Clars Auction Gallery

Art, Jewelry in Clars December Auction

2009-12-02T19:21:00.000-08:00

Portrait of a Young Beauty by Margaret Sarah Carpenter (lot 2186)

Clars Auction Gallery is pleased to offer a strong collection of diverse offerings of art, decoratives, furniture and jewelry in its December 5 & 6, 2009 sale. One highlight is a striking painting by 19th century British artist Margaret Sarah Carpenter. Portrait of a Young Beauty (lot 2186) depicts a young woman in a romantic costume, her face bathed in an ethereal light, and is already attracting attention from bidders with a pre-auction estimate of $6000-8000.

La Mer (Homage a Claude Debussy) by John M. Saccaro (lot 2302)

Another standout of the art sale will be La Mer (Homage a Claude Debussy), an oil painting by 20th century Californian artist John M. Saccaro. Offered at $8,000-12,000, the c.1960 abstract painting (lot 2302) will round out an art sale that also features original print works by Richard Diebenkorn, Rufino Tamayo, and Pablo Picasso.

19th century German Renaissance Revival center table (lot 2301)

December’s auction will also feature strong showings in the categories of furniture and decorative arts. A finely carved German 19th century Renaissance Revival center table (lot 2301) will be offered with a pre-auction estimate of $3000-5000, as will a Georg Jensen sterling silver footed centerpiece bowl with grape cluster handles (lot 2522).

Georg Jensen sterling silver bowl (lot 2522)

Clars will also offer a strong collection of antique and Oriental rugs, including a Persian Kashan rug with taupe ground c. 1900 (lot 2174), estimated at $1500-2500.

Diamond ballerina ring in platinum with a 1.12 carat oval diamond (lot 3007)

Jewelry for sale this weekend includes a stunning diamond ballerina ring in platinum, set with a 1.12 carat oval diamond and baguette cut diamond accents (lot 3007), estimated at $6000-8000 and a diamond ring in platinum, set with a 1.51 carat diamond and diamond accents (lot 3000), estimated at $5000-7000.

Collection of paper currency (lot 2587)

This month’s sale also features several special collections, notably a collection of paper currency including a 1934 Hawaiian Brown Seal five dollar bill (lot 2587) and an extensive selection of Roseville pottery.

For additional information and bidding options, please visit www.clars.com or call 888.339.7600.

Hazara Gallery Rug Auction November 15

2009-11-13T11:58:00.000-08:00

(lot 163) Esfahan carpet, Central Persia, ca. 1900, 8'6" x 12'5"

Hazara Rug Gallery, a Bay Area institution, is closing after 40 years in business. Clars Auction Gallery will be presenting the Hazara Gallery retirement auction on Sunday, November 15, starting at 1pm. The auction will be held at Hazara Gallery, located at 6042 College Ave., in Oakland, California, with a simultaneous online sale.

(lot 341) Khotan carpet, West China, late 19th century, 7'1" x 13'4"

Clars will be auctioning off over 200 fine oriental rugs, including antiques, Persians, Caucasians, tribal weavings and textiles in a variety of sizes and colors.

(lot 268) Karachoff Kazak, the Caucasus, ca. 1880, 3'8" x 7'3"

For more information, email info@hazaragallery.com or call 510.655.3511 or 510.499.4151. To view an online catalog for this sale, please visit www.clars.com.

Maybeck Settle Standout of Clars November Auction

2009-11-11T16:30:00.000-08:00

Arts and Crafts high-back redwood settle by Bernard Maybeck

An Arts and Crafts high-back redwood settle by renowned architect Bernard Maybeck was the highlight of Clars Auction Gallery’s November 7 & 8, 2009 auction, realizing $11,850*. The remarkable piece came from one of the private homes Maybeck designed in the Berkeley, California area, and capped off a sale that also featured strong results for jewelry and fine and decorative arts.

Diamond dinner ring, set with one 3.09 carat diamond and numerous diamond accents

This weekend’s sale included a very strong collection of jewelry, including a unique diamond dinner ring that fetched $10,073. The ring, mounted in 14k white gold, was set with one brilliant cut diamond weighing approximately 3.09 carats and numerous diamond accents. A Lady’s Rolex Datejust wristwatch in 18k yellow gold with a diamond bezel and diamond hour markers also was another highlight, selling for $7,110, while a platinum three stone ring featuring a 4.44 carat sapphire and two diamonds weighing 1.25 carats realized $7,703.

