Clars Auctions is pleased to present its three-day August auction series, beginning with the Gallery Auction on Friday, August 14th, followed by The Warehouse Auction on Saturday, August 15th, and concluding with the Clars Wine Cellar Auction on Monday, August 17th. Together, the three sales offer collectors an opportunity to acquire fine art, antiques, jewelry, decorative arts, Asian works of art, and wine from distinguished estates and private collections.

Fine Art

The August 14th Gallery Auction showcases an impressive selection of Fine Art led by notable American painters whose works celebrate both California and the American landscape. Leading the category is William Lewis Marple’s Rutherford Hill, a sweeping California landscape, estimated at $6,000–$9,000, alongside Porfirio Salinas’ Texas Autumn, estimated at $5,000–$7,000.

Also featured is Mary DeNeale Morgan’s rare circa 1925 View of Oakland Skyline, estimated at $3,000–$5,000, as well as Edwin Deakin’s atmospheric Sierra Nevada landscape, also estimated at $3,000–$5,000. The sale further includes Roger Herman’s Flugel (1978), estimated at $2,000–$4,000; Erté’s signed and editioned bronze bowl Trois Femmes, estimated at $2,000–$4,000; and a signed Salvador Dalí Symbols portfolio, estimated at $2,000–$4,000, reflecting the auction’s broad appeal to both traditional and modern collectors.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Furniture & Decorative Arts department presents an equally compelling offering anchored by a monumental palace-size Persian Kirman carpet. Additional highlights include an Art Deco sterling silver four-piece tea and coffee service, estimated at $4,000–$6,000; an Egyptian Revival ibis stool, estimated at $1,200–$1,500; and an intricate Italian micromosaic paperweight, estimated at $600–$800, offering collectors an exceptional range of decorative objects spanning multiple periods and styles.

Fine Jewelry & Watches

Jewelry enthusiasts will discover a carefully curated selection of estate and designer pieces featuring exceptional gemstones, enameling, and fine goldwork. Highlights include a diamond, green enamel, and 18k gold bangle, estimated at $3,500–$4,500; an Alexander Marchak Paris turquoise, ruby, diamond, cultured pearl, and 18k gold brooch, estimated at $4,000–$6,000; a Boris Le Beau coral, diamond, jade, and 18k gold figural brooch, estimated at $3,000–$5,000; a pair of Gaston Lebo blue enamel, rock crystal, and 18k gold ear clips, estimated at $1,500–$2,500; and an Indian multi-color sapphire and fabric necklace, estimated at $2,000–$4,000.

Asian Art

Asian Works of Art will offer collectors an exceptional group of jade carvings and decorative works highlighted by a Chinese green jadeite “three abundance” pendant, estimated at $15,000–$20,000. Additional highlights include a Chinese white jade and spinach jade pendant necklace, estimated at $2,000–$4,000; a painting by contemporary Balinese artist Anak Agung Gde Anom Sukawati, estimated at $3,000–$5,000; and a Japanese six-panel folding screen, estimated at $2,000–$4,000, illustrating the diversity and enduring appeal of Asian artistic traditions.

The Warehouse Auction: August 15th

Following the Gallery Auction, Clars’ Warehouse Auction on Saturday, August 15th, presents an expansive offering of furniture, decorative arts, fine art, jewelry, and collectibles from estates and consignments throughout the region. Known for its wide-ranging selection and accessible price points, the Warehouse Auction continues to attract seasoned collectors, decorators, and first-time buyers alike in search of distinctive and unexpected finds.

Clars Wine Cellar Auction: August 17th

The August auction series concludes on Monday, August 17th, with the Clars Wine Cellar Auction, featuring a selection of nearly 70 lots from a distinguished single-owner cellar. The sale is highlighted by wines from Peter Michael, Kamen, Chateau Montelena, Kistler, and Laparita, along with an exceptional selection of Cabernet Sauvignon from many of Sonoma and Napa Valley’s premier vintners. Offering opportunities for both seasoned collectors and enthusiasts, the auction presents an outstanding selection of fine and rare wines ideal for collecting, cellaring, and entertaining.

Clars is pleased to announce the upcoming two-day July auction series, featuring the Gallery Auction on Friday, July 17th, followed by the Warehouse Auction on Saturday, July 18th. Collectors, designers, dealers, and art enthusiasts will discover a thoughtfully curated selection of fine art, Asian art, furniture, decorative arts, jewelry, and estate property, offering opportunities across a wide range of collecting categories.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

Furniture & Decorative Arts highlights are led by a Herter Brothers armchair, one of only three commissioned for Thurlow Lodge, with an estimate of $8,000–$12,000. Renowned for furnishing many of America’s most prestigious Gilded Age interiors, Herter Brothers pieces remain among the most coveted examples of 19th-century American furniture.

The sale also features an impressive selection of decorative arts, including two Carlton Ware luster articles in the celebrated ‘Chinatown’ pattern, estimated at $400–$600, and two Carlton Ware pottery luster vases decorated with the ‘Magical Tree and Heron’ and ‘Tree and Cloud’ motifs, estimated at $800–$1,200.

Additional highlights include an English Rococo-style gold-mounted agate patch or pill box, estimated at $800–$1,200, and a large signed Baccarat opaline glass vase, estimated at $2,500–$3,500. Together, these pieces offer collectors exceptional examples of European decorative arts, fine craftsmanship, and timeless design.

Fine Art

Leading the Fine Art category is an exceptional carved wood relief by Mario Sanchez. Old Key West – Everything in Profusion is a vibrant oil on carved and painted wood relief that captures the colorful character and architectural charm of historic Key West. Signed and titled by the artist, the work is expected to realize $20,000–$40,000.

