Clars Auctions is privileged to present Property from the Estate of Senator Dianne Feinstein and Richard C. Blum on May 14th beginning at 2 PM PDT, offering a rare opportunity to acquire distinguished works from their celebrated Sea Drift and Pacific Heights residences.
This exceptional collection reflects the refined taste and legacy of one of the most influential figures in modern American political history — the longest-serving female United States Senator, former Mayor of San Francisco, and past Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee — and her husband, the noted financier and philanthropist. The auction comprises an elegant, curated selection of luxury decorative arts, Asian works of art, and personal memorabilia from their shared homes.
Close-up of American politician San Francisco Board of Supervisors member (and future US Senator) Dianne Feinstein as she attends a Candidates’ Day event at the Douglas School, San Francisco, California, September 1979. (Photo by Janet Fries/Getty Images)
A Mottahedeh porcelain dinner service in the Tobacco Leaf pattern. Estimate: $1,800–$2,500
A group of seven Chinese porcelain table articles. Estimate: $1,000–$1,500
Highlights from the sale include a striking Chinoiserie red-painted floor lamp; two
framed landscapes, including a view of Diamond Head by Dianne Feinstein, estimated at $100–$150; a plaster portrait of Feinstein as Mayor of San Francisco by Romany Downie, dated 1982, estimated at $200–$300; and a group of seven Chinese porcelain table articles, estimated at $1,000–$1,500.
A Romany Downie plaster portrait of Dianne Feinstein, Mayor of San Francisco, 1982. Estimate: $200–$300
A pair of Chamberlain’s Worcester lozenge shaped dishes. Estimate: $600–$800
Additional offerings include a Mottahedeh porcelain dinner service in the Tobacco Leaf pattern, estimated at $1,800–$2,500; a pair of Chamberlain’s Worcester lozenge-shaped dishes, estimated at $200–$300; three Tibetan Buddhist silver ritual objects, estimated at $200–$300; and two color serigraph artist’s proofs by Melanie Taylor Kent: Return of the Cable Cars and Golden Gate Bridge, estimated at $400–$600.
Three Tibetan Buddhist silver ritual objects. Estimate: $500–$700
Dianne Feinstein, View of Diamond Head, oil on canvas, 26″ x 32″. Estimate: $100–$150
A group of vintage amber and topaz glass. Estimate: $50–$100
Senator Dianne Feinstein’ residence in San Francisco.
View of San Francisco from Senator Feinstein’ residence.
When a jade bangle bracelet or necklace fetches millions of dollars at auction, collectors worldwide wonder if their jade is also valuable. What is jade and where does it come from?
We are honored to present the globally sourced bead and tribal jewelry collection from the Naomi Lindstrom estate on October 16th.
Asian Art
Estate Spotlight
Property from Estate of Senator Dianne Feinstein
Estate Spotlight
Stories & News
Clars proudly presents the distinguished sale of Property from the Estate of Senator Dianne Feinstein on December 18th beginning at 1 PM PST, offering a significant opportunity to acquire items from the personal collection that graced her iconic San Francisco residence.
The property from the Estate of Senator Dianne Feinstein, drawn from her distinguished residences in San Francisco and Seadrift, reflects the senator’s refined taste and graceful aesthetic. The collection includes richly upholstered leather and down furnishings, fine Chinese and Tibetan carpets, English and Continental antiques, Tibetan pieces, and elegant items with Chinoiserie influences.
Close-up of American politician San Francisco Board of Supervisors member (and future US Senator) Dianne Feinstein as she attends a Candidates’ Day event at the Douglas School, San Francisco, California, September 1979. (Photo by Janet Fries/Getty Images)
Senator Feinstein’s distinguished career as the longest-serving female U.S. Senator, coupled with her groundbreaking roles as San Francisco’s first female mayor and chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, solidified her legacy as a pragmatic leader.
A German carved chest in the Renaissance taste. Estimate: $800–$1,200
A lacquer and partial gilt two door cabinet in the Asian taste. Estimate: $600–$800
Also featured is a sophisticated selection of barware, stemware, and serveware, alongside fine art encompassing landscapes, still lifes, and architectural views of San Francisco. Together, these objects speak to Senator Feinstein’s deep and enduring connection to the city she represented with such distinction for decades.
An Italian Chinoiserie decorated display cabinet. Estimate: $500–$700
(lot of 5) Betty Guy (American, 1920–2016), Views of San Francisco, each watercolor and ink. Estimate: $500–$700
A Maitland Smith bronze mounted drum table in the Regency style. Estimate: $400–$600
A group of three Tiffany sterling table articles. Estimate: $400–$600
A Chinese enamel and silver gilt celestial chariot. Estimate: $400–$600
An Emilia Castillo silverplate Blackbird pitcher. Estimate: $300–$500
Jamae Agnoli (American, 20th century), Oh! Stinson, 1986, oil on canvas, 30″ x 24″. Estimate: $300–$500
A Tibetan carpet. Estimate: $300–$500
An Italian Murano latticinio glass pedestal bowl. Estimate: $300–$500
A Vista Alegre for Mottahedeh covered tureen and stand. Estimate: $200–$400
Senator Dianne Feinstein’ residence in San Francisco.
View of San Francisco from Senator Feinstein’ residence.
When a jade bangle bracelet or necklace fetches millions of dollars at auction, collectors worldwide wonder if their jade is also valuable. What is jade and where does it come from?
We are honored to present the globally sourced bead and tribal jewelry collection from the Naomi Lindstrom estate on October 16th.
Asian Art
Estate Spotlight
August Auction Highlights
Auction
Highlights
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.
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.
A Mayan plate depicting a priest on throne. Estimate: $1,800–$2,500
(lot of 2) A vintage Louis Vuitton suitcase. Estimate: $700–$1,000
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.
Edward Mitchell Bannister (American, 1828–1901), Untitled (Summer Reflections), 1893, oil on canvas, 16.25″ x 20.25″. Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
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.
Marcel Dyf (French, 1899–1985), Une Vue du Port de Cannes, circa 1950, oil on canvas, 15″ x 18.25″. Estimate: $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.
Anonymous, Sutro Baths of San Francisco, 1896, lithograph in colors on four sheets of wove paper (linen-backed with margins), 79.5″ x 77.5″. Estimate: $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.
A diamond and platinum solitaire ring. Estimate: $40,000–$60,000
A Tiffany & Company Belle Epoque natural saltwater pearl, diamond and platinum topped 18k gold brooch. Estimate: $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.
Bidding for Clars’ August auctions is available by phone, absentee bid, live online at Live.Clars.com and through Liveauctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. Clars Auctions is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609. Clars Auctions is based in Oakland (CA) and is the largest full-service auction gallery in the Western United States. Clars Auctions has been the chosen auction gallery of a number of institutions and distinguished private collectors across the country, including the Richard Mellon Scaife Estate, the Thomas J. Perkins Estate and The Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC). In the last 5 years, Clars Auctions has sold well over $500,000,000 of Fine Art, Furnishings, Jewelry, Vehicles and Collectibles and has set multiple new world auction records. Follow Clars on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!