Following the Important Fine Art session, the May Gallery Auction continues with a diverse and compelling selection across multiple collecting categories.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

Furniture & Decorative Arts offerings include a Bernhard Rhone for Mastercraft low table, estimated at $500–$700; a fine French Régence ormolu-mounted commode, estimated at $3,000–$5,000; a French Neoclassical polychrome and parcel-gilt console table, estimated at $1,000–$2,000; and a Stickley Audi bow arm Morris chair with ottoman, estimated at $1,200–$1,800.

Fine Jewelry & Watches

The Fine Jewelry section features an antique turquoise and 15k gold necklace and earring suite, estimated at $4,000–$8,000, alongside distinctive antique brooches including lava stone and gemstone snake examples.

Asian Art

Asian Works of Art highlights include a Chinese blue and white ‘qilin’ charger from the Transitional period, estimated at $3,000–$5,000; a famille rose ‘hundred bats’ charger bearing a Guangxu mark, estimated at $2,000–$4,000; and an 18th-century huanghuali chest, estimated at $4,000–$6,000.

The Warehouse Auction: May 16th

The series concludes on Saturday, May 16th with The Warehouse Auction, an eclectic and accessible sale offering decorative arts, furnishings, collectibles, and estate material. Known for its breadth and opportunity, this auction provides bidders with the chance to discover unique pieces and exceptional value across numerous collecting categories.

Clars Auctions is proud to present its May 15th Gallery Auction, distinguished by a commanding Important Fine Art section that will lead the sale.

This premier opening segment brings together an exceptional and thoughtfully curated group of works spanning American, European, and contemporary art, now further enriched by the inclusion of works by Fernando C. Amorsolo — one of the most celebrated figures in Philippine art — underscoring Clars’ continued strength in presenting high-caliber, globally significant fine art to the market.

A major highlight of the sale is La Lavandera (1937) by Fernando Amorsolo (Filipino, 1892–1972), an exceptional oil on board measuring 13 x 17 inches, estimated at $80,000–$120,000. Exemplifying Amorsolo’s masterful handling of light and his iconic depictions of rural Philippine life, this work stands as a rare and significant offering within the auction’s international fine art selection.

Also among the highlights is Xenia Hausner’s monumental Death Maiden (1999), estimated at $50,000–$70,000, a striking acrylic on fiberboard with provenance to Forum Gallery, New York, and a San Francisco private collection. In addition to its artistic significance, proceeds from this work will benefit Access Institute for Psychological Services, a nonprofit dedicated to providing critical mental health care to underserved communities.

Further reinforcing the strength of the Important Fine Art section are standout works such as An Old Street in Taos by Joseph Henry Sharp, estimated at $40,000–$60,000; and a rare four panel Monterey Cypress mural by Chiura Obata, estimated at $15,000–$25,000.

Collectors will also find notable examples by Julian Alden Weir, Leon Dabo, and Eustace Paul Ziegler, alongside important modern and contemporary voices including Christopher Brown, Bruce Nauman, and Gregory Crewdson.

The depth of the fine art offering continues with works connected to Pablo Picasso, including a ceramic Chouette aux Taches (1951), an etching from La Suite Vollard, and a tapestry after Jacqueline.

Significant California and American artists are well represented, with works by Granville Redmond, Maynard Dixon, Edward Potthast, and Wayne Thiebaud. Additional highlights include a bronze relief by Ruth Asawa, a sculptural work by Anne and Patrick Poirier, and contemporary pieces by Ben Quinn and Marcel Dzama — further demonstrating the breadth and quality of this leading section.

Clars will present a two-day auction series beginning with the Gallery Auction on Friday, April 17th, followed by the Warehouse Auction on Saturday, April 18th. The upcoming sales bring together a curated selection of fine art, Asian works of art, jewelry, and decorative design, offering collectors access to a wide range of significant works spanning international markets and periods.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Furniture & Decorative Arts category features significant examples of studio furniture and refined European-inspired design. An Arthur Espenet Carpenter double music stand, estimated at $2,000–$4,000, demonstrates the designer’s sculptural approach to utilitarian objects. Also included is a Rose Tarlow chinoiserie lacquer coffee table estimated at $3,000–$5,000, blending traditional Asian-inspired motifs with contemporary luxury design.

