Clars had a strong 2022 Design auction season with bidders vying for the top lots, allowing Clars to achieve impressive auction records across the board.
Clars was pleased with the international response to American designers, like George Nakashima and Vladimir Kagan, at the March 25th Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction.
George Nakashima, 7′ overhanging walnut wall case, executed in 1971. Sold: $62,500
Leading the Design section of the auction was a wall hanging cabinet by master woodworker, George Nakashima, that topped off at $62,500 and sold to an international bidder.
Vladimir Kagan Collection, contour rocking chair. Sold: $16,900
A Vladimir Kagan Collection contour rocking chair, circa 1999, had numerous bidders competing for the lot, and found a new home with an online bidder for $16,900.
Another popular Designer among bidders was Hans Wegner, whose Papa Bear lounge chair realized $13,700.
Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen Papa Bear lounge chair, Denmark, circa 1960. Sold: $13,700
Summer Highlights
The June 17th Modern + Contemporary Art + Design sale at Clars totaled $1,070,250 across 239 lots.
Mario Bellini, Cab Chairs Model 413, set of ten. Sold: $17,500
Highlights for Design included a set of Mario Bellini Cab chairs that sold for $17,500, and a Phillip Lloyd Powell New Hope Chair that brought $15,000.
Phillip Lloyd Powell, New Hope Lounge Chair and Ottoman. Sold: $15,000
Fall Highlights
Clars had a nearly 100% sell through rate for the Fall Design sale on September 16th, with just above 100 lots selling for over $210,000 total.
Angelo Mangiarotti Eros Dining Table. Sold: $18,750
Top picks included an Angelo Mangiarotti ‘Eros’ Dining Table, which sold for $18,750, and a set of Christian Liaigre Bazane Stools that sold for $9,375.
Christian Liaigre Bazane stools. Sold: $9,375
Winter Highlights
Design led Clars’ December 18th Auction with a large selection of pottery, including several pieces by Toshiko Takaezu. Takaezu, a Hawaiian ceramicist of Japanese descent, is most well known for her ‘Closed forms.’ Clars was pleased with the results of a set of four of these pieces which commanded $24,250.
Clars is celebrating International Women’s Day by highlighting the career of Greta Grossman, one of the leading female designers of the mid-20th Century.
The Junior League of SF held its Annual Tea on March 5th where Clars was invited to showcase and discuss pieces from the 1960's relating to the event’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s theme.
Clars’ Fine Jewelry & Timepieces department had a successful year, offering essential everyday luxury as well as fine and important jewelry and timepieces.
2022 saw wonderful auction results at Clars, with outstanding Asian Art sales throughout the year.
Asian Art
Stories & News
Spring Design Auction
Auction
Modern + Contemporary
Clars is starting Spring with our Design Auction, to be held on March 16, 2023. Highlights include pieces by Hans Wegner, Stan Bitters, Toshiko Takaezu, Gertrud and Otto Natzler, George Nakashima, Charles and Ray Eames, among others. There will also be a selection of silver including Christofle and Tiffany.
Stan Bitters glazed ceramic medallion, 3′2″ diameter. Estimate: $12,000–$16,000
The Spring Design Auction will have numerous highlights across genres and countries. On offer will be a fine selection of pottery and ceramics including a Stan Bitters medallion, 3’2″dia., estimated at $12,000–$15,000. Bitters is renowned for his influence on the Californian arts and crafts scene since the 1960s.
Stan Bitters glazed stoneware planter, 12″h x 19″w. Estimate: $1,200–$1,600
Gertrud and Otto Natzler bowl, earthenware with matte glaze, 5″h x 12.5″w. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
Another prominent lot in the auction is a large Gertud and Otto Natzler bowl, which has a fine blue-grey mat glaze and measures 12.75″w. The bowl is valued conservatively at $5,000–$7,000. Other ceramicists in the sale include Toshiko Takaezu, Ka-Kwong Hui, Annabeth Rosen, Richard Hirsch, Brother Thomas Bezanson, etc.
