard (1860–1937). Goyard is known for its signature chevron canvas. Similar to Louis Vuitton, it is important to take a look at the hardware and interior stitching. As Goyard was also a high end producer, the hardware should be engraved or embossed, and the interior should have the original stitched Goyard strapwork.

Again, if you are unsure if your trunk is an authentic Louis Vuitton or Goyard example, it is advisable to send photographs to a knowledgeable gallery. It is also imperative that you purchase trunks from trustworthy galleries, and ask for additional photographs. A reliable gallery will be happy to address and questions or concerns you may have about a piece.

Clars in collaboration with exhibited.at is honored to host the discussion: Craftsmanship in the Realm of Analog and Digital on November 20th, which takes a closer look at the works of contemporary artists featured in our Artists to Watch Auction, Katie McCann and Carolina de Bartolo.

This event will take place on November 20th and run from 1–1:40 PM PST with Q&A to follow. The engaging panel, celebrating the Artists to Watch Auction on November 21st, brings together artists Katie McCann and Carolina de Bartolo, whose artworks featuring botanicals blend both tradition with innovation. Through contrasting approaches — McCann’s intricate, hand-cut collage work and de Bartolo’s AI-assisted compositions — the artists reveal how nature can be interpreted and reimagined within both analog and digital realms. The discussion will delve into the unique process of each artist as they walk us through their art, illuminating the varied landscapes of craftsmanship, creativity, and nature.

The discussion will be moderated by Rodania Leong, founder exhibited.at The Artists to Watch section (lots 2980–2993) will lead the Fine Art Collectors Auction on November 21st, starting at 10 AM PST.

Katie McCann is an English artist currently living in Berkeley, California who works primarily in collage and mixed media. Her work has been exhibited and sold across the USA, Europe and Asia and she has illustrated book and album covers. McCann’s artwork is also a part of the 60 Box Public Art Project in the City of Berkeley and she recently designed two labels for La Cidrerie du Condroz. McCann is one of 50 female collage artists to appear in the book Collage by Women: 50 Essential Contemporary Artists (Promopress Editions, 2019).

McCann creates intricate, hand cut collages which reflect her Victorian obsession with faeries, flora and fauna. From her extensive collection of books, prints and pages that are antique, forgotten and foxed with age, she cuts out images, categorizes them and then eventually pieces them together like a complex paper jigsaw puzzle. McCann’s collages are places where beauty is strange, creatures are curious and a sense of wonder prevails. At times they can be like tiny cabinets of curiosity reflecting the variety of the natural world and its peculiar beauty or they can become a wallpaper pattern, lush and dense, with hidden meanings and metaphors.

McCann shares, “Frost Flowers are a rare winter phenomenon where frozen air causes ice formations to bloom from plant stems, each unique and fleeting. Inspired by their delicate beauty and Giuseppe Arcimboldo’s floral portraits, I created a collage reflecting nature’s secrets.” The portrait is made of hundreds of hand-cut pieces of paper, featuring a headpiece of pearls, jewels, and flowers in shades of grey and white. Her face is crafted from tiny flowers, her dress from paper beads, and she wears a botanical sash, evoking a regal figure from an icy, magical realm. This piece celebrates the connection between humanity and the extraordinary occurrences in nature.

For California-based visual artist Carolina de Bartolo, generative AI is both a tool and an object of investigation. In her artistic practice, de Bartolo fuses old media and styles with new technologies to ask whether image-generating software is merely an extension of the collective memory, or can it truly create novel art? Central to her work are notions of remix and iteration influenced by her decades of experience in the fields of graphic design and typography. With the belief that images with universality better encourage spectator imagination and participation, de Bartolo seeks to create artworks that evoke familiarity over uncanniness as she explores intersections of human and machine creativity by considering the aesthetics of the past through contemporary contexts. In addition to her sought after expertise on AI art, Carolina de Bartolo is the author of the acclaimed book, Explorations in Typography and she was formerly the Creative Director at Art Blocks and taught at Academy of Art for over 20 years.

The piece in our November auction highlights a recurring motif in de Bartolo’s artwork—dandelions! These delicate flowers, often disdained as mere weeds, symbolize resilience, transformation, and the ephemeral nature of life. A gaggle of dandelions, bathed in the warm glow of a fiery vermillion sunrise, are presented in a style that blurs the lines between drawing and photography. Exhibited at the Sausalito Public Library in early 2024, this piece is presented as a hanging scroll, printed on archival paper and hung with wooden rods top and bottom. Both the central image of the dandelions and the surrounding “fabric” pattern are AI-generated, reflecting the artist’s ongoing exploration of the fusion between traditional artistic practices and cutting-edge technology.

The creation process begins with a prompt that defines the composition, color palette, and style, drawing inspiration from historical traditions and references to vintage artworks. These prompts are then iteratively refined and processed through various AI models, including image-to-image models, which are used to refine details, adjust lighting, color balance, and optimize the overall visual quality.

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