May Auction Highlights

  • Auction

Clars is excited to present The Golden & Glamour Era Auction — featuring the jewelry collection of Hollywood actress, Joanna Barnes — on May 16th, our Furniture, Art & Asian Auction on May 17th, The Warehouse Auction on May 18th, and our Spring Fine & Rare Wines Auction on May 20th.

The Golden & Glamour Era Auction

At Clars Auctions, we are deeply honored to have been chosen as the exclusive venue to showcase the extraordinary collection of antique and signed jewelry belonging to the esteemed Joanna Barnes. Each item within this remarkable collection serves as a testament to Ms. Barnes’ impeccable taste and enduring legacy in the world of Hollywood glamour. From the delicate antique brooches to the intricate designs of her bracelets and dazzling sparkle of her earrings, every piece offers a captivating glimpse into Ms. Barnes’ journey from a budding ingenue to a revered icon of the silver screen.


<b>Clockwise:</b> Tiffany & Co., a pair of turquoise, sapphire and 18k gold ear-clips. <b>Estimate: $800–$1,200</b>; An antique enamel and 14k gold link necklace. <b><nobr>Estimate: $2,000–$3,000</nobr></b>; An antique aquamarine, diamond and 14k gold brooch. <b><nobr>Estimate: $2,000–$3,000</nobr></b>; Tiffany & Co., an 18k gold Scorpio pendant. <b><nobr>Estimate: $6,000–$8,000</nobr></b>.
Clockwise: Tiffany & Co., a pair of turquoise, sapphire and 18k gold ear-clips. Estimate: $800–$1,200; An antique enamel and 14k gold link necklace. Estimate: $2,000–$3,000; An antique aquamarine, diamond and 14k gold brooch. Estimate: $2,000–$3,000; Tiffany & Co., an 18k gold Scorpio pendant. Estimate: $6,000–$8,000.

At the forefront of Ms. Barnes’ collection are sophisticated creations by renowned artisans such as Tiffany & Co. Among the highlights in the sale are an exquisite 18k gold Scorpio pendant, a radiant citrine and 18k gold brooch, a resplendent 18k gold bombe ring crafted by David Webb, and an opulent 18k gold ‘elephant hair’ bangle bracelet from the esteemed house of Gucci. Furthermore, the auction presents a meticulously curated array of exceptional antique pieces, including an enchanting antique aquamarine, diamond, and 14k gold brooch and a captivating antique enamel and 14k gold link necklace.


A Judith Leiber Couture Martini Glass Cocktail minaudiere clutch bag.
A Judith Leiber Couture Martini Glass Cocktail minaudiere clutch bag.
Estimate: $1,200–$1,500

Complementing the jewelry auction is a collection of luxury bags, featuring Judith Leiber Couture minaudiere clutches and Louis Vuitton monogram luggage.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

Furniture enthusiasts can anticipate a diverse array of offerings, spanning various periods and styles, at our upcoming May 17th sale. Among the highlights are coveted modern pieces like the iconic Mira and George Nakashima Cushion and New Chairs which are sure to captivate aficionados of contemporary design.


A pair of Mira Nakashima walnut Conold Cushion chairs with a copy of the original order card.
A pair of Mira Nakashima walnut Conold Cushion chairs with a copy of the original order card.
Estimate: $10,000–$15,000

For those with a penchant for traditional elegance, a striking Pottier & Stymus New York Aesthetic chamber suite awaits, alongside 19th-century Barbedienne bronzes and Italian marble figures. Complementing these treasures are vibrant Studio Glass pieces, timeless Georg Jensen silverware, and a captivating collection of Indigenous art — showcasing exquisite Inuit carvings — and Navajo rugs.


An important Pottier & Stymus New York Aesthetic carved chamber suite executed for James Clair Floods Atherton mansion, Linden Towers.
An important Pottier & Stymus New York Aesthetic carved chamber suite executed for James Clair Floods Atherton mansion, Linden Towers.
Estimate: $15,000–$20,000

Fine Art

In the realm of fine art, our May auction promises a captivating array of works. One stand out piece is an oil on board painting by French Barbizon School artist, Félix Ziem. Born in the wine capital of Burgundy in 1821, Ziem originally set his sights on a career in architecture and studied at L’École des Beaux-Arts before developing his painting hobby into a full-time practice. Ziem first exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1849 and traveled throughout Europe and the eastern Mediterranean, taking inspiration from scenery in Venice, Constantinople, Egypt, and the French Riviera. Ziem was commercially successful during his lifetime and was also known to mentor younger artists. The painting in our sale this month is titled Étude Sur les Bord de la Méditerranée, and depicts a row of buildings on a cliffside overlooking the ocean, dotted with sparse vegetation under a blue sky. It was shown at the Paris Exhibition of 1925 and is a fine example of Ziem’s affinity for seaside scenes.


Félix Ziem (French, 1821–1911), Étude Sur les Bord de la Méditerranée, oil on board, 7″ x 11″ (18cm x 28cm).
Félix Ziem (French, 1821–1911), Étude Sur les Bord de la Méditerranée, oil on board, 7″ x 11″ (18cm x 28cm).
Estimate: $8,000–$12,000

A second work featured this month is a bronze sculpture by American sculptor, Richard Howard Hunt. Hunt was born in Chicago in 1935 and was interested in the arts from an early age, attending operas with his mother and working with clay in a makeshift studio in the basement of his family’s home. While studying at the Art Institute of Chicago, Hunt explored assemblage with found objects, mixing organic and industrial materials to create expressionistic and surreal sculptures. His piece Arachne was bought by the Museum of Modern Art while Hunt was a junior in college. Hunt was inspired by social issues during his early career — he was greatly affected by attending the funeral of Emmett Till and the Civil Rights movement, participating in desegregation protests during the 1960s. Hunt frequently experimented with welding, using materials from junkyards to form figural and abstract works. Hunt was extremely influential and admired during his decades-long career, being the first African American artist to to serve on the National Council on the Arts and having a sculpture commissioned by President Barack Obama in 2022. The bronze sculpture in this month’s auction is an abstract, tree-like form with horn-like appendages and Hunt’s signature flowing lines, made of bronze with a burnished golden sheen.


