The first sale of 2016 will show a variety of quality lots of fine art, decorative art, jewelry, silver and modern design on Sunday, January 3rd at Clarke Auction.

The fine art selection for Clarke’s first January sale will include two prized oil paintings by Leroy Neiman. The first is a large oil on canvas of a wolf, commissioned by the consignor directly from Neiman. The symbolism of the animal depicted in the image is of special meaning to the consignor’s family and is a unique work by the artist. The work is estimated to sell at $30/$50,000. A smaller Neiman original of a Boston Red Sox baseball player will be featured in the sale at an estimate of $5/$7,000.

In a similar style, several Nicola Simbari original oil on canvas paintings will be offered in the January 3rd sale. The works are all figural and scenic depictions in bright colors. The 1965 “Little Lemon Vendor” will be presented at $8/$12,000, the 1968 “Lazy Girl” is estimated $6/$9,000, and the 1965 “Girl in Green Interior” will be offered, also with an estimate of $8/$12,000.

Another important feature of the fine art selection is the traditional figural scene of mother and daughter by 19th Century Belgian artist Jan Portielje. The fine oil on wood panel work will be in the sale at a conservative $6/$9,000 estimate. Clarke will also offer a number of prints including a fine Chagall “Printemps au Pre” for $10/$15,000.

While there are several rare and important works in the January 3rd fine art offering, there will be over 100 lots of fine art in a variety of mediums. There will also be a great selection of decorative arts including Continental, American, and Asian bronzes, porcelains and furniture.

The auction itself will begin with a 1983 Mercedes Benz 380 Convertible. The car will hold a $5/$7,000 estimate. The decorative arts selection will begin after the fine arts and will also host a number of collectible pieces including a magnificent table lamp with etched shade signed Arsall. The cameo glass shade depicts an Arabian scene with figures and architectural elements. The base is finely cast bronze in the form of an elephant under a tree. The lamp is conservatively estimated at $4/$6,000.

Also in the selection is a marble top and satinwood bedroom set which will be auctioned at $1/$1,500. Two Pietra Dura tables will also be featured at the same estimate of $1/$1,500 each. Also in the same range will be large Crolex, Paris Boulle mantle clock. A micro mosaic of the Vatican will be auctioned at a slightly lower estimate of $8/$1,200 as well.

Chinese porcelains, bronzes, carved wood furniture and art works will also be presented and mixed in throughout the sale.

The sterling silver selection may host the most anticipated lot of the sale in the form of a Tiffany & Co. dragon decorated sterling pitcher. The finely decorated and designed ewer will be sold at $6/$9,000. Other sterling pieces include a Wallace flatware service for $2/$2,500 and a Peruvian center bowl for $600-$800.

Jewelry selections are also a highlight of the sale and will include a large number of Men’s wristwatch groupings. Also featured in the selection will be a Solitaire diamond ring for $1/$1,500 and many additional groupings of ladies’ jewelry at a variety of estimate ranges.

20th Century and Modern design features will include an Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Egg Chair and ottoman, estimated $1/$1,500, a beautiful R & Y Augousti Shagreen vanity and bench for $6/$900, a pair of Paul Frankl dressers for $6/$900, a set of 6 rosewood doors for $1/$1,500, and a George Nelson sectional sofa for $1,500/$2,500. In modern lighting a Giacometti style floor lamp is offered, as well as a gorgeous sputnik style chandelier for $1,000/$1,500.

In-house previews will be held December 31st and January 2nd from 12pm to 6pm and will continue January 3rd (day of sale) from 10am to 12pm (start of sale). The catalog is available online at ClarkeNY.com and includes recently added lots.

Online bidding is available through Bidsquare.com and Liveauctioneers.com. In order to register for phone or absentee bidding, please call the gallery at (914) 833-8336.