Oakland, CA – For three days, May 18, 19, 20, 2014, Clars Auction Gallery will host what is truly a most extraordinary auction. Comprised of extremely important Fine Art, Rare Cars, Jewelry that almost defies description, world-class Sterling Silver, and Asian Furniture and Art and art that will slam the hammer to new levels, this sale will likely go down in Clars history as their most important and successful to date. The most sophisticated global buyers and collectors of every category will not want to miss this important three-day event.
FINE ART
Clars is once again pleased to be featuring another monumental work by Mr. Tjapaltjarri titled, “Honey Ants Dreaming,” with an estimate of $100,000-200,000 (USD). This is another important example of the artist’s richly colorful, as well as visually powerful, acrylic ‘dot’ paintings.The result is both visually spectacular, as well as mesmerizing.
Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri (Aborigine, 1932-2002), “Honey Ants Dreaming,” 1994, synthetic polymer paint on canvas, 28.5” x 79.5”
(Estimate: $100,000 to $200,000)
Several important mid-century paintings by pioneers in the field will be offered, one of which will be Ray Parker’s (American, 1922-1990) “Untitled, Brown, Blue, Orange,” from 1960 which carries an estimate of $15,000 to $20,000 and is a quintessential example of the artist’s work in the late 1950’s through early 1960’s. Following will be the monumental work, “Dark Barrier (1983),” by Friedel Dzubas (German/American, 1915-1994) which will be offered for $30,000 to 50,000.
Ray Parker (American, 1922-1990) Untitled/ Brown, Blue, Orange, circa1960, oil on canvas, 44.5” x 37.25”
(Estimate: $15,000 to $20,000)
Friedel Dzubas (American/German, 1915-1994) “Dark Barrier,” 1983, acrylic and magna on canvas, 48” x 108”
(Estimate: $30,000 to $50,000)
In Post-War offerings will be the painting entitled “Quedado,” c. 1958, by Elaine de Kooning (American 1918-1989), which depicts an abstracted bull juxtaposed against a colorful background. (Estimate: $10,000 to $15,000) Another significant highlight will be a set of three (3) hand-painted, polychrome porcelain enamel on steel tiles by Sargent Johnson (American, 1888-1967) titled, “Two Women,” “The Bulls,” and “Dogwhich will be offered for $25,000 to $35,000 (for the set). This will be the first time these tiles will be coming to auction. An exciting monotype by Sam Francis, Untitled, will be presented to the market after thirty years in a private collection in San Francisco, (CA) with an estimate of $20,000 to $40,000.
Several important sculptures will be offered including one by Pietro Consagra (Italian, 1920-2005), Untitled (1957), which carries an estimate of $15,000 to $20,000 and comes from the collection of David C. and Sarajean Ruttenberg Collection (Chicago, IL). Another will be a dramatic bronze titled, “Tribal Woman,” by Elizabeth Catlett (American, 1915-2012) which will be offered at $10,000 to $15,000.
Andy Warhol (American, 1928-1987) will be represented with his screenprint “Geronimo” (from the “Cowboy and Indians” series), which will be offered for $15,000 to $20,000. Adding to the already impressive Warhol print selection will be “Electric Chair #79,” 1971, a silkscreen, in dim purple hues. Although dark in subject matter, this print will be sure to light up the bidding room with an estimate of $8,000-$12,000. Another offering by an artist whose work was formed by abstract expressionism is LeRoy Neiman’s (American, 1921-2012) “At the Racetrack (1964)” which carries an estimate of $25,000 to $35,000.
In the 19th century, American fine art category, a portrait of Senator Barbour by Charles Willson Peale (American, 1741-1827) will be offered at auction for the first time since 1854. Also from this era, will be the largest painting to come to auction by Harrison Bird Brown (American, 1831-1915) titled, “Picnic by the Falls (White Mountains, Maine), which will be offered for $10,000 to $15,000.