Toshiko Takaezu glazed stoneware bowl, 4.5″h x 11.5″w. Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
There will be numerous furniture highlights in the auction, including a Michel Buffet floor lamp, expected to sell for $7,000–$10,000. Also, to be offered are several lots by designer Hans J. Wegner such as a set of eight ‘Heart’ Chairs estimated at $4,200–$5,200, a rare pair of JH-101 Lounge chairs and JH-103 Sofa, among others. In addition, there will be a pair of Finn Juhl NV-45’s offered, with an estimate of $20,000–$30,000.
Michel Buffet floor lamp, enameled steel and aluminum, 68.5″h. Estimate: $7,000–$10,000
Hans Wegner for Fritz Hansen Heart Chairs, model no. FH-4103, set of eight, 29″h. Estimate: $4,200–$5,200
Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Mezzadro Tractor Stools by Zanotta, Italy, set of four, 20″h. Estimate: $1,500–$2,500
Hans Wegner JH-101 Lounge Chairs, pair. Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
Albert Larsson occasional table, Sweden, 1950s, teak, copper, 17″h x 16″dia. Estimate: $500–$700
Hans Wegner JH-103 Three Seat Sofa. Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
Thebes stool, 15″h x 16.5″w. Estimate: $800–$1,200
Finn Juhl, Lounge Chairs, Model NV-45, Pair. Estimate: $20,000–$30,000
Florence Knoll stacking stool model 75, 18″h x 14″dia. Estimate: $500–$700
For American furniture, there will be a Philip and Kelvin Laverne Fantasia coffee table, estimated at $5,000–$7,000, a Charles and Ray Eames 670 and 671 lounge chair and ottoman, and an Ettore Sottsass Westside lounge chair, just to name a few.
Philip and Kelvin Laverne, Fantasia Coffee Table. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
Charles and Ray Eames, 670 and 671 Lounge Chair and Ottoman. Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
René Lalique Lezards et Bleuts vase, 14″h (drilled). Estimate: $2,000–$4,000
Several sterling silver lots will be offered such as a Tiffany & Co. Audubon flatware set, valued at $7,000–$9,000, and a Christofle, Sceaux flatware set, expected to sell for $6,000–$9,000.
Christofle, Sceaux Flatware, Set of 84. Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
Clars’ Spring Jewelry & Timepieces Auction on April 14th includes a fine selection of colored gemstones, diamonds, antique and signed jewelry, and timepieces.
Published in 1979, Andy Warhol’s bizarre take on the classic traditional subject of fruit still lifes, titled Space Fruit: Still Life Series, underscores his evolving interest in abstract art in the late 1970s.
Our March 17th and 18th auctions will offer beautiful Chinese watercolor paintings, artwork ranging from El Greco to Andy Warhol, rare gold and silver coins, and a nice selection of diamond jewelry.
Yayoi Kusama is well known for her sculptures and installations, paintings, performances and fashion.
Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary
Fall Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Post Sale Highlights
Modern + Contemporary
Stories & News
The September 16 Modern + Contemporary Art + Design sale at Clars, totaled over $1.3M across 230 lots.
Andy Warhol (American, 1928–1987), Cowboys and Indians (the complete set of ten screenprints), 1986, screenprints in colors, 36″ x 36″ each. Sold: $503,750
Clars’ Fall Modern + Contemporary Art + Design sale on September 16th started off the season with impressive results having 230 lots achieve a little over $1.3 million in sales. Fine Art led the way with $1.1 million in sales with the highlight being Andy Warhol’s complete set of ten screenprints, Cowboys and Indians, selling for $503,750. Rick Unruh, Clars CEO, remarked, “Clars is definitely ‘moving up the ladder’ in being recognized internationally as one of the premier auction houses for Modern and Contemporary works. This past auction was our 3rd complete set of Warhols to be offered in the last 2 years — all with outstanding results.”
