On Saturday and Sunday, May 30 and 31, 2015, Clars will host their Fine Art, Decorative Art, Furniture, Jewelry/Timepieces and Asian Art Auction. Property from very significant collections will be offered including the Hirschhorn Museum (Washington D.C.), the Richard Mellon Scaife Estate, the Lillian Kornbluth Estate and 18th and 19th century antiques from legendary Trotter’s Antiques of Pacific Grove, CA. Overall, the importance of the offerings will attract worldwide attention and is anticipated to be one the firm’s largest sales in their history. 

FINE ART

Clars auction on May 31st will undoubtedly have some of the finest paintings, prints and sculpture it has ever offered in the company’s history. ‘Must have’ works by many of the important artists collected today will be featured.

For well over 40 years, Lillian Kornbluth had been an established art dealer in the New York metropolitan area. Her gallery based in Northern New Jersey represented many artists which included Wolf Kahn, Milton Avery, Helen Frankenthaler, Will Barnet, Pablo Picasso, Richard Segalman and many others. Clars is pleased to be offering the Lillian Kornbluth Estate in our Important May 31stAuction. Several important works by Wolf Kahn will be featured from the Kornbluth Collection such as oils on canvas, pastels, and prints. A native of Stuttgart, Germany, Kahn studied under Hans Hofmann at his school in New York City in the 1950s and 60s. Kahn developed his own unique style of using vibrant color and tones that was both representational and Abstract Expressionistic. Lillian Kornbluth was well aware of Kahn’s talent and was a pioneer in representing this very talented American artist in his early career. Kahn’s work can be found in the collections in numerous national and international museums. The most vibrant painting of the group is, "In Praise of Revelyne Red (1993)." [PHOTO 1] Estimated at $25,000-30,000, this painting is a quintessential example of Kahn’s ability to synthesize the spontaneity of color with the realistic qualities of formal landscape painting. Kahn’s palette in “In Praise of Revelyne Red,” is bright and playful, connecting the viewer to such great colorists as Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall, while also relating to the emotional use of color as seen in Mark Rothko’s color-field paintings. Additional highlights in the sale by Kahn are two other oils on canvas titled, “Landscape with a Warm Yellow Background” and “Golden Meadow,” estimated at $18,000-22,000 and $15,000-20,000, as well as three pastels, and nine prints from this incredible collection from one of the East Coast’s premiere fine art dealers of the late 20th century.

Another colorful composition by New York artist, Giorgio Cavallon (American, 1904-1989), Untitled (1948), comes from the collection of Dr. Peter B. Fischer (Los Angeles, California). As this painting exemplifies, Cavallon was greatly influenced by Dutch modernist, Piet Mondrian. In the 1930s and 1940s, Cavallon went to New York City, where abstract expressionism was prevalent with the likes of William De Kooning and Arshile Gorky being his peers. This spectacular oil on canvas will be offered at $10,000-15,000.

An important oil on canvas by Gordon Onslow Ford (American/British, 1912-2003), Untitled (1945), [PHOTO 2] is an impressive late-surrealist painting from the artist’s triumphant 1940s period. In the 1930s the young artist discovered the abstract approach to Surrealist painting that Joan Miró and André Masson used to express their creative voices. His work was later solidified in the Surrealist manner after meeting Roberto Matta, Max Ernst, Yves Tanguay, and officially joining the group in 1938 after a formal invitation from the group’s leader, André Breton— author of the “Surrealist Manifesto.” Just three years after his formal acceptance into the group, Ford came to New York in 1941 to give a series of influential lectures on Surrealism to the then practically unknown American painters such as Jackson Pollock and Robert Motherwell. Concurrently with his lectures Ford also organized four important Surrealist exhibitions in New York—introducing a new generation of artists to the movements Automatism and Subconscious Expression in their art. That same year Ford moved to Mexico where he lived with his wife for six years before relocating to San Francisco, CA. It was during these years in Mexico that Ford created this large oil on canvas in 1945. The painting combines Ford’s playful approach to his artwork with swaths of black and white lines contrasting fields of color that intermixes into an active, flowing field of colors - reflective of a large cohesive mindscape. Gordon Onslow Ford’s Surrealist tour de force, Untitled, 1945, is estimated at $65,000-$85,000.

A magnificent print titled, “Geisha (2003),” [PHOTO 3] by Helen Frankenthaler (American, 1928-2011), also from the Lillian Kornbluth collection, will highlight the sale in this category. The woodcut, comprised of twenty-three cuts of wood, was created in the “Ukiyo-e” Japanese woodblock tradition. Frankenthaler, known as the most pre-eminent female artist of the Abstract Expressionist movement in American Post-War art, was a master color field painter. Known for creating large abstract oil paintings with the gentle effects of watercolor, Frankenthaler’s work is a tender approach to Abstract Expressionists works contrasted by often forceful use of paint by such artists as Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning. In order to achieve temperate result, Frankenthaler would dilute her oils with turpentine and paint directly on an unprepared canvas. This resulted in the canvas soaking the color to create a large soft color field. This technique, known as “soak-stain,” was used by Frankenthaler throughout her career, and is apparent in the use of the many blocks of wood needed to create the illusion of a watercolor in her print, “Geisha (2003)”. “Geisha,” the first of five prints Frankenthaler created in collaboration with the print makers and publishers at Pace Prints between 2003 and 2009, will be offered at Clars on May 31st with an estimate of $20,000-$25,000.

