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.
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.
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.
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