Figures in Winter Landscape, by Leon S. Gaspard

Fine art also performed well in the November sale, notably an oil painting by the well-known Russian-American painter Leon Gaspard, which sold for $10,665. Figures in Winter Landscape is one of Gaspard’s characteristically colorful depictions of Russian peasants, reminiscent of a larger work by the same artist sold last year at Clars for over $100,000. A color photograph by contemporary Australian artist Peter Lik was another standout of the sale, fetching $7,703.

Art Deco-style plaster bas-relief panel depicting Meso-American figures

In addition to the Mayback settle, there were other highlights in this weekend’s decorative arts offerings. A Tiffany sterling silver partial flatware service realized $6,518, as did an Art Deco-style plaster bas-relief panel depicting Meso-American figures, which was part of a collection of items deaccessioned from the San Francisco Hilton Hotel in Union Square.

Next, Clars prepares for its December 5& 6, 2009 estate auction and a November 15^th rug auction to be held offsite at Hazara Gallery on College Avenue in Oakland.

* All prices include Clars’s buyer’s premium of 18.5%

Clars November Auction Highlights

2009-11-04T12:35:00.001-08:00

Clars is proud to present a strong collection of fine art, furnishings and decorative items in its upcoming November 7&8, 2009 auction.

Diptych from the workshop of Dutch master Pieter Coecke van Aelst the Elder (lot 6203)

The standout of the sale is a striking oil on panel diptych from the workshop of 16th century Dutch master Pieter Coecke van Aelst the Elder depicting both the Annunciation and the Rest on the Flight into Egypt (lot 6203). With a pre-auction estimate of $20,000-30,000, the piece is a stunning example of the precise perspective, setting and detail that characterize paintings of the Northern Renaissance.

After the Storm by Thaddaus Popiel (lot 6176)

The diptych joins a diverse group of noteworthy art to be offered. After the Storm (lot 6176), an oversized oil painting by the late 19th century Polish artist Thaddaus Popiel, depicts a group of farmers grimly observing the destruction wreaked by a recent storm as the skies clear behind them. Popiel’s style is reminiscent of Millet’s famous peasant genre paintings, and the work, deaccessioned from the Denver Art Museum, is expected to sell between $12,000-18,000.

The Willow Cottage, Normandy, by Louis Aston Knight (lot 6233)

Early 20th century American artist Louis Aston Knight’s painting The Willow Cottage, Normandy (lot 6233) is another significant piece for sale this weekend, and highlighting the modern art collection this month is Ghost, a color photograph by contemporary Australian photographer Peter Lik (lot 6288).

Arts and Crafts high-back redwood settle by Bernard Maybeck (lot 6374)

Clars’s collection of furnishings this month showcase one of the highpoints of the aesthetic history of California, particularly the Bay Area – the Arts and Crafts Movement. An Arts and Crafts high-back redwood settle by renowned architect Bernard Maybeck (lot 6374) is to be offered with an estimate of $10,000-20,000. Maybeck designed multiple Berkeley landmarks, including the Phoebe Hearst Memorial Complex on the UC Berkeley campus and the First Church of Christ, Scientist, as well as many local private houses, one of which housed this remarkable piece.

Wallace Grand Baroque sterling silver flatware service in customized teak chest (lot 6567)

Another decorative highlight will be extensive 350-piece service of Wallace Grand Baroque sterling silver flatware (lot 6567) is another highlight this weekend. The set is housed in a custom fitted mid-century modern teak silver chest, a striking contrast to the ornate silver pattern, and the collection will be offered with an estimate of $10,000-15,000.

Diamond ring set with 5.25 ct. champagne colored diamond (lot 7015)

A stunning selection of fine jewelry rounds out the November sale, including a diamond ring mounted in 18k white gold and set with one champagne colored diamond weighing 5.25 carats surrounded by round diamonds (lot 7015). This unique piece is estimated between $10,000-$15,000. Special collections this month include antique Asian ceramics and fine decorative items deaccessioned from the San Francisco Hilton Hotel, particularly a selection of ten large stained glass windows depicting various San Francisco historic landmarks.