Additional Fine Art highlights include Henrietta Berk’s Green Valley Road, a richly colored oil on canvas signed and titled by the artist, estimated at $7,000–$10,000. Also featured is Charles Reiffel’s Untitled (Trees Along Water’s Edge with Buttes in the Distance), an atmospheric oil on canvas estimated at $6,000–$9,000.

Completing the category highlights is Ira Yeager’s Untitled (Snow Leopard), an expressive oil on canvas estimated at $3,000–$5,000. Together, these works represent a compelling selection of American art spanning Impressionist landscapes, California scenes, folk art, and contemporary wildlife painting.

Fine Jewelry & Watches

The Fine Jewelry & Watches department offers an elegant selection of jewelry and luxury watches, led by a Rolex 14k gold hidden watch bracelet, estimated at $4,000–$6,000. Combining the prestige of the Rolex name with the sophistication of a concealed bracelet watch design, this piece is expected to attract significant interest from both watch collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.

Additional highlights include a striking diamond and platinum ring, estimated at $2,000–$3,000, showcasing the enduring appeal of classic platinum-set diamonds. Also featured is an antique turquoise, blue diamond, 14k, and 18k gold pendant necklace, estimated at $700–$1,000, offering collectors a distinctive example of antique craftsmanship with vibrant gemstone accents. Together, these pieces present a refined cross-section of fine jewelry and luxury accessories, ranging from collectible watches to elegant diamond and gemstone designs.

Asian Art

The Asian Art department presents a refined collection of Japanese cloisonné enamels and Chinese textiles, highlighting the extraordinary craftsmanship of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Among the featured offerings is a Japanese cloisonné enamel carp vase by Ando Jubei, estimated at $3,000–$5,000, alongside a Japanese cloisonné enamel vase by Gonda Hirosuke, also estimated at $3,000–$5,000.

Additional highlights include a Japanese cloisonné enamel wisteria vase attributed to Hayashi Kodenji, estimated at $1,500–$2,500, a Japanese cloisonné vase estimated at $1,500–$2,500, and a Japanese cloisonné enamel sake pot in the style of Namikawa Yasuyuki, estimated at $2,000–$4,000.

Complementing these exceptional enamels is a Chinese blue-ground silk brocade dragon robe, estimated at $2,000–$4,000. This carefully selected group reflects the remarkable artistry and technical mastery that continue to make Japanese cloisonné and Chinese court textiles highly sought after by collectors worldwide.

The Warehouse Auction: July 18th

Following the Gallery Auction, the July 18th Warehouse Auction features hundreds of additional lots from estates and private collections.The sale includes furniture, decorative arts, fine art, collectibles, home furnishings, and unique discoveries across a wide range of price points, making it an ideal opportunity for both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers. Whether searching for antiques, interior furnishings, or one-of-a-kind estate finds, bidders will find an exciting array of opportunities throughout the sale.

Exploring Intimacy and Connection: Henrietta Berk’s Oil on Canvas Portrait of Phyllis Diebenkorn

In the illustrious realm of the Bay Area Figurative Movement, where artists sought to rekindle a connection with the human form, Henrietta Berk’s artistic prowess stood out as she delved into the intricacies of human emotion and intimacy. One of her most enigmatic works was an oil on canvas portrait of Phyllis Diebenkorn, the wife and muse of acclaimed artist Richard Diebenkorn. This captivating portrait not only immortalizes Phyllis but also offers a glimpse into the personal connections within the artistic community of the mid-20th century Bay Area.

In the 1950’s, the Bay Area Figurative Movement emerged as a reaction against the prevailing abstract expressionism. The movement emphasized figurative and representational art, and it sought to reconnect with the human form, exploring a more tangible and recognizable approach to artistic expression. Fueled by the desire to break away from abstract expressionism, artists like David Park, Wayne Thiebaud, Raimonds Staprans, James Weeks, and Richard Diebenkorn sought to reintroduce representational art — infusing it with an emotive and personal touch.

Henrietta Berk was an American painter known for her significant contributions to the Bay Area Figurative Movement. She was born in the San Francisco Bay Area and pursued her passion for art from an early age. Berk’s artistic journey was deeply intertwined with the movement and the artists who shaped it. She studied under the tutelage of Richard Diebenkorn at the California College of the Arts. She was a part of the “Bridge Generation” of the Bay Area Figurative movement, which included the artists: Nathan Oliveira, Theophilus Brown, Paul Wonner, and Frank Lobdell.

Phyllis Diebenkorn played an essential role in Richard’s life and work. As a muse and a pillar of support, she provided invaluable insight into Richard’s creative process. A frequent model in Richard’s work, she appears in many of his paintings and drawings. Through Berk’s lens, we get a glimpse of Phyllis as more than just a subject — her portrait reveals a woman of depth, grace, and secretive allure.

In Berk’s oil on canvas portrait of Phyllis, she captures an intimate and tender moment. The deft brushstrokes emphasize Phyllis’ ethereal presence. The interplay of light and shadow add a sense of mystery, inviting the viewer to delve deeper into the subject’s thoughts and emotions.

Berk’s portrait of Phyllis Diebenkorn not only serves as a testament to her artistic skill but also as a window into the lives of influential figures within the Bay Area Figurative Movement. The painting stands as a poignant reminder of the connection between art and personal relationships. Through this portrait, we are invited to explore the intimacy and emotions that underpin the relationships between artists and their muses, weaving a captivating tale of people who defined the Bay Area Figurative Movement.