Clars is excited to present our Winter Furniture, Art & Jewelry Auction on December 15th and our Fine Asian Art & European Décor Auction on December 16th. These sales will offer a splendid variety of art, jewelry, Asian works, furniture and decorative arts.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The December 15th auction will showcase a diverse range of items, including Mayan style carved vessels, Native American pottery, Patriano Barela carved sculptures and Kachina figures. Additionally, English and German sterling silver, gold and silver coins, fine porcelain dinner services, and glass stemware and vases from renowned makers and artisans such as Moser, St. Louis, Michael Nourot, and Marialyn Hawke will be featured.

The auction will also present a variety of antique decorative arts, furniture, and rugs, as well as a contemporary furniture collection from an exclusive St. Helena winery. To round out the holiday season, a delightful selection of oversized stuffed animals and a miniature Christmas house will be available.

Fine Jewelry & Timepieces

The Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department is excited to offer a selection of diamond, colored gemstone gold jewelry, and timepieces in their upcoming December 15th sale. This sale features a variety of wardrobe staples to build up the foundation of your jewelry collection and elevate your festive celebrations. To be featured in the sale are a nice selection of diamond jewelry, including a diamond and 14k gold wedding ring set, estimated at $3,000–$5,000, as well as a colorful gemstone selection, including a ruby, diamond and 14k gold brooch by Seaman Schepps, estimated at $5,000–$7,000.

Other wearable pieces that will highlight your everyday life include items such as a diamond, onyx and platinum dog brooch, estimated $7,000–$10,000, complemented by classic timepieces like a Patek Philippe 18k gold ‘Calatrava’ wristwatch, estimated at $6,000–$8,000.

Fine Art

Clars’ Fine Art department is pleased to offer a selection of works from diverse and talented artists this December, with highlights by three painters whose influence can still be seen in contemporary art today. First, we are excited to present an oil on canvas portrait by African-American artist, Bob Thompson. Thompson was active in the bustling mid-century art scene in New York City and is known for his colorful figurative paintings that blend traditional Renaissance and Baroque composition with the energy and experimentation of 20th century Abstract Expressionism. In the painting offered in this month’s sale, titled Portrait of a Lady, we see a woman with a disproportionately large head and an aloof expression. Thompson marries traditional portraiture conventions, like the three-quarter view of the subject and the bust-length focus, with abstracted elements of shadow, color, and dimension to create a distinctive and unique image.

Second, we are featuring a striking work by celebrated Chinese-American artist, Hung Liu. Liu was born in Changchun, China in 1948, and emigrated to California in 1984 where she experimented with different methods and media to create a signature painting style. The mixed media work in this month’s auction, titled Yellow Current, is an outstanding example of this style, for which Liu is best known. The image shows a bust view of a young Chinese woman in a fuchsia robe against a golden-yellow background. We see Liu’s trademark technique of using a wash of linseed oil over heavy brushstrokes — giving a drippy, melting, almost underwater appearance to the composition.

Lastly, we will offer an oil on canvas genre scene from American Impressionist, Edward Potthast. Potthast was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and studied in Paris and Munich before settling in New York City. He worked primarily as a lithographer during his early career, only shifting his focus to painting at age 39. Potthast was likely stylistically influenced by his European studies, as techniques of French Impressionists, including Monet, Renoir, and Berthe Morisot can be seen in Potthast’s work. The painting in this month’s sale is a beach scene — the subject for which Potthast is most known. Figures are gathered in groups on a sunny seaside, seated on blankets and under umbrellas, with emphasis on painterly brushstrokes and soft yet vibrant colors. The atmosphere is relaxed, warm, and inviting, a trademark of Potthast’s work.

Asian Art

The Asian Art department will have its year-end offerings of fine Chinese and Japanese works of art sourced from various private collections and estates at the Fine Asian Art & European Décor Auction on December 16th.

The auction is highlighted by a set of three Chinese ‘qianjiang’ enameled ‘landscape’ plaques by the famous late Qing dynasty porcelain artisan, Cheng Men (1838–1908), a late Qing dynasty imperial style zitan lantern, a pair of huanghuali lantern stands, a late Qing dynasty silver-inlaid bronze figure of Guanyin bearing the Shisou mark, a late Qing dynasty uncut purple ground ‘dragon’ robe, a Qing dynasty white jade ruyi scepter, and a magnificent Japanese Meiji period Shibayama lacquered shodana.