For additional information and bidding options, please visit www.clars.com or call 888.339.7600.

Eric Sloane Painting Highlight of Clars October Auction

2009-10-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

Ducks Flying over the Marshland by Eric Sloane

A striking oil painting by renowned naturalist painter Eric Sloane was the highlight of Clars Auction Gallery’s October 10 & 11, 2009 auction, selling for $11,850*. Ducks Flying over the Marshland is an excellent example of the dramatic, solitary landscapes for which Sloane (American, 1905-1985) is famous. The piece rounded out an auction in which art and jewelry were the standouts.

Diamond covered Omega wristwatch

Other highlights from the sale included a diamond choker necklace mounted in platinum and set with diamonds weighing 11.36 carats, which realized $10,665; preceding that lot was another stunning diamond piece, a diamond covered Omega wristwatch set with 13 carats of diamonds, which realized $8,295. A unique lady’s President Rolex in 18k yellow gold sold for $6,518. California art, always a strong seller at Clars, also fared quite well in this sale.

Abstract painting by Richard Thorpe McLean

A vivid, abstract oil on canvas by Richard Thorpe McLean (b. 1934) measuring 73” x 67” drew a lot of attention, ultimately selling for $8,295, well above its pre-auction estimate of $3000-5000.

Coastal landscape by Joseph Kleitsch

A coastal landscape by noted California Impressionist Joseph Kleitsch (1882-1931) fetched $6,518.

Next, Clars prepares for its November 7 & 8, 2009 estate auction.

* All prices include Clars’s buyer’s premium

American Art Featured in Clars October Auction

2009-10-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

Ducks Flying Over Marshland by Eric Sloane

Clars Auction Gallery is pleased to present a strong collection of Californian, American and European art in its October 10 & 11, 2009 sale, one highlight of which will be Ducks Flying over the Marshland, (lot 2393) an oil painting by renowned naturalist painter Eric Sloane (American, 1905-1985).

19th century lithograph from the collection of bullfighting memorabilia

Additionally, Clars will offer artworks and other items recently deaccessioned from the Denver Art Museum. These pieces include an extensive collection of bullfighting memorabilia, such as posters, prints and paintings by artists such as Lee Everett Blair, William Lake Price and Alexander Lunois.

Chippendale blanket chest (lot 2394)

Notable decorative items in the sale include a State of Maine grain decorated pine Chippendale blanket chest (lot 2394), which bears a “Tree of Life” motif on its drawer and sides, while this weekend’s Asian offerings include a Chinese large jade carving of a horse (lot 2613).

Diamond choker necklace (lot 3015)

The sale will also include a significant collection of fine jewelry, highlighted by a diamond choker necklace (lot 3015), mounted in platinum and set with diamonds weighing 11.36 carats. Another striking piece is a diamond and 14k white gold dinner ring (lot 3014) that features one modified European brilliant cut diamond weighing approximately 3.09 carats surrounded by four marquise cut and eleven round single cut diamond accents, with a total weight of 2.38 carats.

The Saturday portion of the sale will feature several special collections, namely, antique model trains, Steif plush animals, and a selection of women’s vintage and contemporary couture including pieces by Escada, Oscar de la Renta and Missoni.

Art Exceeds Expectations at Clars September Sale

2009-09-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

Abstract sculpture by Mathias Goeritz

A massive, golden tin-covered abstract sculpture by renowned modern artist Mathias Goeritz far exceeded pre-auction expectations to become the star of Clars Auction Gallery’s September 12&13, 2009 auction, realizing $159,950*. The piece was the standout of a sale that featured strong results for a variety of artworks and decorative items, several of which were deaccessed from the collection of the Denver Art Museum.

Works by Goeritz (German/Mexican, 1915-1990) are featured in the permanent collections of several art institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Clars originally assigned this piece an auction estimate of $50,000-100,000, but after a fierce round of international phone bidding, the striking work ultimately sold for more than 50 percent above estimate.