Additional highlights include a Reed & Barton sterling silver flatware service in the “Francis I” pattern estimated at $15,000–$20,000, a large Neoclassical style giltwood pier mirror estimated at $1,500–$2,500, and a Florentine scagliola table top by Emilio Martelli estimated at $3,000–$5,000, showcasing decorative techniques rooted in European craftsmanship traditions.

Fine Art

The Fine Art department presents a strong group of American and international modern works, led by William Wendt’s Untitled (Laguna Hills), 1912, estimated at $10,000–$15,000. This piece is a plein air composition capturing Southern California’s rolling terrain with Wendt’s characteristic tonal structure and impressionist influence.

Aubrey Beardsley’s The Toilet, circa 1895, estimated at $6,000–$9,000, exemplifies the artist’s highly stylized Art Nouveau line work and includes provenance from the Joan and Lester Avnet Collection. Dr. Atl’s Volcano, estimated at $3,000–$5,000, reflects the artist’s dramatic engagement with natural forces through expressive charcoal technique.

Additional works include Victor Higgins’ Untitled (Near Taos) estimated at $10,000–$15,000, Granville Redmond’s Untitled (After the Storm) estimated at $4,000–$6,000, and Percy Gray’s View of Mount Tamalpais estimated at $3,000–$5,000, each contributing to a broader narrative of early 20th-century landscape and tonal modernism.

Fine Jewelry & Watches

The Fine Jewelry & Watches selection is led by a commanding Jadeite, diamond, ruby, and 18k gold dragon pendant, estimated at $10,000–$15,000, exemplifying traditional symbolic motifs rendered in high-carat gold and vibrant gemstones. Jadeite continues to be a strong category within the sale, represented by a bead necklace estimated at $3,500–$5,500 with evenly matched stones and elegant gold accents, a pendant estimated at $800–$1,200 highlighting minimalist design and natural translucency, and a bracelet estimated at $1,000–$1,500 featuring polished jadeite elements set in 14k gold.

The horology selection includes a Hublot Classic Fusion 77e Bol D’or Mirabaud edition #01/77 in 18k rose gold and enamel, estimated at $6,000–$10,000. It’s notable for its limited production and commemorative racing inspiration. To be offered alongside is an Audemars Piguet ladies 18k gold watch #01/02 estimated at $7,000–$10,000, reflecting refined Swiss craftsmanship and collectible rarity.

Asian Art

The Asian Works of Art category is anchored by finely executed Chinese porcelain and Japanese printmaking. Highlights include a blue and white figural rouleau vase estimated at $2,000–$4,000, notable for its detailed narrative figural decoration and classical form, and a blue and white and celadon ground “horse” vase estimated at $3,000–$5,000, distinguished by its striking contrast between cobalt motifs and soft celadon glazing.

Also featured is Kawase Hasui’s Morning at Tsutanuma Pond, estimated at $2,000– $4,000, a serene woodblock print reflecting Hasui’s mastery of light and atmospheric landscape within the Shin-hanga tradition. Additional highlights include a finely embroidered Chinese silk “Shaoulao and Magu” panel estimated at $2,000–$4,000 which depicts auspicious Daoist figures associated with longevity, and a Japanese cloisonné enamel “carp” plaque estimated at $600–$900 — a decorative work symbolizing perseverance and good fortune.

The Warehouse Auction: April 18th

On Saturday, April 18th, Clars Auctions will host its Warehouse Auction, presenting a broad and eclectic selection of property offered at accessible price points. The sale features a wide range of categories, including art, prints, photographs, modern and antique furniture, silver, porcelain, glass, fashion, and an array of decorative objects.

The Asian Art section offers Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, and folding screens, while the jewelry selection includes an appealing assortment of affordable diamond and silver necklaces. The auction is further complemented by a diverse offering of modern and antique furniture, home décor, and collectible toys, making the Warehouse Auction an inviting opportunity for collectors of all levels to discover distinctive and meaningful pieces.

The March Gallery Auction on March 20th, beginning at 9:30 AM will offer a dynamic selection that spans Asian works of art, fine art, furniture, and decorative arts.

Fine Art

The Fine Art section offers an eclectic and compelling selection spanning multiple periods and styles. Among the standout highlights is a set of twelve works on board by California-born multimedia artist Lita Albuquerque (b. 1941). Composed of gold leaf and pigment, the panels are installed in two vertical columns that create a striking sense of movement and spatial rhythm. Albuquerque is widely recognized for her large-scale environmental installations in locations such as the South Dakota Badlands and Death Valley, often incorporating the same deep indigo pigment seen in this untitled wall sculpture. The work is estimated at $15,000–$20,000.