Spectacular watercolors top the list in the category of early 20th century American art. One highlight will be “A Mexican Smuggler (1914)” by Frank Tenney Johnson (American, 1874-1939) will be offered for $30,000 to $50,000. Two beautiful works by Percy Gray (American, 1869-1952) will also be offered. One of these is a rare portrait of “Chief Gall” that captures the facial intensity of this renowned Native American figure. The other Gray watercolor is a rich green and indigo blue landscape of the Carmel Valley in California. 20th century, Western art continues to shine with two richly painted oils: “Taos Valley, New Mexico (1937)” by Howard Schleeter (American, 1903-1976) estimated at $12,000 to $16,000 and “Lindsburg, Kansas (1945)” by Birger Sandzen (American/Sweden, 1871-1954) at $10,000 to $15,000. Up to the north, a beautiful and luminescent oil on canvas by Alaska’s pre-eminent painter, Sydney Mortimer Laurence (American, 1865-1940), titled, “Mt. McKinley, Alaska Height 20300 Ft” will be offered with an estimate of $30,000 to $50,000.
Frank Tenney Johnson (American 1874-1939), “A Mexican Smuggler,” 1914, watercolor, 33” x 22”
(Estimate: $30,000 to $50,000)
DECORATIVE ARTS & FURNISHINGS
This category for May finds exceptionally rich offerings in historical ephemera, furniture, sterling and some very cool cars.
In history, an important American historical archive relating to Madison E. Hollister, Illinois (1808-1896), includes his Presidential Supreme Court appointment signed by Ulysses S. Grant, his diplomatic appointment to the Consul of the United States at Buenos Aires signed by both President Andrew Johnson and William H. Seward and a ship’s passage awarded to Robert Murray signed by President Thomas Jefferson plus other significant historical documents, Descended through his family, this collection is being offered for $10,000 to $15,000.
Madison E. Hollister, Supreme Court Justice, and Consul General to the Argentine, Presidential appointments by Ulysses S. Grant and Andrew Johnson, together with a Thomas Jefferson signed ship’s passage
(Estimated at $10,000 to $15,000)
Turning to furniture and decoratives, the highlights of these offerings will be a Hans Wegner Papa Bear chair that is estimated at $6,000 to $8,000. In lighting, a pair of John Dickinson table lamps will be offered for $5,000 to $7,000 and an important 18th century Hawaiian koa wood poi bowl is expected to achieve $4,000 to $6,000.
The sterling to be offered at this sale is exceptional. There will several early British examples including a George III sterling silver tankard, London 1784, weighing 30.36 troy oz. and an Irish sterling silver covered server, by James Le Bas, Dublin, 1812, weighing 60.37. Both are expected to fetch $5,000 to $7,000. Also included in this collection are Georgian salvers dated 1751 and 1762 and tea caddy dated 1788.
The highlight of the Continental offerings will be an impressive Italian sterling silver centerpiece mounted with lapis cabochons, by Buccellati, Milan, weighing 74.62 troy oz., which is expected to fetch $15,000 to $20,000. Continuing with the Continental theme, a wonderful collection of Georg Jensen includes two flatware services in the “Acorn” and “Antik” patterns, both of which are expected to sell for $5,000 to $7,000. There will also be six hand-hammered service plates, designed by Johan Rhode, weighing 121.09 troy oz., with a $5,000 to $7,000 estimate and a “Cosmos” pattern five-piece hot beverage service estimated at $6,000-$8,000.
Large Buccellati, hand chased sterling silver and lapis mounted centerpiece bowl, 20th century
(Estimated at $15,000 to $20,000)
From Tiffany will be four “Chrysanthemum” pattern candleholders, 1907-1947, estimated to achieve $22,000 to $24,000. A monumental Tiffany & Company sterling silver-mounted Hawkes cut crystal gallon decanter in the “Basket Weave” pattern will be offered for $8,000 to $12,000.
Chinese Export sterling offerings include a silver-mounted five-piece vanity set by Luen Wo, Shanghai, late 19th/early 20th century. Each piece is elegantly hand crafted and carries a $6,000-$8,000 estimate. A Chinese Export silver tea service, Woshing, Shanghai, c. 1870-1910, is estimated at $4,000 to $6,000. Also featured will be a Burmese .900 silver wine/champagne cooler and a Thai bowl.