Clars will also offer a porcelain with metallic finish sculpture by one of the most esteemed, influential, and oftentimes controversial artists living today, Jeff Koons (American, b. 1955), titled,  “Balloon Dog (Red),” executed in 1995. While Koons’ records have continued to soar at the auction block over the decades, it was not until this past year that a Museum dedicated a comprehensive exhibition to Koons’ important position in the art world. The Whitney Museum of American Art’s Retrospective of Koons’ work spanned over 30 years, in chronological order, shedding light on the profound importance, lasting legacy, and exciting future for Koons. Beginning in 1994, Koons created the “Celebration” Series of oversized stainless steel sculptures of banal objects heightened to magnificent proportions. His “Balloon Dogs” became arguably the most iconic works from the Celebration series and in 1995 Koons teamed up with the Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles, to publish an edition of these balloon dogs small enough to fit in a collector’s bookshelf. “Balloon Dog (Red)” will be offered at $8,000-$12,000, and will certainly be a highlight of the impressive contemporary offerings at Clars.

In addition to Koons, Clars will feature important sculpture by an array of artists on May 31st. One of which is a monumental work (standing 50 inches in height) by Richard MacDonald (American, b. 1946) titled, "Joie de Vivre,” [PHOTO 4] will be offered at $30,000-50,000. A master of executing the grace and beauty of human form, this whimsical bronze by MacDonald adorned the koi pond of one of the oldest Russian Orthodox churches in the United States. The Holy Assumption Monastery was founded in the early 1940's by a small group of nuns who fled from Russia and China and relocated to the San Francisco Bay area settling in Calistoga, California adjoining the Napa River. Clars is pleased to be selling this beautiful sculpture on their behalf.

Another prominent Californian sculptor, Ruth Asawa (American, 1926-2013), will be featured with her charming bronze, “Frog (1968)” estimated at $8,000-12,000. This sculpture is from a series of frog bronzes that were incorporated into Andrea’s Fountain in San Francisco’s Ghirardelli Square. In 1968, then-owner William Roth, selected Asawa, better known for her abstract, woven-wire sculptures, to design and create the centerpiece fountain. This work will surely take a giant leap when the bidding begins on May 31st.

Last, but far from least, in the sculpture category, Clars will also be offering a rare, pair of bronze Allegorical Maquettes (Richard Morris Hunt Memorial, New York City) by Daniel Chester French (American, 1850–1931) which are being offered at $40,000-60,000. [PHOTO 5] Daniel Chester French (American, 1850–1931) was commissioned to create a monument to Richard Morris Hunt (1827-1895) who was one of the most influential and prominent American architects of the 19th century, “Gilded Age”. His work was extensive and included many well-known New York City buildings such as the facade and Great Hall of the Metropolitan Museum, the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, and many Fifth Avenue grand mansions for the elite, affluent American families of the era, such as the Vanderbilts and Astors. Outside of New York City, Hunt’s opulent work can be found in Newport, Rhode Island, “The Breakers”, and the “The Biltmore Estate” in North Carolina.

Unveiled in 1898 and located on the East Side wall at Fifth Avenue and East 70th Street across from the Frick Museum, French featured three bronzes: two female figures at each end, representing allegorical statues of Architecture, Painting, and Sculpture, and a bust of Hunt in the center. Equal in national prominence to Hunt as a sculptor, Daniel Chester French was very well regarded with numerous public sculptural monuments to his credit, such as his most known contribution, Abraham Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Prior to the actual finished sculptures flanking the center bust (which stand at close to nine feet in height), French made two sets of maquettes (or small scale sculptural models) that were made and eventually gifted to the descendants of Richard Morris Hunt. One of these sets was recently acquired for the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Clars is very pleased to be offering the only other known set of these Allegorical bronze maquettes in their Important May 31st Auction. As Rick Unruh, Director of Fine Art at Clars, points out, “These two maquettes epitomize 19th century New York City history in combining two artistic greats of the era - Hunt and French. Not to mention, they have remained in the Hunt family for well over a century. You can’t ask for better provenance than that!”