Another stellar performance was several Pumpkin screenprints by Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1929) selling for a combined price of $108,750.
Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1929), Top left:Pumpkin (Y), Top Right:Dancing Pumpkin (YOR), Bottom Left:Napping Pumpkin, Bottom Right:Red Colored Pumpkin. Sold: $108,750
Clars Auction Gallery had a nearly 100% sell through rate for the Fall Design sale, with just above 100 lots selling for over $210,000 total.
Angelo Mangiarotti Eros Dining Table. Sold: $18,750
Clients from across the country were vying for Design lots, with many items selling at or above the high estimate. Cristina Campion, Associate Director of 20th Century Design at Clars commented, “strong sales like this one really demonstrate that Clars is a recognized name among Design collectors across the United States.”
Mario Bellini, Cab Chairs Model 413. Sold: $10,625
Top picks included an Angelo Mangiarotti ‘Eros’ Dining Table sold for $18,750, with a $6,000–$9,000 estimate. Other auction highlights include a suite of eight Mario Bellini Cab Chairs, Model 413, that brought $10,625, a set of Christian Liaigre Bazane Stools that sold for $9,375, a Charles and Ray Eames 670 and 671 chair and ottoman that realized $8,125, and a Vladimir Kagan Ondine Chair that commanded $8,125.
Christian Liaigre Bazane stools. Sold: $9,375
Clars is gearing up for it’s next Design auction on December 18th, and is hopeful that the department will continue to see an upward trajectory in sales.
Vladimir Kagan Couture Sloane II sofa. Sold: $8,125
Published in 1979, Andy Warhol’s bizarre take on the classic traditional subject of fruit still lifes, titled Space Fruit: Still Life Series, underscores his evolving interest in abstract art in the late 1970s.
Clars is celebrating International Women’s Day by highlighting the career of Greta Grossman, one of the leading female designers of the mid-20th Century.
The Junior League of SF held its Annual Tea on March 5th where Clars was invited to showcase and discuss pieces from the 1960's relating to the event’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s theme.
Event
Stories & News
Fall Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Highlights
Auction
Modern + Contemporary
Clars’ upcoming Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction will be held Friday, September 16th, featuring an array of mid-century San Francisco Bay Area figurative works.
Andy Warhol (American, 1928–1987), Cowboys and Indians (the complete set of ten screenprints), 1986, screenprints in colors, 36″ x 36″ each. Estimate: $500,000–$700,000
Highlights include the complete portfolio of Andy Warhol’s Cowboys and Indians — one of his last major works before his death — estimated at $500,000–$700,000. In this portfolio, Warhol portrays a range of images that represent both the history and constructed lore of the American West, pulled from reality and fiction. Warhol interspersed portraits of world-famous Americans with those of anonymous Native Americans in his ironic commentary on America’s collective mythology of the historic West.
Joan Brown (American, 1938–1990), Cucumber and Lemon, 1965, oil on plywood board, 16.25″ x 15″. Estimate: $40,000–$60,000
Another exceptional highlight is an oil on panel from 1965 by Joan Brown (American, 1938–1990) titled Cucumber and Lemon estimated at $40,000–$60,000. This charming still life was gifted to fellow artist and friend, Ira Yeager (1938–2022), on his birthday.
Nathan Oliveira (American, 1928–2010), Untitled (from the Windhover series), 1991, oil on panel, 16″ x 20″. Estimate (each): $12,000–$18,000
Two later paintings by Nathan Oliveira (American, 1928–2010) from his Windhover series (commissioned by Stanford University in 1991) will be also offered at $12,000–$18,000 each.
Mario Bellini, Cab Chairs Model 413. Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
The auction will feature a fine selection of Design items including a set of Mario Bellini Cab Chairs estimated at $10,000–$15,000, an Angelo Mangiarotti Eros Dining Table estimated at $6,000–$9,000, and a Vladimir Kagan Couture Sloane II sofa estimated at $6,000–$9,000.