Richard Howard Hunt (American, 1935–2023), Untitled, 1979, bronze, 11.25″ x 5.25″ x 8″.
Richard Howard Hunt (American, 1935–2023), Untitled, 1979, bronze, 11.25″ x 5.25″ x 8″.
Estimate: $6,000–$9,000

A third highlight this month is a collection of works on paper by American caricaturist, Albert Hirschfeld. Hirschfeld is known for his work on Broadway playbills, contributions to The New York Times and other major publications, and Hollywood studio art direction. The exclusive collection of works at Clars this month includes original gouache paintings used in prominent magazines, such as an illustration of Harry Truman that was featured on the cover of Colliers Magazine in 1954, a caricature of Dwight Eisenhower used for the cover of American Mercury Magazine in 1945, and a satirical painting of Joseph McCarthy that graced the cover of Colliers Magazine in 1950. A number of pen and ink drawings are featured, including a portrait of comedian Fred Allen and a cast portrait from the 1959 Broadway production of Much Ado About Nothing, as well as several lithographs depicting recognizable pop culture figures.


Al Hirschfeld (American, 1903–2003), Harry Truman: I'm Sitting on Top of the World, 1954, gouache and ink on paper, published for the cover of Colliers Magazine January 20, 1954, 15″ x 12.5″.
Al Hirschfeld (American, 1903–2003), Harry Truman: I’m Sitting on Top of the World, 1954, gouache and ink on paper, published for the cover of Colliers Magazine January 20, 1954, 15″ x 12.5″.
Estimate: $3,000–$5,000

Asian Art

In the Asian Art department, two captivating highlights await eager collectors. One of these highlights is a grand Chinese embroidered panel, traditionally symbolizing birthday celebrations, which intricately showcases dragon motifs and auspicious symbols — reflecting the richness of Chinese cultural heritage.


A Chinese embroidered panel. 124.5″ x 72.5″.
A Chinese embroidered panel. 124.5″ x 72.5″.
Estimate: $3,000–$5,000

The other highlight is a finely carved Chinese bamboo figure of Shoulao, embodying the deity of longevity, radiates wisdom and prosperity, making it a cherished addition to any discerning collector’s repertoire.


A Chinese bamboo figure of Shoulao.
A Chinese bamboo figure of Shoulao.
Estimate: $1,000–$1,500

The Warehouse Auction

Clars’ Warehouse Auction boasts an accessibly priced collection that encompasses modern and antique furniture and décor, silver, porcelain, glass, fashion, collectible toys, books, and indigenous arts. Also on offer will be an eclectic range of art, prints and photographs. Each month we select paintings, prints, and sculptures in diverse styles from all over the world to offer with accessible estimates. Additionally, the Asian Art department will present a meticulously curated collection spanning Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, folding screens, and various decorative pieces. Meanwhile, the Jewelry department is thrilled to present an array of affordable items, including diamonds, silver and gold necklaces.

Bidding for Clars’ May auctions is available by phone, absentee bid, live online at Live.Clars.com and through Liveauctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. Clars Auction Gallery is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609.

Clars Auction Gallery is based in Oakland (CA) and is the largest full-service auction gallery in the Western United States. Clars Auction Gallery 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 Auction Gallery has sold well over $150,000,000 of Fine Art, Furnishings, Jewelry, Vehicles and Collectibles and has set multiple new world auction records. Follow Clars on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

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September Gallery Auction Highlights

Our September 18th auction will offer a diverse combination of fine and decorative arts, Asian works, jewelry, and important Arts & Crafts.

  • Auction
  • Highlights

August Gallery Auction Highlights

Our August 14th auction will offer exceptional property spanning centuries of artistic achievement and craftsmanship.

  • Auction
  • Highlights

July Gallery Auction Highlights

Our July 17th auction will showcase works by renowned artists, quality decorative arts, elegant jewelry and significant Asian objects.

  • Auction
  • Highlights

June Gallery Auction Highlights

Our June 19th auction will feature important paintings, rare Asian objects, fine furnishings, and decorative pieces.

  • Auction
  • Highlights

May Gallery Auction Highlights

Our May 15th auction will feature a diverse and compelling selection across multiple collecting categories.

  • Auction
  • Highlights

April Gallery Auction Highlights

Our April 17th auction will feature distinguished design, craftsmanship, and notable works by artists across cultures and periods.

  • Auction
  • Highlights

Historic Frank’s Fisherman

  • Estate Spotlight

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.


Frank’s Fisherman, San Francisco, CA, 1970s.
Frank’s Fisherman, San Francisco, CA, 1970s.
A scratch built ship model of La Flore Americaine in case, 55″ x 24.5″ x 45.75″.
A scratch built ship model of the frigate La Flore du Americana, by Jean Boudroit, mounted in glazed case, 45.75″ x 55″ x 24.5″.
Estimate: $6,000–$8,000

For nearly five decades, Frank’s Fisherman was a cornerstone of Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA. Founded in 1946, the store transformed under the ownership of 4th generation San Franciscan brothers, Ken and Ron Brown, who purchased the store in 1977. From then on, Ken and Ron began what became a lifelong passion for researching, collecting and selling maritime antiques. With a mission of maintaining a sense of history, the brothers remained an integral part of the Wharf for 47 years, focusing on important 18th and 19th century maritime and scientific antiques.


A massive scratch built paddle wheel steamship model ‘California, built by Tom Fordham (d. 2004), Scale 1/4″+1’.
A massive paddle wheel steamship model of the SS California, scratch built by Tom Fordham (d. 2004), scale 1/4″+1’, mounted in a glazed case, 37.5″ x 63″ x 19.25″. 
Estimate: $6,000–$8,000
Ken and Ron Brown, late 70s.
Ken and Ron Brown, late 1970s.

Renowned for their expertise, the brothers were a trusted resource for museums and private collectors alike. Their recent closure in February 2024 marked the end of an era, but their legacy lives on in their remarkable collection. The store featured an unusual mix of artifacts, making Frank’s Fisherman the destination spot on Fisherman’s Wharf for collectors and travelers from around the world. Clars is honored to present a curated selection from the Frank’s Fisherman collection in The Maritime Sale on April 18th.