Clars Auctions is delighted to be offering 3 timed auctions in October. These timed auctions allow bidders to register and place one or more bids on lots of interest until the last day listed. If you are outbid, you will be notified and will be given the opportunity to raise your bid.

(please note: you can retract 3 bids per sale)

Art Within Reach: Bidding Closes October 16th, 2 PM PDT

This month in our Art Within Reach sale we are featuring a duo of oil paintings by Dutch Impressionist Paul Rink, paintings by early California artists Victor Hugo Basinet and Luther Evans de Joiner, and contemporary pieces by Carrie Lederer and Jack Ogden. We are also pleased to include prints and photographs by George Demont Otis, Carol Jablonsky, Jim Millett, and more.

The Discovery Sale: Bidding Closes October 16th, 3 PM PDT

In this month’s Discovery Sale we will offer a diverse range of items, including sterling flatware and hollowware from renowned brands like Tiffany, Gorham, and Dominick Haff. This sale will also feature collectibles, such as Pepsi-Cola and Coca-Cola paraphernalia, as well as carnival architectural elements.

For those interested in antique furniture, we have George III armchairs, a Hepplewhite table, a Biedermeier parlor suite, Federal mirrors, an Art Deco headboard, and Arts & Crafts desks. If you prefer contemporary designers, we carry pieces from brands like Bernhardt, Restoration Hardware, Henredon, and Cisco Home. Additionally, we will showcase exquisite porcelain pieces by Royal Crown Derby, Meissen, Herend, Royal Copenhagen, Lenox, Wedgwood, and Spode. For modern ceramics enthusiasts, our collection includes works by Marja Vallila, Dorren Blumbardt, and Tom Colman. Rounding out this sale is a selection of carpets, including Persian Bidjars, Aubusson styles, and Indo-Nains.

Asian Decorative Arts: Bidding Closes October 16th, 4 PM PDT

This month’s Asian Decorative Arts Auction presents a wide array of Japanese works of art — encompassing exquisite metalwork in bronze and cloisonné along with a captivating selection of lacquered objects. Additionally, we are delighted to offer a noteworthy collection of suiseki viewing stones from a private collection. As a longstanding tradition, we prominently showcase Chinese works of art in this auction, featuring an impressive range of ceramics, intricately carved jade pieces, and various scholarly objects.

Clars is excited to present our October Collections Auction on October 13th. This sale will offer a splendid variety of art, jewelry, and furniture.

Asian Art

Highlights from the Asian Art department include a group of Chinese monochrome glazed ceramic bowls and vases from Song and Yuan dynasties, and Chinese export underglaze blue items from the Ca Mau shipwreck acquired from Sotheby’s Amsterdam in 2007.

Additionally, there will be a selection of Japanese works of art, such as two Edo era tanto daggers and various Meiji period metalwork vases.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Furniture & Decorative Arts department will offer a collection for the discerning connoisseur, including 18th and 19th century furniture and rugs, such as a Francoise Linke table, a collection of Regency Chinoiserie furniture and a Palace Kashan carpet.

Russian bronze sculptures and decorative arts, including Czarist examples and Grachev Bros enameled flatware, will also be up for auction. In addition, there will be a group of modern and contemporary pottery and art glass, and a selection of cameras and lenses available.

Fine Jewelry & Timepieces

The Fine Jewelry & Timepiece department is excited to offer a selection of diamonds, colored gemstone gold jewelry, and timepieces in their upcoming October 13th sale. This sale features a variety of wardrobe staples to build up the foundation of your jewelry collection at accessible price points. To be featured in the sale are a nice selection of diamond jewelry, including a diamond and 14k white gold tennis bracelet, estimated at $4,500–$5,500, and a colorful gem-set 18k gold bracelet, estimated at $3,500–$4,500.

Other wearable pieces that will highlight your everyday life include items such as a diamond and 18k bi-color gold starburst pendant brooch, estimated $1,200–$1,800. This brooch is complemented by classic timepieces, including a Rolex two-tone Oyster Perpetual lady’s wristwatch, estimated at $2,000–$3,000.

