Clars is excited to present The Maritime Sale — featuring the collection of Frank’s Fisherman, the estate of Meri Jaye and Playland at the Beach — on April 18th, our Furniture, Art, Jewelry & Asian Auction — featuring the Estate of Harvey Clar on April 19th, and our Warehouse Auction on April 20th.

The Maritime Sale

This April, Clars is hosting a Maritime Sale that will include a multitude of art and décor from celebrated nautical interior designer, Meri Jaye as well as memorabilia and artifacts from the historic marine collectibles shop, Frank’s Fisherman, a San Francisco landmark that was converted from a fishing supplier in the 1970s.

This sprawling collection includes fine paintings from the Atlantic to the Pacific, stunningly crafted model ships, authentic relics from functioning boats, and much more that is sure to draw the enthusiasm of marine collectors. This auction also extends beyond these two extraordinary collections. Additional estates and collections, including vintage fixtures from the beloved San Francisco landmark Playland at the Beach, will also be offered.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

Our April 19th auction features a remarkable collection from the estate of Harvey Clar, the gallery’s founder. Mr. Clar’s collection includes exquisite Lalique pieces, fine porcelain, marble, and bronze sculptures. The estate of Meri Jaye of Nob Hill, San Francisco, also contributes to this sale. Her collection boasts a coveted 1780 edition of Don Quixote, printed by Don Joaquin Ibarra, and a deluxe copy edition of Tales of Mystery and Imagination by Edgar Allan Poe, signed by illustrator Arthur Rackham.

The auction further presents a selection of indigenous art from other estates, including Native American beadwork, Hopi kachinas, and Inuit figures. Rounding out this diverse auction is a collection of antique furniture in Regency and Georgian periods, including miniature cabinets, and brass-bound writing boxes.

Fine Art

This month at Clars, we are pleased to present a number of works by well-known and up-and-coming artists. Featured in our April sale is a bronze sculpture by German-born American sculptor, Adolph Alexander Weinman. Weinman received his arts education at Cooper Union and later at the Art Students League of New York, after which he became a member of the National Sculpture Society and served as its president. He is most known for his architectural sculpture, as well as portrayals of American presidents. His most acclaimed works include a bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln at the Kentucky State Capitol, the Fountain of the Centaurs at the Missouri State Capitol, his work on Pennsylvania Station in New York, and the pediments of the National Archive Building and the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. The piece in our April sale is a nude female figure dancing with a hoop, set atop a marble base. The sculpture masterfully evokes movement and displays the influence of the Art Deco style that was flourishing in 1922 when the sculpture was cast.

A second highlight in our sale is a 1915 edition of volume ten of The North American Indian, a book and portfolio by American photographer, Edward Sheriff Curtis. Curtis is widely known for his depictions of the American West and Native American people, including important figures like Geronimo, Princess Angeline, and Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce. In 1906, financier J.P. Morgan commissioned Curtis to produce the 20-volume series containing many of his photographs of the Native American peoples across the country. Volume 10 is centered on the Kwakiutl people of the Pacific Northwest, mainly based in British Columbia, Canada. The volume in our April sale contained 74 sepia-toned photogravure plates and is out of an edition of 500.

Another highlight is an oil on canvas painting by Icelandic-American artist, Louisa Matthiasdottir. Born in Reykjavik, Matthiasdottir studied art in Denmark and Paris before moving to New York City in the 1940s. She studied there under Hans Hoffmann and Robert De Nico, Sr., and exhibited often in New York and other major east coast cities. She is known for her landscapes and cityscapes depicting Iceland, with a focus on the light, agriculture, and colorful architecture of the towns. Her work is included in collections at the Hirschhorn Museum in Washington, D.C., the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Reykjavik Art Museum.

Along with these exciting items, we will also present a large oil on canvas painting by Deladier Almeida, a painting by Karl Albert Buehr, sculptures by Beniamino Bufano, a mixed media piece by Sam Gilliam, and much more.

Asian Art

A standout piece from the April 19th auction is a hanging scroll calligraphy by Yu Youren, a master revered for his exceptional skill in calligraphy — particularly in cursive script. Yu Youren is celebrated for pioneering the “Standard Cursive Script,” earning him accolades as the “Contemporary Sage of Cursive” and “Modern Saint of Calligraphy.” This calligraphy came from the collection of Huang Siufeng (1892–1975), who held a prominent position at the Central Bank of China during the late 1930s. It was acquired at auction in Seattle where Huang Siufeng lived for many years.

Accompanying this masterpiece is a Chinese famille rose blue ground bowl, with a blue background and adorned with bird and floral motifs. It also features a dragon in the interior. This exquisite piece, featuring the Guangxu six-character mark, showcases the refined porcelain artistry of the late Qing dynasty period.

Next is a Japanese six-panel folding screen, illustrating morning glories, measuring 36″ high by 102″ wide. This screen exemplifies the Japanese aesthetic of capturing the fleeting beauty of nature, rendered in delicate detail and vibrant hues.

Completing our highlights is a Chinese landscape painting — executed in the splashed color technique — attributed to Zhang Daqian. This painting showcases Zhang Daqian’s mastery of ink and color on paper. Known for his innovative splashed ink technique, Zhang Daqian’s work is a bridge between traditional Chinese landscapes and modern abstract expression. This work is inscribed, dated, and adorned with two seals.

Fine Jewelry & Timepieces

The Fine Jewelry & Timepiece department is excited to offer a selection of diamond, colored gemstone, and gold jewelry in the upcoming April 19th sale. This sale features a variety of wardrobe staples to build up the foundation of your jewelry collection at accessible price points. Highlights include an opal, ruby, and gold pendant brooch, estimated at $2,000–$3,000; a pair of diamond and 14k gold earrings, estimated at $1,500–$2,500; and a gold link bracelet, estimated at $500–$700.

The Warehouse Auction

Clars’ April Warehouse Auction will feature a collection from the estate of Harvey Clar, the gallery’s founder, including Lladro, Boehm and Lalique figures. Antique and contemporary silver, porcelain, glass, fine books, carpets, furniture, mirrors and lighting will also be up for offer.

In addition, there will be an eclectic range of art, prints and photographs available. 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. The Asian Art Department presents 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.