A waterline ship model of Elin Maria in case.
A cased waterline ship model of the Elin Maria, 29″ x 44″ x 15″.
Estimate: $2,000–$4,000

Highlights include an American carved eagle from New Hampshire, estimated at $4,000–$6,000; a Japanese silk and metallic thread commemorative embroidery of the U.S.S. Chattanooga, estimated at $2,500–$3,500; a waterline ship model of the Elin Maria in case, estimated at $6,000–$8,000; and a magnificent scratch-built paddle wheel steamship model of the ‘California,’ crafted by Tom Fordham (d. 2004) at a scale of ¼″ + 1′, estimated at $6,000–$8,000.


An American carved eagle.
An American carved folk art barn eagle, circa 1930.
Estimate: $4,000–$6,000
A Japanese silk and metallic thread commemorative sailor's silk embroidery: U.S.S. Chattanooga.
A Japanese silk and metallic thread commemorative sailor’s silk embroidery: U.S.S. Chattanooga.
Estimate: $2,500–$3,500

The Maritime Sale will also include a small collection of amusement park collectibles, featuring two iconic items from the legendary San Francisco’s Playland at the Beach: an elephant animatronic character supporting a globe, and a whimsical larger-than-life paper mache head of a man/boy with large ears.


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The House of the Grand Passion

On September 18th, Clars is pleased to present a collection from the iconic “Gold Coast” home, The House of Grand Passion.

  • Estate Spotlight
  • Furniture & Decorative Arts

A Remarkable Connection to California’s Gilded Age

Among the July highlights are three lots that tell a fascinating story of California’s early political, financial, and cultural history.

  • Estate Spotlight
  • Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Emmy & Dolph Andrews Estate Returns to Clars

On July 17th, Clars is pleased to present another selection from one of San Francisco’s most distinguished private collections

  • Estate Spotlight
  • Furniture & Decorative Arts

Irene Deitsch Collection of Posy Holders

The Victorian & French examples to be offered June 18th carry forward a story defined by elegance, craftsmanship, and enduring taste.

  • Estate Spotlight
  • Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Viola Frey Collection

The Artist’s Legacy Foundation and Clars are pleased to present a benefit auction offering access to this deeply personal collection.

  • Estate Spotlight
  • Fine Art

Property from Estate of Senator Dianne Feinstein

The exceptional property being offered May 14th reflects the senator’s refined taste and legacy.

  • Estate Spotlight
  • Stories & News

Property from the Estate of Meri Jaye

  • Estate Spotlight

Ms. Meri Jaye was a renowned, San Francisco interior designer of passenger and cargo ships, as well as the corporate headquarters for American President Lines.


Edward Moran (American/British, 1829–1901), New York Bay from the Battery, 1871, oil on canvas, 24.75″ x 42.75″. Provenance: Estate of Mérí Jaye (San Francisco, California).
Edward Moran (American/British, 1829–1901), New York Bay from the Battery, 1871, oil on canvas, 24.75″ x 42.75″.
Estimate: $20,000–$40,000

Ms. Jaye, who designed up on Lombard Street in San Francisco, CA, amassed a distinguished collection with a keen eye. She had a notable array of shipping related artwork, furnishings, ship models, and other artifacts related to the projects she worked on. Many of her pieces, acquired from reputable dealers in the 1960s and 1970s, haven’t been offered for sale in over 50 years. Property from the Meri Jaye estate will be offered in both The Maritime Sale on April 18th, and our Furniture, Art, Jewelry & Asian Auction on April 19th.


Admiral Horatio Nelson (English, 1758–1868) autograph letter signed by Admiral Horatio Nelson (<q>Nelson & Bronte</q>).
Admiral Horatio Nelson (English, 1758–1868) autograph letter signed by Admiral Horatio Nelson (Nelson & Bronte).
Estimate: $4,000–$6,000

Pieces to be offered this April include a rare manuscript by Admiral Horatio Nelson, exquisite ship models, half-hull models, and unique nautical furnishings — like royal tiller yokes and ships’ tables. Among the treasures from her collection, we are thrilled to present a rare and breathtaking oil on canvas painting by the English-born American artist, Edward Moran (American/British, 1829–1901). Entitled New York Bay from the Battery, painted in 1871, this masterpiece is estimated to be valued between $20,000–$40,000. Moran began his artistic journey as an apprentice to landscape painter, Paul Weber in Philadelphia. He later established himself as a prominent marine artist in the United States, studying at the Royal Academy in London and setting up studios in Paris and New York City.


<em>Don Quixote</em>, Saavedra, Miquel de Cervantes. El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha. Madrid: Don Joaquin Ibarra, 1780.
Don Quixote, Saavedra, Miquel de Cervantes. El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha. Madrid: Don Joaquin Ibarra, 1780.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000

Arguably, Moran’s most significant contribution lies in his series of thirteen Marine History paintings, capturing pivotal moments in American maritime history. The featured work in our April sale provides a captivating glimpse of New York City’s harbor, with its intricate composition portraying two small boats navigating turbulent waves in the foreground, amidst a backdrop of numerous ships entering the harbor.


HMS Bellerophon stern model in case with letter fragment stating that the model was made by a sailor on duty on the Bellerophon in 1815.
HMS Bellerophon stern model in case with letter fragment stating that the model was made by a sailor on duty on the Bellerophon in 1815.
Estimate: $2,500–$3,500

Another notable highlight from Ms. Jaye’s collection is a portrait miniature of Marie Antoinette by Pierre De Nolhac. It was published in London by Arthur L. Humphreys in 1905 and is valued between $600–$800. Other highlights include an HMS Bellerophon stern model in case with letter fragment stating that the model was made by a sailor on duty on the Bellerophon in 1815, estimated at $4,000–$6,000; and Don Quixote, printed by Don Joaquin Ibarra, estimated at $5,000–$7,000.