Also featured is an original 1909 Little Nemo in Slumberland comic panel by Winsor McCay (American, 1866–1934). McCay achieved prominence as a cartoonist for the New York Herald in the early twentieth century, where he created the beloved comic strips Little Sammy Sneeze and the iconic Little Nemo in Slumberland, chronicling the fantastical dreams of a young boy. This early panel includes Nemo alongside recurring characters Flip and Doctor Pill and is estimated at $5,000–$7,000.

Additional offerings include works by Margaret Keane, Allen Dean Cochran, Fletcher Benton, Dennis Hare, and other notable artists.

Asian Art

The Asian Art department will present notable Chinese works from a Carmel estate, led by an elegant 18th-century huanghuali kang table admired for its refined proportions and beautifully figured hardwood. A five-piece cloisonné enamel altar service from the Republic period will also be featured, showcasing vibrant enamels and traditional craftsmanship.

Additional highlights include two famille rose landscape porcelain plaques attributed to Republic-period artists Wang Yeting and Zhang Zhitang, as well as a finely carved huali rosewood ‘dragon’ floor screen exemplifying the sophistication and artistry of Chinese decorative traditions.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Furniture & Decorative Arts selections further enhance the breadth of the sale. Highlights include a Rob Tribble hand-blown glass vase and a collection of Stan Bitter for Hans Sumpf stoneware pottery, with estimates ranging from $400 to $3,000. Silver offerings include a Mexican sterling platter by Alfredo Ortega & Sons, a Mexican sterling bowl by Zunita (Platería Zunita), and an impressive pair of Gorham Martele silver lamps. Together, these works reflect a rich diversity of craftsmanship, design, and artistic expression across cultures and eras.

The Warehouse Auction: March 21st

The March auction series concludes on Saturday, March 21st with The Warehouse Auction, an eclectic and accessible sale offering decorative arts, furnishings, collectibles, and estate material. Known for its breadth and opportunity, this auction provides bidders with the chance to discover unique pieces and exceptional value across numerous collecting categories.

Property of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco to Benefit the Acquisition Fund of the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts will be offered at Clars Auctions on March 19th, 10 AM PDT. This exceptional offering includes more than 170 works on paper spanning the 1860s through the 1980s.

Clars Auctions is honored to have been selected by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco to present this distinguished group of works at auction. The relationship between Clars and the Museums is rooted in a shared commitment to connoisseurship, stewardship, and public trust. As one of the West Coast’s leading full-service auction houses, Clars brings decades of expertise in handling significant institutional property and in connecting important works of art with discerning collectors.

Being entrusted with property that benefits the Acquisition Fund of the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts underscores Clars’ reputation for scholarship, market leadership, and integrity. Proceeds from the March 19th auction will directly support future acquisitions, strengthening the Foundation’s ability to expand and preserve its renowned collection of works on paper for generations to come.

“This sale represents a meaningful collaboration between our institution and one of the country’s most respected museums,” said Rick Unruh, CEO and President of Clars Auctions.

“We are proud to play a role in furthering the Achenbach Foundation’s mission while offering collectors an extraordinary opportunity to own works that embody the rich artistic legacy of California.”

Providing a compelling glimpse into San Francisco’s cultural and civic history, the collection features rare 19th-century portraiture depicting prominent politicians, influential businessmen, and notable figures of the Old California era. Historically significant Northern California landscapes, seascapes, and early San Francisco street scenes will also be presented.

Collectors of modern and contemporary art will find works by important late 20th-century West Coast artists, including Ed Ruscha, Nathan Oliveira, William T. Wiley, Robert Bechtle, and Beth Van Hoesen.

The auction will take place live on Thursday, March 19th, with bidding available in person, by phone, absentee, and online.

On March 19th at 2 PM PDT, Clars Auctions presents Antique Diamonds: A Collector’s Auction, led by an exceptional Art Deco platinum ring set with a 4.92-carat F color, VS2 clarity cut-cornered square step-cut diamond.

The center stone is framed by 26 single-cut diamonds and delicate etched scrollwork, with an estimated total diamond weight of 5.20 carats and a gross weight of 4.85 grams — an elegant example of refined craftsmanship and design.

