Miles away from the foggy mornings, overcast afternoons, and chilly evenings of July in the Bay Area is the sun-warmed island of Key West, Florida, where the white sand, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back pace invite you to relax and enjoy a moment of quiet tranquility.

These moments are the ones chosen by Cuban American folk artist Mario Sanchez (1908–2005) to immortalize in his charming and singular relief panels. Sanchez was born and raised on the island, working from his home studio for over 70 years and creating a treasury of everyday scenes that harken back to a simpler time. Sanchez’s colorfully painted and carved reliefs depict landmarks like the Hemingway House and the 150-year-old lighthouse, a waterfront bait-and-tackle shop, well-loved bungalows, palm trees, and of course, the unique characters of Old Key West.

The brightly colored panel in our July auction, titled Old Key West – Everything in Profusion, shows a section of Duval Street, a main thoroughfare of the town and the center of local Cuban influence, where a fruit stand is packed with bananas and watermelons. A bicyclist pedals past, his baskets reading “Sure Cure with Doctor Santiago,” and a trio of floppy-eared dogs follow behind. The blue sky overhead, decorated with Sanchez’s signature fluffy clouds, and the vibrant hues of the flowering plants imbue the scene with a peaceful energy. This highly collectible piece of history from the United States’ southernmost city is the centerpiece of your beach house, the reminder of a fabulous vacation, or your ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. Old Key West – Everything in Profusion is estimated at $20,000–$40,000.

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.