De Nolhac, Pierre. Marie Antoinette. London: Arthur L. Humphreys, 1905. Fine deluxe Cosway style binding with mounted portrait miniature of Marie Antoinette.
De Nolhac, Pierre, Marie Antoinette, London: Arthur L. Humphreys, 1905. Fine deluxe Cosway style binding with mounted portrait miniature of Marie Antoinette.
Estimate: $600–$800

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The House of the Grand Passion

On September 18th, Clars is pleased to present a collection from the iconic “Gold Coast” home, The House of Grand Passion.

  • Estate Spotlight
  • Furniture & Decorative Arts

A Remarkable Connection to California’s Gilded Age

Among the July highlights are three lots that tell a fascinating story of California’s early political, financial, and cultural history.

  • Estate Spotlight
  • Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Emmy & Dolph Andrews Estate Returns to Clars

On July 17th, Clars is pleased to present another selection from one of San Francisco’s most distinguished private collections

  • Estate Spotlight
  • Furniture & Decorative Arts

Irene Deitsch Collection of Posy Holders

The Victorian & French examples to be offered June 18th carry forward a story defined by elegance, craftsmanship, and enduring taste.

  • Estate Spotlight
  • Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Viola Frey Collection

The Artist’s Legacy Foundation and Clars are pleased to present a benefit auction offering access to this deeply personal collection.

  • Estate Spotlight
  • Fine Art

Property from Estate of Senator Dianne Feinstein

The exceptional property being offered May 14th reflects the senator’s refined taste and legacy.

  • Estate Spotlight
  • Stories & News

March Auction Highlights

  • Auction

Clars is excited to present our Furniture, Art & Asian Auction on March 22nd and our Warehouse Auction on March 23rd.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Friday sale will feature an exquisite array of European and American furniture and decorative arts, including a Tiffany Studios lamp, a Chinese pattern desk set, an English Chinoiserie tall case clock, American Classical Revival cabinets, antique carpets, Egyptian canopic jars, fine English silver, Baccarat glass, Flora Danica, and Herend porcelain.


A pair of Egyptian Alabaster Canopic jars. Provenance: General Sir Maxwell of the British Army.
A pair of Egyptian Alabaster Canopic jars. Provenance: General Sir Maxwell of the British Army.
Estimate: $4,000–$6,000

Additionally, we are proud to present a collection of contemporary Inuit stone carvings by esteemed artists, such as Aquangajuk Shaa, Toonoo Sharky, and Nuna Parr.


A Nuna Parr carved stone dancing bear, Inuit, Kinngait (Cape Dorset).
A Nuna Parr carved stone dancing bear, Inuit, Kinngait (Cape Dorset).
Estimate: $2,500–$3,500

Fine Art

This March at Clars, we are offering a selection of fine paintings and sculptures for the collector with sophisticated and traditional tastes. First is an oil on canvas painting by English equestrian painter, John Frederick Herring Sr., depicting a jockey atop a racehorse. Herring, who was at first at sign painter and coachman by trade, was a successful painter of racehorses and jockeys. He became a favorite of Queen Victoria — who patronized his work for the last 20 years of his life.


John Frederick Herring Sr. (British, 1795–1864), Untitled (Racehorse with Jockey), oil on canvas, 20″ x 24″.
John Frederick Herring Sr. (British, 1795–1864), Untitled (Racehorse with Jockey), oil on canvas, 20″ x 24″.
Estimate: $10,000–$15,000

Second, we present an oil on canvas by French-Polish painter, Adam Styka. Styka was known for his Orientalist work showcasing scenes of North Africa as well as portrayals of the American West. The painting at Clars this month depicts a man riding a donkey while guiding another, both standing in shallow water with a mountainous desert landscape behind them.


Adam Styka (French/Polish, 1890–1959), Untitled (Orientalist Scene with Figure on Donkey), oil on board, 25″ x 29″.
Adam Styka (French/Polish, 1890–1959), Untitled (Orientalist Scene with Figure on Donkey), oil on board, 25″ x 29″.
Estimate: $10,000–$15,000

A third highlight is an oil on canvas by French painter, Jules Cheret. Cheret was known in his time as an icon of Belle Epoque poster art. His paintings show influence from the Rococo masters of the 18th century, particularly Jean-Honore Fragonard, in the use of pastel colors and garden scenery. The painting for offer at Clars is titled Dejeuner sur L’Herbe and depicts a group of picnickers, including a joyful woman in a pink dress and a man who appears to be a friendly spectral onlooker, spending the day enjoying a lush garden.


Jules Cheret (French, 1836–1932), Dejeuner sur L’Herbe, oil on canvas, 20″ x 20″. Provenance: Robert Green Fine Arts, Mill Valley, CA, 1997. Note: Clars would like to thank Dr. Bradford R. Collins for his opinion on this piece.
Jules Chéret (French, 1836–1932), Déjeuner sur L’Herbe, oil on canvas, 20″ x 20″. Provenance: Robert Green Fine Arts, Mill Valley, CA, 1997. Note: Clars would like to thank Dr. Bradford R. Collins for his opinion on this piece.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000

Lastly, we offer a bronze sculpture by Navajo artist, R.C. Gorman. This original sculpture depicts a mother in repose, holding her swaddled baby. The woman’s face shows a tranquil expression as she appears to sing a lullaby to her child who sleeps peacefully in her arms.

Asian Art

In the upcoming March auction, Clars’ Asian Art department is proud to present these exceptional highlights from located collections. First is a magnificent Rattanakosin Kingdom gilt bronze figure of Buddha under Naga — a masterful representation of Thai Buddhist art. This exquisite piece captures the serene moment of the Buddha in meditation, shielded by the protective embrace of the Naga (serpent). The intricate detailing, spiritual symbolism, and lustrous gold embellishment of this statue are hallmark features of the Rattanakosin period, renowned for its artistic brilliance. This statue is not merely an artifact; it is a testament to the devoutness and the exceptional skill of Rattanakosin artisans in bronze craftsmanship.