The sale also includes select Property from San Francisco Opera and a curated selection of antique and vintage jewelry. Highlights span the Georgian, Victorian, Art Deco, and Retro periods, featuring diamond solitaires, colored gemstone jewels, and finely crafted gold pieces that reflect the distinctive character of their eras.

Among the standout pieces is a dramatic Facadoro diamond and 18k gold opera-length necklace, notable for its scale and sophistication. From important antique diamonds to distinctive twentieth-century designs, this March auction offers collectors and new buyers alike the opportunity to acquire rare jewelry defined by quality, presence, and enduring appeal.

The February 20th Gallery Auction will present an accessible and diverse selection of furniture and decorative arts, jewelry, and fine art for both seasoned and emerging collectors.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The sale includes property from the Estate of Emily Taylor Andrews and Adolphus “Dolph” Andrews Jr., prominent figures in San Francisco’s cultural and social life. Descendants of California pioneers and members of a distinguished local family, the Andrews exemplified a tradition of stewardship, philanthropy, and connoisseurship, including service as trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.

Highlights from the estate include a Continental hand-colored print diorama; a set of eight 18th century Staffordshire pottery stirrup cups; an English 19th-century silver-mounted coconut cup; an Asprey & Co. 18k gold-mounted bloodstone bowl; a refined 19th-century French vermeil and banded agate desk set; and an important 18th-century Russian icon depicting the Resurrection of Christ and the Descent into Hell.

Additional offerings from the Andrews estate include objets de vertu, militaria such as a Civil War infantry drum, fine textiles ranging from 17th-century Baroque to Art Deco, and luxury luggage by Louis Vuitton and Fortnum & Mason.

Further highlights of the Gallery Auction include a Tiffany Studios Acorn lamp, an extensive collection of sterling silver including examples by Tiffany & Co., modern and contemporary furniture and decorative arts, and a wide range of American, English, and Continental antiques.

Fine Jewelry & Watches

In addition, the jewelry section of the Gallery Auction will be offering jade pendants and Bangles — featuring lavender jade and ice jade examples — with estimates ranging from $600 to $2,000.

The Warehouse Auction: February 21st

On Saturday, February 21st, Clars Auctions will host its Warehouse Auction, presenting a broad and eclectic selection of property offered at accessible price points. The sale features a wide range of categories, including art, prints, photographs, modern and antique furniture, silver, porcelain, glass, fashion, and an array of decorative objects.

The Asian Art section offers Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, and folding screens, while the jewelry selection includes an appealing assortment of affordable diamond and silver necklaces. The auction is further complemented by a diverse offering of modern and antique furniture, home décor, and collectible toys, making the Warehouse Auction an inviting opportunity for collectors of all levels to discover distinctive and meaningful pieces.

The Asian Works of Art Auction, featuring a curated selection of Chinese and Japanese works, will take place at Clars Auctions on February 19th, 2PM PST.

Highlights include an elegant 18th-century Japanese Kakiemon lidded potpourri vase estimated at $4,000–$6,000, and a Chinese Ming dynasty bronze seated figure of Guanyin estimated at $2,000–$4,000.

The auction also presents an important private San Francisco collection of Chinese ceramics and bronze sculptures spanning the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Notable works include Ming dynasty Buddhist bronze figures of Guanyin and Akshobhya Buddha, a Wanli mark and period blue-and white ‘dragon’ box, a late Ming dynasty Dehua figure of Wenchang, and a rare Chinese ceremonial jade axe blade dating to the Western Zhou dynasty.

Clars Auctions is pleased to announce highlights of its Important Fine Art Auction taking place on February 19th, featuring a dynamic selection of postwar, modern, and contemporary works alongside important American prints.

Highlights include a monumental mixed-media canvas by Abstract Expressionist Conrad Marca- Relli, Untitled (circa 1970s), estimated at $15,000–$20,000; Richard Diebenkorn’s vibrant aquatint with drypoint, Folsom Street Variations III (Primaries) (1986), estimated at $12,000–$18,000; and Richard Pettibone’s incisive Pop Art reinterpretation, Andy Warhol Brillo Box (1964) (1967), also estimated at $12,000–$18,000. Additional highlights include California Impressionist works by Granville Redmond and Charles P. Reiffel, as well as notable works by Ellsworth Kelly, Victor Vasarely, Edward S. Curtis, Anthony Quinn, and John James Audubon. Together, these works underscore the breadth and quality of the auction, offering collectors opportunities across multiple movements, media, and price points.