Fine Art

This month the Fine Art department is pleased to feature a number of works by contemporary and early California artists, including an oil on canvas painting by painter George Demont Otis. Otis first came to California in 1924, where he worked as a scene designer for Metro-Goldwyn Mayer (MGM). He later moved to San Francisco and eventually settled in Marin County. He is known for landscapes of central and Northern California scenes, often depicting eucalyptus trees and rolling hills. In the featured painting this month, titled Marin Redwoods, he depicts a grove of the California state trees with sunlight peeking in through the canopy.

Another highlight this October is a large print by funk artist William T. Wiley. Wiley began his artistic studies at the California School of Fine Arts (now the San Francisco Art Institute), and later taught at U.C. Davis alongside artists Roy DeForest and Robert Arneson. Wiley’s work has been the subject of major exhibitions, including showings at the 1980 Venice Biennial, the de Young Museum, and a retrospective at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. The monumental woodcut print featured this month, titled Mr. Bones, features hand coloring by the artist. The piece demonstrates Wiley’s eclectic visual style, including sketchy, movement-heavy lines and text interspersed throughout, with a humorous, surrealist-inspired subject. Also to be featured this month are an important print by Roberto Matta, paintings by Guy Anderson and Arthur Grover Rider, sculptures by Squeak Carnwath, and much more.

Clars is now seeking consignments for our upcoming Luxury Jewels & Timepieces Auction on November 16th. Schedule a private appointment with one of our Jewelry specialists and learn what your property is worth.

The market for signed and antique jewelry, as well as precious colored gemstones and timepieces is very strong. Schedule your private and confidential appointment now to speak to one of our Specialists to determine your jewelry’s auction potential.

Clars is excited to present The Collectors Auction on September 15th. This spectacular collection is overflowing with an impressive variety of art, jewelry, and furniture.

Asian Art

Asian Art will feature various distinguished private collections of Chinese, Himalayan, South Indian, and Southeast Asian religious works of art. One of the highlights is a Chinese Daoist painting of various religious figures.

Also, to be presented in this auction is an extensive collection of Chinese mixed metal ink boxes, silver accessories, and miniature decorative objects.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Furniture & Decorative Arts portion of the sale will be offering an extensive selection of fine objects, including contemporary furniture from an exclusive St. Helena winery, antique furniture and decorative arts from the 17th through 20th centuries, American carousel animals from Gustav Dentzel, Native American blankets and beadwork, and Indian and Middle Eastern decorative arts.

Fine Jewelry & Timepieces

The Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department is excited to offer a selection of diamond, colored gemstone and gold jewelry, in their upcoming September 15th sale. This sale features a variety of wardrobe staples to build up the foundation of your jewelry collection at accessible price points. To be featured in the sale are a nice selection of diamond jewelry, including a diamond and 14k white gold band, estimated at $1,200–$1,800, and a pair of diamond stud earrings, estimated at $1,200–$1,800.

The sale will also include a colorful gemstone selection, including a tanzanite, diamond and silver necklace, estimated at $2,000–$3,000, and a pair of emerald, diamond and platinum-topped 18k gold ear clips, estimated at $1,000–$1,500.

Other wearable pieces that will highlight your everyday life include items from makers Seaman Schepps, in a gem-set and 18k gold, ‘Chessman,’ brooch, estimated at $1,500–$2,500, and an enamel and 18k gold bracelet, by Buccellati, estimated at $10,000–$15,000.

Fine Art

This September at Clars we are excited to offer an original print by French-American naturalist, John James Audubon. Audubon is well known for his illustrations of the birds of North America. The featured engraving is titled Canvas Backed Ducks and dates to 1836.

Also included in our sale are an oil on canvas painting by Thomas Virgil Troyon Hill Jr., depicting California’s Yosemite Valley, and a still-life oil on canvas painting by Luigi Lucioni.

Clars is thrilled to host our Summer Fine Jewelry and Timepieces Auction on Thursday, August 10th, beginning at 1 PM PDT. The sale includes a fine selection of colored diamonds, diamonds, colored gemstones, antique and signed jewelry, and timepieces.