Angelo Mangiarotti Eros Dining Table. Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
There will be other noteworthy Designers in the auction including ceramicists such as James Lovera, Antonio Prieto and Lagardo Tackett, as well as Danish Modern including Eric Hansen, Arne Iversen, Johannes Andersen, Peter Hvidt, and American and Italian Modern such as Charles and Ray Eames, Christian Liaigre, among others.
Vladimir Kagan Couture Sloane II sofa. Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
Clars’ Spring Jewelry & Timepieces Auction on April 14th includes a fine selection of colored gemstones, diamonds, antique and signed jewelry, and timepieces.
Published in 1979, Andy Warhol’s bizarre take on the classic traditional subject of fruit still lifes, titled Space Fruit: Still Life Series, underscores his evolving interest in abstract art in the late 1970s.
Our March 17th and 18th auctions will offer beautiful Chinese watercolor paintings, artwork ranging from El Greco to Andy Warhol, rare gold and silver coins, and a nice selection of diamond jewelry.
Highlights begin with the early 20th century and include a rare Roycroft Sideboard, Model 1, estimated at $8,000–$12,000. There will also be a selection of Tiffany Studios items.
Roycroft, Sideboard, Model 1.
Moving along to the Mid Century, there will be a Phillip Lloyd Powell New Hope lounge chair and ottoman, circa 1960, estimated at $7,000–$9,000.
Phillip Lloyd Powell, New Hope Lounge Chair and Ottoman.
Continuing to later in the century, Clars will also feature a Jun Kaneko glazed ceramic slab, estimated at $6,000–$9,000.
Jun Kaneko glazed ceramic slab.
There will be numerous noteworthy designers including Birger Kaipiainen, Mies Van Der Rohe, Børge Mogensen, George Nelson, Charles and Ray Eames, Milo Baughman, Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl, Hans Olsen, Phillip Lloyd Powell, Raymond Loewy, Mario Bellini, Arne Vodder, Jun Kaneko, Olivier Mourgue, Peter Hvidt, and Eero Saarinen among others.
Mies Van Der Rohe, Barcelona Daybed.
George Nelson, bench.
Charles and Ray Eames, DCW chairs.
Milo Baughman, bench.
Hans Wenger stool, Model JH539.
Finn Juhl, bowl.
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Tulip chairs (part of a larger dining suite).
Eero Saarinen Womb chair.
Giuseppe Scapinelli, chair.
Mario Bellini, Cab Chairs Model 413, set of ten.
Also on offer will be a fine assortment of art glass items including a Lalique clear and frosted glass Masque de Femme.
Clars’ Spring Jewelry & Timepieces Auction on April 14th includes a fine selection of colored gemstones, diamonds, antique and signed jewelry, and timepieces.
Published in 1979, Andy Warhol’s bizarre take on the classic traditional subject of fruit still lifes, titled Space Fruit: Still Life Series, underscores his evolving interest in abstract art in the late 1970s.
Our March 17th and 18th auctions will offer beautiful Chinese watercolor paintings, artwork ranging from El Greco to Andy Warhol, rare gold and silver coins, and a nice selection of diamond jewelry.
Toshiko Takaezu, a Hawaiian ceramicist of Japanese descent, is most well known for her ‘Closed forms.’
Designer Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary
Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction
Auction
Modern + Contemporary
Join Clars for our major March 25th Modern + Contemporary + Art + Design auction.
Highlights range from the turn of the 20th to the 21st century, and include Loie Hollowell (American, b. 1983), Point of Entry (Blood-Orange Moon Over Orange Sac), Francisco Zuniga (Mexican, 1912–1998), Young Woman at the Threshold, a Louis Sullivan elevator grille from the Chicago Stock Exchange, a Finn Juhl Japan sofa, Dale Chihuly glass sculptures, Italian glass such as Fontana Arte and Afro Celotto, among others.