Yosemite Valley landscape, by Thomas Hill

A fine Yosemite Valley landscape by noted American landscape artist Thomas Hill (1829-1908) was another standout of the sale, generating quite a bit of interest and selling for $21,330. Two European ship paintings also garnered attention and high prices: Boat on Stormy Seas, by the Russian Ivan K. Aivazovsky (1817-1900) fetched $41,475, while a harbor scene by Dutch artist Isaac Willaerts (1620-1693) realized $22,515.

Detail of needlework sampler from 1776

Decorative items held their own, as well, particularly an 18th-century American school girl needlework alphabet sampler, which sold for $26,070, well above its $4000-6000 estimate. The piece is exceptional, featuring a floral border, several naïve family portraits and the inscription “Elizabeth Field Wrought . . . in the 11th year of Life . . . October 26th, 1766.” A Tiffany hanging shade, circa 1900, also stood out, realizing $17,775, and an ornate German silver figural gilt cup and cover, circa 1630, fetched $14,220.

2004 Mercedes SL 500 coupe

On a different note, a 2004 Mercedes SL 500 coupe was another item of interest this weekend, selling for $38,513. Next, Clars prepares for its upcoming October estate sale, which will feature additional items of interest from the collections of the Denver Art Museum.

* All prices include buyer’s premium

Major September Auction at Clars Auction Gallery

2009-09-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

Clars Auction Gallery is pleased to offer an exceptionally strong showing of artworks, jewelry, decorative and Asian items in its major September 12&13, 2009 auction. The September auction is traditionally Clars’s largest of the year, and this weekend’s sale, with offerings including important artworks deaccessioned from the Denver Art Museum, is shaping up to be one of Clars’s most significant auctions to date.

Abstract scuplture by Mathias Goeritz (lot 6205)

The star of the sale is likely to be a sculpture by renowned modern artist Mathias Goeritz (German/Mexican, 1915-1990). With a pre-auction estimate of $50,000-100,000, the massive golden-tin-covered wooden panel piece (lot 6205) is a noteworthy example of the minimalist style that earned Goeritz entry into the permanent collections of such institutions as New York’s Museum of Modern Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The piece is a deaccession from the Denver Art Museum, part of a collection that includes other significant artworks, furnishings and ephemera.

Wild Flowers, Santa Barbara by John Gamble (lot 6336)

In addition to modern art, Clars will feature significant works by earlier European and American artists, including an oil painting by California Impressionist John M. Gamble (Californian, 1863-1957) titled Wild Flowers, Santa Barbara (lot 6336), and a granite sculpture of a hedgehog (lot 6218) by Bay Area favorite Beniamino Bufano (Californian, 1898-1970).

New Hampshire tiger maple Queen Anne style carved highboy (lot 6525)

Notable decorative items include a New Hampshire tiger maple Queen Anne style carved highboy from the late 18th century (lot 6525), as well as a 17th century German silver figural gilt cup and cover by Leonhard Vorchamer (lot 6826).

Chinese reverse glass painting (lot 6557)

This weekend’s Asian offerings include a Chinese reverse glass painting of an elegant beauty from the late Qing dynasty or early republic (lot 6557) and a Korean ten-panel, double-sided folding screen (lot 6579).

Platinum and diamond necklace (lot 7001)

The sale will also include a significant collection of fine jewelry, highlighted by an 18k white gold diamond ring featuring a 2.45 ct. round brilliant cut diamond with diamond accents (lot 7013) and a platinum and 10.18 ct. diamond necklace (lot 7001).

Clars will highlight several special collections during the sale, particularly a selection of Western Americana related to Wyatt Earp, a group of Pre-Colombian artifacts deaccessioned from the Denver Art Museum, and number of 17th and 18th century books.

On Monday, September 14, at 6:00 pm, Clars will host a special Sports Memorabilia Auction, a massive collection dating from the 1900s and including historical game tickets, autographed cards, baseballs and photographs. The collection will be available for preview this weekend, as well as from 4:00pm-6:00pm on Monday, September 14.