Featured in the auction is Richard Pettibone (American, 1938–2024), a pivotal conceptual Pop artist known for re-creating iconic works of his contemporaries in miniature. Drawing from the Dada tradition of Marcel Duchamp, Pettibone appropriated widely recognized images — such as Andy Warhol’s Marilyn screenprints and Roy Lichtenstein’s comic-strip paintings — in works he described as both homage and critique. His Andy Warhol Brillo Box (1964), created in 1967 after Warhol’s famed facsimile boxes, exemplifies Pettibone’s recursive approach to mass-produced imagery, raising enduring questions about authorship, value, and consumer culture in postwar American art.

Another major focus of the auction is an extensive group of paintings by Margaret Keane (American, 1927–2022), spanning the early 1960s. Keane is internationally renowned for her iconic depictions of wide-eyed figures and for her remarkable personal and artistic story. During her marriage, her former husband Walter Keane falsely claimed authorship of her work, a claim later disproven in a landmark courtroom “paint-off” following their divorce. Keane was ultimately recognized as the true creator of the famed “Big Eyes” paintings. Her influence extends across fine art and popular culture, and her life inspired the 2014 film Big Eyes, directed by Tim Burton and starring Amy Adams. Four paintings by Keane are offered in the February auction, with estimates ranging from $6,000–$9,000 to $10,000–$15,000.

As we reflect on an extraordinary year at Clars Auctions, we are delighted to share highlights from our 2025 season — a year defined by exceptional works, strong bidding across categories, and continued confidence from our global community of collectors.

We are especially pleased to report that Clars Auctions closed the fiscal year up 11%, a meaningful achievement that reflects both the strength of the market and the trust our clients place in us. We are deeply grateful for your participation and support, which made this success possible.

Fine Art

Fine Art led the year with outstanding performances by internationally celebrated artists. Our Modern + Contemporary Fine Art auctions achieved particularly strong results, including Marc Chagall’s Le dimanche (Sunday) (circa 1939), which realized $277,200, followed closely by L’Hiver: Procession de Noël – Les Quatre Saisons (1974) at $220,500. Another major highlight was Raimonds Staprans’ The Mid Summer Drop-Leaf Table (1993), which sold for $189,000, underscoring continued demand for postwar and contemporary masters.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

Furniture & Decorative Arts also enjoyed a banner year, with exceptional objects achieving impressive prices. Leading the category was a rare D’Angelico New York “New Yorker” Guitar, which brought $48,000, followed by an impressive pair of Sèvres-style porcelain gilt bronze mounted covered urns, selling for $44,100. A Larson Brothers Prairie State guitar rounded out the top results at $40,950, reflecting sustained collector enthusiasm for fine craftsmanship and design.

Fine Jewelry & Watches

In Jewelry, standout jewels and signed pieces commanded strong interest throughout the year. The top result was a spectacular Colombian emerald, seed pearl, diamond, and 18k gold necklace, which achieved $59,850. A diamond and platinum solitaire ring followed at $40,950, while a Tiffany & Co. Belle Époque natural saltwater pearl and diamond brooch realized $21,420, highlighting the enduring appeal of exceptional gemstones and historic design.

Asian Art

Asian Art proved to be another area of strength in 2025. Leading the category was a rare Chinese yellow-ground blue and white handled vase, which sold for $72,450. A lot of 10 Chinese famille rose bowls achieved $39,300, and a striking set of twelve Chinese 24k gold zodiac animal figures realized $37,800, reflecting continued international demand for fine Asian works of art.

A particularly noteworthy moment of the year was the presentation of Property from the Estate of Senator Dianne Feinstein, a landmark collection that drew worldwide attention to Clars Auctions. The sale generated strong national and international interest, affirming Clars’ expertise in stewarding historically significant estates and presenting them to a global audience with care, scholarship, and distinction.

As we look ahead to 2026, we are excited to continue bringing exceptional property to market and to building on the momentum of this past year. We look forward to welcoming you to our upcoming auctions and to sharing many more successes together. On behalf of the entire team at Clars Auctions, we thank you for being part of our journey and wish you a joyful, healthy, and prosperous New Year.