Loie Hollowell (American, b. 1983), Point of Entry (Blood-Orange Moon Over Orange Sac), 2017, oil paint, acrylic medium, sawdust on high density foam on linen mounted on panel, signed, titled and dated verso, dimensions: 48″h x 36″w x 5″d (121.9 cm x 91.4 cm x 12.7 cm). Provenance: Purchased Pace Gallery (New York, NY) in 2017. Estimate: $400,000–$600,000.
Francisco Zuniga (Mexican, 1912–1998), Young Woman at the Threshold, 1940, oil on canvas, 41″h x 25.25″w (128 cm x 79 cm) . Ref: Zuniga, Ariel, Francisco Zuniga, Catalogue Raisonne, Volume II, Oil Paintings, Prints & Reproductions 1927–1986 (2003), #144 (Reproduced in B&W). Provenance: Estate of Ray and Barbara Wolfinger (Berkeley, California). Estimate: $50,000–$70,000.
Dale Chihuly (American, b. 1941) Persian glass group, in amethyst with yellow lip wrap, 10.5″h.
Dale Chihuly (American, b. 1941), Radiant Yellow Persian Pair with Black Lip Wraps.
Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923–1997), Shipboard Girl, 1965, offset lithograph, 27.25″ x 20.25″. Estimate: $40,000–$60,000.
Philip Moulthrop (American, b. 1947) turned White Pine Node bowl, 10″h x 13″w.
Louis Sullivan Elevator Grille from the Chicago Stock Exchange.
Louis Sullivan Iron Baluster from the Chicago Stock Exchange.
Finn Juhl Japan sofa.
Arthur Court antler chairs.
Milo Baughman occasional tables, set of four.
Charles and Ray Eames CTM coffee table.
Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates early rosewood credenza, with Carrera Bella marble top, circa 1960.
Paul Wonner (American, 1920–2008), Untitled (Bouquet of Flowers), acrylic on paper, 38.5″ x 27″. Estimate: $15,000–$20,000.
Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), Le Déjeuner Sur l’Herbe, d’après Manet II, 1962, linocut in black and white, 20.75″ x 25″. Estimate: $15,000–$20,000.
George Nakashima, 7′ overhanging walnut wall case, executed in 1971.
Handel table lamp with chipped ice shade.
Vladmir Kagan side chairs.
Miles Karpilow sideboard, 63″h x 60″w x 17.5″d.
Afro Celotto vase.
Fontana Arte bowl.
Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), Études VII (d’après Manet), 1961, graphite on les Annonay (watermarked) paper, 17.75″ x 23.5″. Provenance: Alex Maguy, Paris; Estate of Liselotte Weber (Burlingame, CA). Exhibited: Alex Maguy Galerie de L’Élysée, Hommage à Picasso, November 19–December 25, 1966. Reference: Zervos XX:50. Estimate: $100,000–$150,000.
Jacques Moniquet, Boxes.
Venini-Ludovico Piaz De Santillana.
Robert Longo (American b. 1953), Gretchen, 1984, lithograph, 67.5″ x 39″. Estimate: $60,000–$90,000.
Fontana Arte mirror.
Hans Wagner for Carl Hansen CH34 armchair.
Hans Wegner for Johannes Hansen JH 504 chairs, set of six.
Borge Mogensen cabinet.
Mela Muter (Polish/French, 1876–1967), Fishing Town with Women on Beach/Seascape with Trees (verso), oil on canvas (double-sided), 19.5″ x 25.5″. Estimate: $50,000–$70,000.
Clars’ Spring Jewelry & Timepieces Auction on April 14th includes a fine selection of colored gemstones, diamonds, antique and signed jewelry, and timepieces.
Published in 1979, Andy Warhol’s bizarre take on the classic traditional subject of fruit still lifes, titled Space Fruit: Still Life Series, underscores his evolving interest in abstract art in the late 1970s.
Our March 17th and 18th auctions will offer beautiful Chinese watercolor paintings, artwork ranging from El Greco to Andy Warhol, rare gold and silver coins, and a nice selection of diamond jewelry.