Oakland, CA — On Sunday, May 19th, Clars will host an important Decorative Arts and Furnishings Sale that will feature investment quality works from the masters of design including Tiffany, Dante Marioni, Dirk Van Erp and Garry Knox Bennett.
Turning to the remarkable furniture designs to be offered, this category will be headlined by a number of important pieces executed by Garry Knox Bennett (California, b. 1934). Bennett’s work has been exhibited at institutions including The Museum of Art & Design,
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the De Young Museum of San Francisco and The Montreal Museum of Art. To be offered at Clars on May 19th, will be a console table, a dining table, an occasional table titled “Snake Shit 2,” and a lamp. Currently being appraised, the Bennett console table is anticipated to carry a $7,000-$9,000 estimate. (Please check back at www.clars.com for final estimates on the Bennett pieces).
At Clars May 2012 Decorative Arts and Furnishings sale, the firm represented important furniture offerings from the renowned and historic mansion of James C. Flood known as Linden Towers. Furnished in extravagance, Linden Towers, in the late 19th century, was regarded as the most elaborate country manor in the country. Once again, coming to the May 2013 sale will be several pieces of furniture commissioned by James C. Flood for his revered estate. To be offered will be an overmantle mirror to be offered for $6,000-$8,000 and furniture which graced the ornate billiards room. 
The billiards room furnishings are being offered for $5,000-$7,000. Rounding out the furniture highlights will be works from the mid-century masters Charles and Ray Eames represented by a 670 and 671 lounge chair and ottoman as well as works by George Nelson for Herman Miller.
The Decorative Arts offerings will be equally impressive. Works by Jensen and Tiffany will take the Spotlight in sterling. From Tiffany & Co., a sterling centerpiece executed in the “Chrysanthemum” pattern will be offered for $20,000-$25,000.
Works by George Jensen include a five-piece hot beverage service including tray weighing in at eight pounds overall is estimated to sell for $15,000-$20,000. There will also be two large Jensen centerpieces offered with estimates ranging from $8,000 to $20,000.
A stunning example of glass artist Dante Marioni’s work (American, b. 1964) entitled “Yellow Pair With Red Wrap,” measuring 29 inches high leads modern glass. Known for his ability to achieve a fine balance between austerity and exuberance, this work is being offered for $10,000-$20,000.
Turning to Arts & Crafts, a large three socket table lamp by master of the era, Dirk Van Erp was given personally by Van Erp to noted San Francisco jeweler and silversmith, Robert Schaezlein, as a wedding gift in 1915. The lamp had remained in the Schaezlein family until now and is expected to achieve $10,000-$15,000.
And for Bruce Lee fans, (traditional :李小龍; born Lee Jun-fan; 27 November 1940 – 20 July 1973) Lees’ first book, “Chinese Gung-Fu: The Philosophical Art of Self Defense,” both signed and inscribed to Felix Macias, a founding member of the Oakland JKD, 1963, is estimated to sell for $10,000-$20,000. This will be offered along with a large number of Hollywood Golden Age autographs including those of Shirley Temple, Spencer Tracey and Boris Karloff.
Of Special Note — Ethnographic Collection: On Saturday, May 18th, Clars will be offering a large selection of ethnographic art deaccessioned from the DeYoung Museum of San Francisco and the Crocker Museum of Sacramento. Also to be offered along with this collection will be an 18th century Fine Hawaiian Koa wood bowl, Calabash with indigenous repairs, that carries a $5,000-$7,000 estimate.
For complete information on Clars May 19, 2013 Decorative Arts and Furnishings Auction, please visit www.clars.com, call (510) 428-0100 or email: info@clars.com. A complete catalog of all lots to be offered will be available online one week prior to the sale.
Previews for this sale will be Friday, May 17th, from 1pm to 6pm and beginning at 9am on both Saturday, May 18th and Sunday, May 19th.
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.
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