Fine Art Highlight of Clars August Sale

2009-08-10T11:03:00.000-07:00

3.64 diamond solitaire ring

A 3.64 ct. diamond solitaire ring set in 14k white gold was the standout sale at Clars Auction Gallery’s August auction, realizing $20,145*. This month’s collection of fine jewelry also included the second-highest sale of the weekend, a 2.04 ct. asscher cut diamond ring that fetched $8,295.

Spode "Stafford Flowers" table service

Furnishings and decorative items also realized strong prices, notably a Spode “Stafford Flowers” bone china table service for fourteen that sold for $7,703. A George Nakashima Studio spindle settee realized $4,740, as did an 18th century French Provincial pine buffet.

Chinese Lingbi scholar's rock

Asian artworks and artifacts also garnered considerable attention during this weekend’s sale, including an unframed 1925 woodblock print by iconic Japanese artist Kawase Hasui. The print, titled “Shibazojoji” (Shiba Temple), comes from the well-known series “Twenty Views of Tokyo” and realized $6,518. A striking Chinese Lingbi scholar’s rock resembling a fantastic mountainous landscape on an elaborate wooden base also drew a number of bids, selling for $6,518.

Autumn Morning on the Ayr, by Frederick William Scarborough

American and European artwork also had a good showing at Clars this month. Autumn Morning on the Ayr, an oil on canvas by British painter Frederick William Scarborough, realized $3,850, while Floats, a modern American abstract painting by Virginia Banks, fetched $3,259.

Next, Clars staff and appraisers are preparing for their major September auction, for which the gallery is still accepting consignments. The sale will feature important artworks, antiques, jewelry and Asian items, and is always a highlight of the Bay Area fall antiques season.

*All prices include an 18.5% buyer’s premium

Clars Hosts Auction August 8 & 9

2009-08-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

Clars Auction Gallery is pleased to offer a collection of significant artwork and furnishings from the 19th and 20th centuries in its upcoming August 8-9, 2009 auction. Saturday’s sale will also feature the bankruptcy auction of the contents of Worldware, a high-end boutique in San Francisco specializing in custom-made furniture and unique home decor (lots 539-655).

George Nakashima Spindle Settee (lot 2171)

Furnishings of note to be offered this weekend include mid-century designs such as a sleek spindle settee from the George Nakashima Studio circa 1965 (lot 2171) and a 1950s Padauk art deco-style dining suite (lot 2341).

Floats by Virginia Banks (lot 2246)

Complementing these pieces is a fine selection of modern artworks, including a 1950 silver gelatin print from American photographer Todd Webb’s “Lamps of Paris" series (lot 2284), and a striking abstract oil on canvas, Floats, by American painter Virginia Banks (lot 2246).

Kermanshah Soorasrafil (lot 2204)

19th century decorative items will also be highlights of Clars’s August sale. A monumental carved walnut Victorian hall tree with tile base (lot 2173) sets the tone for this collection, which also includes fine rugs: a Kermanshah soorasrafil circa 1850 (lot 2204) and a Kerman circa 1880 (lot 2196).

Chansons d'Aieules by Alphonse Mucha (lot 2288)

Artworks from the period to be offered include Autumn Morning on the Ayr, an oil on canvas by British painter Frederick William Scarborough (lot 2326), and Chansons D’Aieules, a stunning color lithograph by iconic 19th century artist Alphonse Mucha (lot 2288).

14k white gold ring with 5.09 ct. brilliant cut, heart-shaped diamond (lot 3010)

This weekend, Clars will also offer a 1977 Mercedes Benz 450 SLC Coupe. The two-door car (lot 2367) is silver with a blue interior and has 26,400 miles. The auction will also feature a strong collection of fine jewelry, including a 14k white gold ring with a 5.09 ct. brilliant cut, heart-shaped diamond accented by diamond baguettes (lot 3010) and a diamond solitaire ring mounted in 14k white gold, set with a 3.64 ct. diamond (lot 3009).

Following this weekend’s sale, Clars will be gearing up for its major September auction, for which appraisers are still accepting consignments. The sale will feature important artworks, antiques, jewelry and Asian items, and is always a highlight of the Bay Area fall antiques season.

For additional information on items in the August sale, bidding options and consignments, please contact Clars at 888.339.7600 or visit www.clars.com.