The sale is highlighted by important colored diamonds and diamonds, including a 4.00 carat fancy yellow, internally flawless diamond, diamond, and 14k white gold ring, estimated at $50,000–$70,000; a pair of fancy intense yellow diamond, diamond, and 14k white gold earrings, estimated at $20,000–$40,000; a diamond and 18k white gold bracelet, estimated at $8,000–$12,000; a pair of diamond and 14k gold earrings, estimated at $2,000–$4,000; and a 2.47 carats diamond and 14k gold ring, estimated at $4,000–$6,000.

The sale will also feature a selection of exceptional colored gemstones, including a pair of Burma ruby and diamond earrings, estimated at $6,000–$8,000; a Burma ruby, diamond, and gold pendant necklace, estimated at $5,000–$7,000; and a very rare natural pearl, diamond, and platinum necklace, estimated at $6,000–$8,000.

Tiffany & Co. will be represented in a coral, diamond, and 18k gold brooch pendant, designed by Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., France, estimated at $1,000–$1,500; and a ruby, diamond, and 14k brooch and earrings suite, Tiffany & Co., estimated at $1,500–$2,500.

Also featured in this sale will be an antique Mughal diamond, enamel, gem-set, and high karat gold bracelet, estimated at $4,000–$6,000; and a diamond, cultured pearl, and platinum bracelet, estimated at $3,000–$5,000.

Clars’ July 14th and 15th auctions will offer an important collection of ethnographic art, ancient Chinese pottery, abstract paintings from artists such as Herb Jackson and James Franco, and beautiful diamond, colored gemstone and gold jewelry that is perfect for any Summer event.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The sale will be led by a major and important collection of ethnographic art from Vanna and N. Lee Lacy (Palm Springs, California). Mr. Lacy was a prominent Hollywood producer of films, creative golden-era TV series, and iconic commercials. His collecting has spanned six decades. Highlights include a Bakota reliquary, Gabon, estimated at $15,000–$20,000, and an Olmec figure of a baby, valued at $12,000–$18,000.

In addition to the ethnographic collection, the sale with feature a fine selection of sterling silver and objects of vertu, including a Cartier 14k gold cigarette case, estimated at $6,000–$9,000. There will also be an array of traditional decorative arts on offer, including a large collection of samplers, an English bracket clock, and a Swiss orchestral music box, among other items.

Asian Art

The Asian Art department will feature a curated group of ancient Chinese pottery and bronze objects from a Palm Springs, CA collection. Leading the group is a finely cast bronze tripod ding ritual vessel, with original lid dated to the Han dynasty. Another noteworthy item from the Han dynasty is an elegant pottery goose-form bottle vase, which still retains some of its original hand painted pigments. Rounding out the collection are two painted pottery jars from the Neolithic period. Both have classic geometric designs and are still in remarkably good condition.

Fine Art

This July at Clars, we are pleased to offer an acrylic on canvas painting by American artist, Herb Jackson. Known for abstract and non-objective paintings, Jackson’s colorful compositions are in collections throughout the world, including in the Brooklyn Museum in New York and the British Museum in London. The work up for auction this month, titled Ancient Cycles, features bright earth tones and has a heavily textured appearance. This piece by Herb Jackson is estimated at $8,000–$12,000.

Also to be featured in the July sale is a bronze sculpture by contemporary French artist, Christophe Charbonnel. Titled Homme à la Pierre, this statue depicts a male figure modeled in a style influenced by antique Greek and Roman sculpture. Charbonnel’s figures often echo Classical statuary but are modernized with heavily textured elements and a degree of abstraction alongside emotive expressions on each sculpted face. The bronze in this month’s sale is estimated at $5,000–$7,000.

Lastly, we present an acrylic on canvas painting by well-known American actor and artist, James Franco. Franco’s artwork appears to be influenced by street art and urban scenery, while also paying homage to Neo-Expressionist artists, like Jean-Michel Basquiat, with bright colors and an energetic feel. The painting will be offered at $4,000–$6,000.