Thai gilt bronze figure of Buddha under Muchalinda, Rattanakosin Kingdom.
Thai gilt bronze figure of Buddha under Muchalinda, Rattanakosin Kingdom.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000

Complementing the spiritual allure of the Buddhist statue is a Chinese huanghuali coffer — a fine example of Ming dynasty style furniture. Crafted from the highly coveted huanghuali rosewood — known for its striking grain, aromatic scent, and remarkable durability — this table embodies the luxury and refined taste of its era. Its design, characterized by elegance and simplicity, reflects the core aesthetic values of harmony and balance in Chinese art and philosophy. More than a piece of furniture, this coffer offers a glimpse into life and culture in the past.


A Chinese huanghuali coffer, 32″ x 62.375″ x 23″.
A Chinese huanghuali coffer, 32″ x 62.375″ x 23″.
Estimate: $20,000–$30,000

The Warehouse Auction

Clars’ Warehouse Auction is set to showcase an eclectic range of art, prints and photographs. Each month we select paintings, prints, and sculptures in diverse styles — from all over the world — to offer with accessible estimates.

The furniture section will offer antique, vintage and contemporary furniture and decorative arts, including Arthur Court furniture, a collection of elephants, Studio art glass and pottery, perfume bottles, porcelain dinner services, stemware, clocks, mirrors, and carpets. The Asian Art Department presents a meticulously curated collection in our March Warehouse auction, spanning Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, folding screens, and various decorative pieces. Additionally, our selection includes decorative Chinese furniture, jade and hardstone carvings, and ceramics from various periods.


Bidding for Clars’ March auctions is available by phone, absentee bid, live online at Live.Clars.com and through Liveauctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. Clars Auction Gallery is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609.

Clars Auction Gallery is based in Oakland (CA) and is the largest full-service auction gallery in the Western United States. Clars Auction Gallery 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 Auction Gallery has sold well over $150,000,000 of Fine Art, Furnishings, Jewelry, Vehicles and Collectibles and has set multiple new world auction records. Follow Clars on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Read More

September Gallery Auction Highlights

Our September 18th auction will offer a diverse combination of fine and decorative arts, Asian works, jewelry, and important Arts & Crafts.

  • Auction
  • Highlights

August Gallery Auction Highlights

Our August 14th auction will offer exceptional property spanning centuries of artistic achievement and craftsmanship.

  • Auction
  • Highlights

July Gallery Auction Highlights

Our July 17th auction will showcase works by renowned artists, quality decorative arts, elegant jewelry and significant Asian objects.

  • Auction
  • Highlights

June Gallery Auction Highlights

Our June 19th auction will feature important paintings, rare Asian objects, fine furnishings, and decorative pieces.

  • Auction
  • Highlights

May Gallery Auction Highlights

Our May 15th auction will feature a diverse and compelling selection across multiple collecting categories.

  • Auction
  • Highlights

April Gallery Auction Highlights

Our April 17th auction will feature distinguished design, craftsmanship, and notable works by artists across cultures and periods.

  • Auction
  • Highlights

Artists to Watch: California

  • Auction
  • Modern + Contemporary

Clars in collaboration with exhibited.at is honored to present the visionary inaugural auction: Artists to Watch: California. This section will lead the Spring Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction held on March 21st, 2 PM PDT.

Founded by former Christie’s specialist Rodania Leong, exhibited.at focuses on art, community and innovation — empowering artists, curators, and galleries with the ability to archive their rich exhibition history while providing guidance on diverse art initiatives. Together with Clars — the exceptional art appraisers and auctioneers who have over fifty years of expertise in hosting Bay Area auctions — this collaboration harnesses the expertise of both exhibited.at and Clars whilst delving into the rich history and allure of California art.

California has long been a force for artistic innovation, and this auction aims to showcase the work of ten pioneering artists based in the Golden State. A few of the artists who will be featured in this inaugural sale are Gabe Weis and Alexa Arnold.


Gabe Weis (American, 20th century), <em>So What?</em>, 2023, mixed media collage with acrylic paint, oil markers, and graffiti markers on canvas, canvas: 40″ x 30″.
Gabe Weis (American, 20th century), So What?, 2023, mixed media collage with acrylic paint, oil markers, and graffiti markers on canvas, 40″ x 30″.
Estimate: $7,000–$10,000

Gabe Weiss is a mixed media and NFT artist living in the Bay Area. The self-taught artist is inspired by street art and stoic philosophy and uses a stream-of-consciousness approach to his work to explore perceptions of reality. His physical and digital works are shown internationally. This past year, his work has been exhibited at the Venice Biennale, Picasso Museum, Seattle Art Fair, and various galleries throughout Asia and the United States. Gabe is committed to sustainability in his craft. By reusing older materials found around the house, such as cereal boxes, maps, and old dictionaries to create timeless works, he hopes his work inspires others to reuse materials as part of their art practice.


Gabe Weis (American, 20th century), Oppose Reality, 2023, mixed media with watercolor crayons, acrylic paint, and graphite on watercolor paper, paper: 30″ x 22.5″.
Gabe Weis (American, 20th century), Oppose Reality, 2023, mixed media with watercolor crayons, acrylic paint, and graphite on watercolor paper, 30″ x 22.5″.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000

Alexis Arnold is a mixed media visual artist in Oakland, CA. Her artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Aspen Art Museum, Napa Valley Museum, Whatcom Museum, Beaux-Arts Mons Belgium, Atlanta Airport, Bergdorf Goodman, di Rosa, and The NY Hall of Science. Alexis’ work is included in the collections of SFMOMA, Meta, VCU, MediaMath, Costa Cruises, University of Pittsburgh, and others.


Alexis Arnold (American, 20th century), Book, ‘Oxford Deictionary of Art’, 2024, Crystallized Book Series, book and borax sculpture, signed verso, overall: 7.75″ x 11″ x 8″.
Alexis Arnold (American, 20th century), Book, ‘Oxford Deictionary of Art’, 2024, Crystallized Book Series, book and borax sculpture, overall: 7.75″ x 11″ x 8″.
Estimate: $1,500–$2,500

The history of art in California holds profound significance, reflecting a dynamic intersection of cultural, social, and environmental influences. As a beacon of creativity and innovation, California has been a canvas for diverse artistic movements — from the early 20th-century Bohemian enclaves to the rise of contemporary art hubs. The state’s artistic legacy truly encapsulates the spirit of experimentation and cultural diversity unique to California, its rich history nourishing the evolution of artistic expression and societal shifts, and the transformative power of the Californian landscape on the creative imagination.