Now for fast cars and music to help move them, a scarce C.F Martin guitar model 00-42 serial number 15607, executed in 1920, is one of only 14 produced in November-December 1920. In unrestored condition, this gem will be offered at $6,000 to $8,000.
As for the cars… behind door number one is a 1954 Chevrolet Corvette in original condition, estimated at $70,000 to $90,000. Behind door number two is a 1952 MG Model TDC (Mark II) competition example carrying an estimate of $16,000 to $18,000 and behind door number three is a 1905 Surrey replica built in 1957 by Oldsmobile with a Cushman engine (Estimate: $5,000 to $7,000).
1954 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster in original condition – 66,860 original miles
(Estimated at $70,000 to $90,000)
Now for the two-wheeled muscle machines, a 2009 FLHTC Harley-Davidson has only 3,624 miles; a 2001 Harley-Davidson Soft Tail Heritage edition, comes with 18,786 original miles; a Simms Custom Cycle with a Thug 140 ci engine3 has only 322 original miles and 2007 Simms blue Custom Cycle has even less with 290 original miles. Each of these marvels of motordom are being offered for $10,000 to $15,000.
And finally there’s the real thing — California gold. Two natural California gold nuggets will be offered ‑ one weighing in at 9.9 oz., the other weighing in at 11.2 oz. These carry estimates of $12,000 to $15,000 and $15,000 to $20,000 respectively.
ANTIQUE AND ESTATE JEWELRY
The top offerings in this category are purely astounding. Headlining the amazing offerings will be a fancy brownish pink diamond, near colorless diamond and platinum ring. The pink diamond weight 3.04 cts with VVS1 clarity. This stunning ring is estimated at $100,000 to $150,000.
Rare fancy brownish pink diamond, near colorless diamonds and platinum ring centering one cut-cornered square modified brilliant cut (Radiant) diamond weighing 3.04 cts., accompanied by a GIA Colored Diamond Grading Report #11374600, VVS1 clarity
(Estimated at $100,000 to $150,000)
Emeralds dazzle in the next offering which is a fine 3.90cts emerald, diamond, platinum and 18k yellow gold ring that is expected to fetch $25,000 to $45,000. Coming to the sale with the same estimate if a fine jadeite, sapphire, diamond and 18k white gold ring. The jadeite cabochon measured 17.5 by 13.9X.
ASIAN
The highlight of the Asian offerings will be the continuation of offerings of Chinese huanghuali furniture from the estate of Edward Gerber, Reno, NV. The initial offering huanghuali furniture from this important estate realized $1.3 million at Clars’ March sale. Coming for sale in May will be a huanghuali three-section desk, five drawer coffer and a square table each estimated at $15,000 to $25,000. Along with the different tables are huanghuali chairs of various styles including official’s hat, Southern official’s hat and lamp hanger chairs. In addition to the furniture, this sale includes a four-panel screen inset with sixteen enameled porcelain plaques from the Republic period, depicting narrative scenes of a scholar and a beauty, (Estimate: $8,000 to $12,000). There will also be a good selection of Chinese porcelain, including a collection of Chinese 18th/19th century export armorial porcelain featuring various crest of arms.
Chinese hardwood huanghuali three-section desk, the separate top inset with two floating panels within a mortise and tenon frame, having two towers each with a stack of two drawers above a lattice base stretcher, 32″h x 62.5″w x 26.25″d. Provenance: From the estate of Edward Gerber
(Estimated at $15,000 – $25,000)
All the aforementioned highlights plus much more, will be offered at Clars Auction Gallery on Sunday, May 18th as part of their May 17-18-19, 2014 Fine Art, Jewelry and Decoratives Auction. The sales will begin promptly at 9:30am. Previews for this sale will be held Friday, May 16th from 1pm to 6pm and 9am each auction day and by appointment. A complete catalog will be available online one week prior to the sale.
For more information please, visit www.clars.com, email: info@clars.com or call (510) 480-0100.
Bidding for Clars auctions is available in person, by phone, absentee and live online @ www.clars.com, and through www.liveauctioneers.com and http://www.artfact.com. Clars Auction Gallery is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609.
Since 2001, Clars Auction Gallery has sold over $130,000,000
of Fine Art, Furnishings, Jewelry Vehicles and Collectibles.
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