Clars’ October 15th and 16th Fine Art and Antiques Auction yielded remarkable results making this weekend event the largest October sale in their history. In all, $820,000+ was realized on approximately 2,000 lots, a 29% increase over last year. “Fine art, decoratives and jewelry all performed well but, again, Asian was the stand-out,” said Redge Martin, President of Clars. In addition, Martin commented, “better, investment quality items did very well but the middle market still appears soft.”

Turning first to the “stand-out” Asian category, lot 2704, a Chinese multiple section vasiform porcelain container earned beyond remarkable dollars. Estimated to bring $300 - $500, this vase sold for $27,255! Almost rivaling this astounding sale was a Chinese underglaze red copper decorated porcelain dish. This piece was expected to earn $500 to $700 but again, dropping jaws, it sold for $24,885. The list goes on with a pair of Chinese polychrome enameled porcelain vases estimated at $1,500 to $2,500 but selling for $15,405 followed by a Chinese celadon glazed ovoid vase estimated at $800 to $12,00 but selling for $10,665. Without question — this category continues to be remarkable and astounding.

The Fine Art category featured important 20th century European and American prints and significant artworks by Modern and Contemporary California artists. The top sellers in this category were a framed watercolor and ink on paper by Jean Dubuffett (French, 1901-1985) entitled “Le Fauteuil II,” which sold nicely for $10,073 and from California artist David Ligare (b. 1945) his framed oil on lined, ''Landscape with Arrow,'' 1991, performed well going out at $7,703. The framed etching and aquatint with hand coloring by Louis Icart (French, 1888-1950) entitled “Yachting,” also sold for well within estimate at $7,080.

On to the Decoratives and Furnishings category. The four stunning Etruscan chairs attributed to John Dickinson solidly surpassed their estimate selling for $7,703. Also surpassing its estimate was a Berkeley Mills cherry Tansu from the East-West Collection which sold for $5,015 and more than doubling its estimate was a Continental carved 19th century angel, This polychrome decorated figure was carved in the round, rising on a cloud form baser with floral accents on a cobalt ground. It sold for $2,655. A good buy was had on the American Victorian Standard Graded Wooten Desk, circa 1874, by Wooten Desk Co. Executed in the Eastlake style, this piece earned $5,605.

Rounding out the sale were the rich offering in their estate and antique jewelry category. The top sellers in this category were a 14k yellow gold diamond ring set with 1 oval brilliant cut diamond weighing 2.01cts that sold well for $17,775 and a set of diamond bezel drop earrings in platinum which earned $10,073. Richly donning the buyer’s wrist now is the diamond dialed CHANEL white ceramic and steel wristwatch that sold for $4,720.

A complete list of prices realized for Clars October 15 and 16, 2011 sale is available at www.clars.com

Coming next to Clars is their very important November Fine Antiques and Art Auction which will be held Saturday and Sunday, November 12th and 13th. Previews for this sale will be Friday, November 11th from 1pm to 6pm and 9am each auction day or by special appointment. A full catalog will be available online at www.clars.com prior to the sale.

Bidding for Clars auctions is available in person, by phone, absentee and live online @ www.clars.com, and through www.liveauctioneers.com. To register to bid and for more information, call Clars Auction Gallery at (888) 339-7600, or email: info@clars.com. Clars Auction Gallery is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609.

Clars Auction Gallery is very proud to be a sponsor of the PBS series Antiques Roadshow in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Reno (NV).