Alexis Arnold (American, 20th century), <em>Torus</em>, 2022, acrylic on cotton rag, signed verso, rag: 26″ x 18″, overall (frame): 29″ x 21.5″.
Alexis Arnold (American, 20th century), Torus, 2022, acrylic on cotton rag, 26″ x 18″, overall (frame): 29″ x 21.5″.
Estimate: $3,000–$4,000

With this inaugural auction, we take great pride in introducing ten esteemed artists who persistently enrich the tapestry of California art. Their work resonates with audiences and collectors worldwide, serving as pioneers in the evolution of artistic expression. We invite you to immerse yourself in this presentation, offering an opportunity to discover, connect, and support those instrumental in shaping the lasting legacy of California’s art history.

Join us in celebrating their creativity, innovation, and enduring impact! For more information or any questions, please reach out to [email protected] and [email protected].

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September Gallery Auction Highlights

Our September 18th auction will offer a diverse combination of fine and decorative arts, Asian works, jewelry, and important Arts & Crafts.

  • Auction
  • Highlights

August Gallery Auction Highlights

Our August 14th auction will offer exceptional property spanning centuries of artistic achievement and craftsmanship.

  • Auction
  • Highlights

July Gallery Auction Highlights

Our July 17th auction will showcase works by renowned artists, quality decorative arts, elegant jewelry and significant Asian objects.

  • Auction
  • Highlights

Annie Leibovitz: A Portrait of American Life Through the Camera Lens

Annie Leibovitz began her artistic career at the San Francisco Art Institute in the late 1960s, where she originally studied painting but was inspired to change her focus to photography.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

June Gallery Auction Highlights

Our June 19th auction will feature important paintings, rare Asian objects, fine furnishings, and decorative pieces.

  • Auction
  • Highlights

May Gallery Auction Highlights

Our May 15th auction will feature a diverse and compelling selection across multiple collecting categories.

  • Auction
  • Highlights

Spring Modern + Contemporary Art Highlights

  • Auction
  • Modern + Contemporary

This March we are excited to present several very special works in our Spring Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction.

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).
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″.
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, bronze sculpture, overall: 32″ x 21″ x 23″.
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″.
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″.
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″.
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″.
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″ x 28″.
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″.
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″.
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″.
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.
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.
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, bronze sculpture, overall (with base): 26.5″ x 13″ x 13″.
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″.
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″.
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), <em>Spanish Landscape</em>, 1941, oil on canvas, 36″ x 40″.
Henrietta Berk (American, 1919–1990), Spanish Landscape, 1941, oil on canvas, 36″ x 40″.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000

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September Gallery Auction Highlights

Our September 18th auction will offer a diverse combination of fine and decorative arts, Asian works, jewelry, and important Arts & Crafts.

  • Auction
  • Highlights

August Gallery Auction Highlights

Our August 14th auction will offer exceptional property spanning centuries of artistic achievement and craftsmanship.

  • Auction
  • Highlights

July Gallery Auction Highlights

Our July 17th auction will showcase works by renowned artists, quality decorative arts, elegant jewelry and significant Asian objects.

  • Auction
  • Highlights

Annie Leibovitz: A Portrait of American Life Through the Camera Lens

Annie Leibovitz began her artistic career at the San Francisco Art Institute in the late 1960s, where she originally studied painting but was inspired to change her focus to photography.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

June Gallery Auction Highlights

Our June 19th auction will feature important paintings, rare Asian objects, fine furnishings, and decorative pieces.

  • Auction
  • Highlights

May Gallery Auction Highlights

Our May 15th auction will feature a diverse and compelling selection across multiple collecting categories.

  • Auction
  • Highlights

Artist Spotlight: Matt Gondek

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

A standout piece in our March Modern + Contemporary sale is this large acrylic on canvas painting by Los Angeles-based artist, Matt Gondek.


Gondek is known for colorful canvases with thick, bold lines depicting cartoon and comic book characters from the late 20th century, often exploding, melting, or in some way deconstructed through a darkly humorous lens.


Matt Gondek (American, b 1982), Rugrats, acrylic on canvas, 47.5″ x 71.5″.
Matt Gondek (American, b 1982), Rugrats, acrylic on canvas, 47.5″ x 71.5″.
Estimate: $10,000–$15,000

The painting at Clars this month will look familiar to millennial collectors; the scene shows the characters from the Nickelodeon cartoon show Rugrats in a state of fragmentation. Followers of Clars will remember the Gondek painting in our November 2023 sale depicting 1990s Warner Brothers characters, Pinky and the Brain, which sold at auction for $12,600.


Matt Gondek (American, b. 1982), Pinky and the Brain, 2016, acrylic on canvas, 48″ x 72″.
Matt Gondek (American, b. 1982), Pinky and the Brain, 2016, acrylic on canvas, 48″ x 72″.
Sold: $12,600

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Artist Spotlight: Mario Sanchez

Sanchez is know for colorfully painted and carved reliefs depicting landmarks and unique characters of Old Key West.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary Art

Annie Leibovitz: A Portrait of American Life Through the Camera Lens

Annie Leibovitz began her artistic career at the San Francisco Art Institute in the late 1960s, where she originally studied painting but was inspired to change her focus to photography.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Aaron Douglas: The Making of a Movement’s Visual Voice

Douglas is widely known for the murals he painted that defined the visual identity of the Harlem Renaissance.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern Art

Artist Spotlight: Joan Brown

For fans of the Bay Area Figurative Movement, we are highlighting two works on paper by celebrated multimedia artist Joan Brown this May.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary Art

Artist Spotlight: Dia Al-Azzawi

Al-Azzawi studied art in Baghdad, taking inspiration from ancient Middle Eastern mythology as well as Islam and Arabic culture.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary Art

Artist Spotlight: Raimonds Staprans

This May 15th, Clars is excited to offer an outstanding oil on canvas painting by artist Raimonds Staprans.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary Art

Artist Spotlight: Joan Brown

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

“How do I know when I’ve finished a painting? It’s when that element of surprise is there” (Joan Brown). This March at Clars we are proud to feature a work on paper and a print by one of the most well-loved modern artists of Bay Area origin.