Fine Jewelry & Timepieces

The Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department is excited to offer a selection of diamond, colored gemstone, and gold jewelry in their upcoming July 14th sale. This sale features a variety of wardrobe staples to build up the foundation of your jewelry collection at accessible price points. To be featured in the sale are a nice selection of diamond jewelry in time for bridal season, including a pair of diamond and eighteen karat gold stud earrings, estimated at $1,000–$1,500, and a diamond and fourteen karat white gold bracelet, estimated at $3,000–$5,000.

The sale will also include a colorful gemstone selection, including a pair of coral, diamond, and fourteen karat gold earrings, estimated at $3,500–$4,500; a ruby, diamond, and fourteen karat white gold pendant necklace, estimated at $2,500–$3,500; and an emerald, diamond, and eighteen karat white gold bypass ring, estimated at $2,000–$4,000.

Other wearable pieces that will highlight your everyday life include a David Yurman diamond and sterling silver bracelet, estimated at $500–$700, and a John Hardy sterling silver and eighteen karat gold necklace and ear clips suite, estimated at $400–$600.

Clars’ Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department had a successful year, offering beautiful diamond, colored gemstone, gold and signed jewelry and timepieces spanning antique to contemporary. The sales included essential everyday luxury as well as fine and important jewelry and timepieces.

Spring Highlights

The Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department’s crowning lot of 2022 was a Rolex Daytona chronograph wristwatch, which realized $75,000 at the Spring Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Sale. The Rolex Daytona timepiece was designed to meet the needs of racecar drivers, allowing them to gauge average speed and track elapsed time.

The February Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Auction was headlined by a diamond and eighteen karat white gold strap bracelet — an unforgettable Valentine’s Day gift — which sold for $37,500.

Summer Highlights

Ruby and gold statement necklaces proved to be popular jewelry staples for clients in Clars’ Summer auctions.

Highlights that stood out include a ruby and twenty-two karat gold necklace, which sold for $5,312.50, and a Southeast Asian ruby and high karat gold necklace, which sold for $9,375.

Fall Highlights

A striking blue moonstone and diamond earring and necklace suite realized $8,268.75 in the September auction. Both pieces are comprised of oval cabochon blue moonstones accented by single-cut diamonds.

Clars’ Fine Collectors Auction in November showcased numerous beautiful jewelry lots. One highlight that stood out in particular was a Burle Marx opal and eighteen karat gold brooch, which sold for $4,687.50.

Winter Highlights

Clars’ Winter Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Auction rounded out the 2022 year with numerous noteworthy sales. Favorites of the sale include a diamond and white gold brooch and diamond ear clips by Van Cleef & Arpels.

Since its inception, nature has been a source of inspiration for Van Cleef & Arpels’ creations. In particular, floral motifs have been seen again and again in their pieces.

Another highlight of the Winter Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Auction was a stunning diamond ring designed as a round brilliant-cut diamond, which sold for $46,875.

For almost two centuries, Tiffany & Co. has been at the forefront of innovation and exquisite craftsmanship in designer jewelry — setting the standard for American luxury.

Although it originally opened in 1837 as a stationary and fancy goods store in New York City, Tiffany & Co. was clearly destined for more. Founder, Charles Lewis Tiffany, also known as the “King of Diamonds,” spearheaded the discovery and exploration of rare gemstones — going as far as to introduce the world to never-before-seen gemstones along with his Tiffany gemologists.

For example, Dr. George Frederick Kunz, a Tiffany gemologist, discovered the new specimens of kunzite in 1902 and morganite in 1910. Following this tradition of discovery, the Tiffany team founded both tanzanite and tsavorite, bringing them to the public eye in 1968 and 1974, respectively.

The story of Van Cleef & Arpels is one of precious love, all starting with the marriage of Estelle Arpels, daughter of a precious stones dealer, and Alfred Van Cleef, son of a lapidary.

What made the married couple so successful was their shared values of innovation, family life and passion for precious stones. In 1906, with the union of their two names, the Maison of Van Cleef & Arpels was established. In 1926, their daughter, Renée Puissant, became Artistic Director of the Maison. Her imaginative and distinct style paved the way for Van Cleef & Arpels to create unique pieces that are timeless to this day.

Since its inception, nature has been a source of inspiration for the Maison’s creations. In particular, floral motifs have been seen again and again in their pieces. This stylistic tradition dates back to the all-diamond clips of the 1920s and continues to appear in their contemporary jewelry pieces.