Joan Brown (American, 1938–1990), Running at Ocean Beach, 1976, pencil and gouache on paper, 17.75″ x 24″.
Joan Brown (American, 1938–1990), Running at Ocean Beach, 1976, pencil and gouache on paper, 17.75″ x 24″.
Estimate: $10,000–$15,000

Joan Brown was born in San Francisco in 1938 and continued to work in the area for her entire life, creating paintings, sculptures, and works on paper that celebrated the city of San Francisco and its surroundings. Brown began her art education at the California School of Fine Arts (now the San Francisco Art Institute) where she began working with her mentor — fellow Bay Area icon, Elmer Bischoff — who she credited with encouraging her to focus on her own creative instincts and less on academic rules.

During her prolific career, Brown evolved stylistically from abstract expressionism to folk art-inspired figurative painting and became involved in the highly influential Bay Area Figurative Movement. Brown was married for a period to a fellow member of the movement, Manuel Neri, with whom she had a son who inspired much of her work during the 1960s. Brown also taught at several California universities during the 1960s, including the California School of Fine Arts, Mills College, and UC Berkeley.


Cucumber and Lemon
Joan Brown (American, 1938–1990), Cucumber and Lemon, 1965, oil on plywood board, 16.25″ x 15″.
Sold: $31,250

As she matured in her practiced, Brown included more symbolism in her paintings, including spiritual and New Age ideas. This interest led her to travel the world and gather inspiration from various religions and cultures — installing mosaic obelisks honoring these new influences. Brown tragically passed away while installing one of these obelisks at Sai Baba’s Eternal Heritage Museum in Puttaparthi, India. The works included in the March auction are a gouache and pencil on paper piece, titled Running at Ocean Beach, which depicts the artist jogging at the famous San Francisco seaside, and a woodcut/lithograph, titled Golden Gate, depicting the renowned bridge at sunset with a swimmer and boater in the blue bay waters.


Joan Brown (American, 1938–1990), <em>Golden Gate</em>, 1987, woodcut and lithograph, 37.5″ x 27″.
Joan Brown (American, 1938–1990), Golden Gate, 1987, woodcut and lithograph, 37.5″ x 27″.
Sold: $9,450

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Artist Spotlight: Mario Sanchez

Sanchez is know for colorfully painted and carved reliefs depicting landmarks and unique characters of Old Key West.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary Art

Annie Leibovitz: A Portrait of American Life Through the Camera Lens

Annie Leibovitz began her artistic career at the San Francisco Art Institute in the late 1960s, where she originally studied painting but was inspired to change her focus to photography.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Aaron Douglas: The Making of a Movement’s Visual Voice

Douglas is widely known for the murals he painted that defined the visual identity of the Harlem Renaissance.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern Art

Artist Spotlight: Joan Brown

For fans of the Bay Area Figurative Movement, we are highlighting two works on paper by celebrated multimedia artist Joan Brown this May.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary Art

Artist Spotlight: Dia Al-Azzawi

Al-Azzawi studied art in Baghdad, taking inspiration from ancient Middle Eastern mythology as well as Islam and Arabic culture.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary Art

Artist Spotlight: Raimonds Staprans

This May 15th, Clars is excited to offer an outstanding oil on canvas painting by artist Raimonds Staprans.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary Art

The Collection of Allan Stone

  • Estate Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Clars is pleased to be offering over 70 works of art from the Collection of Allan Stone (by descent) on Thursday, March 21st in our Spring Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction.

Allan Stone.
Photo of Allan Stone.

From 1960 to 2020, Stone had a prominent New York City gallery that was known for showing artists such as: Wayne Thiebaud, Eva Hesse, Jack Whitten, as well as, Barnett Newman, Richard Estes, Yasuhide Kobashi, Robert Arneson, Cesar and Dorothy Grebenak among many others.


Sylvia Lark (American, 1947–1990), China, No, 1987, oil on canvas, 60″ x 78″. From the private Collection of Allan Stone.
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
John Evans (American, b. 1945), <em>Beach Parking</em>, 1997, oil on canvas, 48″ x 52.25″. Provenance: Acquired by descent from the Estate of Allan Stone.
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
Kazuko Inoue (Japanese, b. 1946), <em>Untitled (Red Squares)</em>, 2008, acrylic on linen, 32″ x 32″. Provenance: Acquired by descent from the Estate of Allan Stone.
Kazuko Inoue (Japanese, b. 1946), Untitled (Red Squares), 2008, acrylic on linen, 32″ x 32″. Provenance: Acquired by descent from the Estate of Allan Stone.
Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
Derrick Guild (Scottish, b. 1963), <em>Onion, Sweet Potato, Beet</em>, 2004, oil on linen, 12″ x 22″. Exhibited: Allan Stone Gallery (New York, NY) <em>Derrick Guild: Pre-Ascension</em>, March 8–April 28, 2007. Provenance: Acquired by descent from the Estate of Allan Stone.
Derrick Guild (Scottish, b. 1963), Onion, Sweet Potato, Beet, 2004, oil on linen, 12″ x 22″. Provenance: Acquired by descent from the Estate of Allan Stone.
Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
Harry Bowden (American, 1907–1965), Interior, 1942, oil on canvas, 10.13″ x 8.13″. Provenance: Acquired by descent from the Estate of Allan Stone.
Harry Bowden (American, 1907–1965), Interior, 1942, oil on canvas, 10.13″ x 8.13″. Provenance: Acquired by descent from the Estate of Allan Stone.
Estimate: $2,000–$4,000

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The House of the Grand Passion

On September 18th, Clars is pleased to present a collection from the iconic “Gold Coast” home, The House of Grand Passion.

  • Estate Spotlight
  • Furniture & Decorative Arts

A Remarkable Connection to California’s Gilded Age

Among the July highlights are three lots that tell a fascinating story of California’s early political, financial, and cultural history.

  • Estate Spotlight
  • Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Emmy & Dolph Andrews Estate Returns to Clars

On July 17th, Clars is pleased to present another selection from one of San Francisco’s most distinguished private collections

  • Estate Spotlight
  • Furniture & Decorative Arts

Annie Leibovitz: A Portrait of American Life Through the Camera Lens

Annie Leibovitz began her artistic career at the San Francisco Art Institute in the late 1960s, where she originally studied painting but was inspired to change her focus to photography.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Irene Deitsch Collection of Posy Holders

The Victorian & French examples to be offered June 18th carry forward a story defined by elegance, craftsmanship, and enduring taste.

  • Estate Spotlight
  • Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Viola Frey Collection

The Artist’s Legacy Foundation and Clars are pleased to present a benefit auction offering access to this deeply personal collection.

  • Estate Spotlight
  • Fine Art

Artist Spotlight: Hernando Ruiz Ocampo

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

This March at Clars, 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. As a painter who ushered in an era of creative exploration in the country, Ocampo developed a singular style that expressed the Filipino experience through emotive color, form, and abstraction.


Hernando Ruiz Ocampo (Filipino, 1911–1978), Mga Kiti, 1978, acrylic on tetoron, 35.5″ x 354.25″.
Hernando Ruiz Ocampo (Filipino, 1911–1978), Mga Kiti, 1978, acrylic on Tetoron, 35.5″ x 354.25″ (detail shot).
Estimate: $700,000–$1,000,000

Ocampo was born and raised in greater Manila in 1911 and studied both law and writing — becoming an accomplished poet and fiction writer before approaching the visual arts. His early painting career is marked by experimentation with modes of expression, including a series titled Luetica, for which his visceral depictions of human mortality earned him strong reactions upon exhibition.

After the devastation of World War II in the Philippines, progressive artists worked to reflect the hardships and realities of life. Ocampo and his colleagues, including fellow National Artists Vicente S. Manansala and Cesar Legaspi, inaugurated a movement of distinctly Filipino Neo-Realism, combining modernist abstraction with figurative subject matter.

Neo-Realists took their inspiration from the struggles of workers, family life, poverty, and the local landscape. Although one can detect the influence of prior and concurrent movements in Europe and the United States — including Cubism and Vorticism as well as Social Realism — the Neo-Realists’ work was categorically unique in its blend of the Filipino experience with modernist aesthetics. Out of the many talented artists in his circle, Ocampo favored the freedom that abstraction afforded him in his work; and as he gained confidence in his practice, it became more symbolic and less objective in nature.

Ocampo continued to delve further into abstraction as his career progressed. His close peer, Cesar Legaspi, was quoted speaking about Ocampo’s creative evolution, stating, “I think the impact of those paintings was needed then as the controversy between the moderns and the conservatives was going full blast and we had to have some kind of exemplar as to how far and how powerful a new kind of art could be.”

While Ocampo did create paintings that used abstraction while still forming a recognizable scene, such as the landscape Reaching for the Moon and the mother and child figures in Break of Day, his most well-known pieces are those that allow for open interpretation and push viewers to investigate their own subconscious. Here, the painter relies on formal elements to create a sensory experience. The principles of color and shape were fundamental to Ocampo’s work in the later years of his career. One can identify his personal connection to the color orange in many of his works, and he uses amorphous and organic shapes like tiles to form imposing structures — painstakingly faceted with vivid tones to achieve depth and form.


Hernando Ruiz Ocampo (Filipino, 1911–1978), <em>Mga Kiti</em>, 1978, acrylic on Tetoron, 35.5″ x 354.25″ (zoomed in shot).
Hernando Ruiz Ocampo, Mga Kiti (zoomed in shot).

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. The background — painted a deep red that graduates into lighter crimson — recalls blood, with the small circles sprinkled throughout suggesting blood cells. Yellow linework traces throughout the length of the painting in a style reminiscent of batik, a medium originating in the neighboring country of Indonesia, and further separates the areas of red, black, and orange like cells dividing.

The lines and colors seem to undulate, expand, and contract — like compartments of breathing lungs. Like in much of his previous work, Ocampo utilizes color, specifically in the spectrum of orange, and creates a mosaic-like composition. Although the piece was commissioned by patron, Ginny Jacinto, the idea of regeneration may have been close to Ocampo’s own heart during its creation; the artist was in his late sixties and dealing with multiple health issues. Mga Kiti was Ocampo’s final painting before his death in December of 1978. Its themes of renewal, movement, and creation seem to be a summation of his work — the balance between figuration and abstraction, and a pure expression of life itself. Mga Kiti serves as a grand testament to Ocampo’s talents as a master of his craft both in formal composition, with his uncanny ability to evoke tactility and sensoriality, and as a translator of ideas, emotion, and the creative force from which all art originates.


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Artist Spotlight: Mario Sanchez

Sanchez is know for colorfully painted and carved reliefs depicting landmarks and unique characters of Old Key West.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary Art

Annie Leibovitz: A Portrait of American Life Through the Camera Lens

Annie Leibovitz began her artistic career at the San Francisco Art Institute in the late 1960s, where she originally studied painting but was inspired to change her focus to photography.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Aaron Douglas: The Making of a Movement’s Visual Voice

Douglas is widely known for the murals he painted that defined the visual identity of the Harlem Renaissance.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern Art

Artist Spotlight: Joan Brown

For fans of the Bay Area Figurative Movement, we are highlighting two works on paper by celebrated multimedia artist Joan Brown this May.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary Art

Artist Spotlight: Dia Al-Azzawi

Al-Azzawi studied art in Baghdad, taking inspiration from ancient Middle Eastern mythology as well as Islam and Arabic culture.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary Art

Artist Spotlight: Raimonds Staprans

This May 15th, Clars is excited to offer an outstanding oil on canvas painting by artist Raimonds Staprans.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary Art