Latin American art is very well represented in Clars May 31st auction with paintings, sculpture and prints by such masters as David Alfaro Siqueiros (Mexican, 1896-1974), Francisco Zuniga (Mexican, 1912-1998), Guillermo Meza (Mexcian, 1917-1997), Rufino Tamayo (Mexican, 1899-1991), Carlos Mérida (Guatemalan, 1895-1984) and Roberto Matta (Chilean, 1911-2002) among many others. One of the painting highlights in this category is an oil on canvas by Siqueiros titled, “Paisaje Volcanique (1964),” offered at $40,000-60,000, as well as two works by Merida such as, “En el Cielo (1943),” estimated at $18,000-24,000. Also, a magnificent bronze by Zuniga titled, “Madre e hija en banca (1975),” will be offered at $30,000-50,000.

Numerous exceptional American paintings from both the 19th and 20th centuries will be featured as well on May 31st. A delicate, seasonal depiction painting by renowned Hudson River artist, Jasper Francis Cropsey (American, 1823-1900) titled, Autumn Lake Scene with Figure in a Row Boat (1887), will be offered at $20,000-30,000. Always a favorite at Clars with his dramatic depictions of nature is the painting, “Stag Calling,” by Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait (American, 1819-1905) which is sure to attract bidders at $7,000-10,000. Another master painter of the grandness of outdoor beauty is Albert Bierstadt (American, 1830-1902). His poetic oil on panel titled, Stream with Mountain Vista, is sure to fetch its estimate of $12,000-18,000. California art will also be highlighted with exceptional works by all the major artists of the era. One example is a beautifully executed painting by Arthur Hill Gilbert (American, 1894-1970) titled, "Normandy Houses (1928),” which will be offered at $15,000-20,000. This scene of this painting (accompanied by exhibition history letter from Gilbert written in 1910 stating the location) was near the home of legendary French Impressionist artist, Claude Monet. At 40 x 70 inches, with exceptional provenance and exhibition history as well, is a spectacular painting by Manuel Valencia (American, 1856-1935) titled, “Yosemite Valley from Artists Point,” which will be estimated at $12,000-16,000.

Decorative Arts and Furnishings

The Furniture and Decorative Arts category features strength across the board.  The highlight furniture lot comes from the Richard Mellon Scaife Estate of Ligonier, PA, which has already experienced a very positive reception by the market.  An early 19th century museum quality Regency ormolu mounted rosewood, and parcel gilt side cabinet, [PHOTO 6] attributed to Gillows of Lancaster, was purchased by Mr. Scaife from the world famous, Jeremy Ltd. Antiques, London.  The cabinet will be offered for $30,000-$40,000.

Among the other furniture highlights will be American Studio Furniture. To be offered is a Michael Coffey ‘Heron Table I’ estimated at  $10,000-$15,000 and a Pedro Friedeberg ‘Left Hand’ chair, estimated at $6,000-$9,000.  There will also be a large collection of scarce Meier Brothers furniture, including an executive desk executed in fiddleback walnut and a Paul Evans Cityscape dining table and sideboard.

Clars Auction Gallery was honored be selected by the Trotter family of Pacific Grove and Carmel (CA) to represent the entire inventory of Trotter’s Antiques to the global market. The first offerings from this extensive collection will begin on May 31st and continue for several monthly sales thereafter. 

 Coming to the market at the May sale will be a Napoleon III ebonized and hardstone inlaid cabinet [PHOTO 7] executed by Charles-Guillaume Diehl (1811-1885) that is being offered for  $10,000-$15,000.  Diehl was considered among the most important cabinetmakers of the 19th-century.

In addition to the important furniture offerings from Trotter Antiques, there are also several highlights from decorative art. The items will include a pair of circa 1890 Art Nouveau hand-chased dore bronze candelabra executed by Eugene Lelievre (French, 1856-1945), cast by Susse Freres, Paris. This pair is estimated at $8,000-$12,000. Also to be offered will be a pair of French Empire gilt bronze candelabra, executed by Ferdinand Barbidienne (French, 1810-1892), valued at $5,000-$7,000. Silver offerings also include an American antique sterling silver repousse five piece hot beverage suite by Baltimore Silversmiths Manufacturing Company, Baltimore, Maryland, 1903-1905, in the "Castle" pattern which will be offered for $6000-$9000.

The important Trotter offerings will also include a collection of lighting including a Pairpoint a table lamp, having a reverse Tivoli shade accented with floral sprays, valued at $4000-6000, and a rare Bent Glass Novelty Co. New York, oil lamp [PHOTO 8] estimated at $10,000-$15,000.  

 Rounding out the remarkable decorative arts will be a fine William Cummens, Roxbury Massachusetts, mahogany tall case clock, [PHOTO 9] circa 1795, that will be offered for $15,000-$20,000.  Turning to French clocks, a French Empire ormolu chariot mantel clock, circa 1815, is estimated to achieve $12,000-$16,000.

Fine Jewelry and Timepieces

Complementing the prominent selections of both fine, Asian and decorative art, it’s only fitting that the jewelry offerings equal its counterpart categories. And, for the May auction, a diamond ring carries the highest pre-sale estimate for the sale overall and will no doubt draw major bidding from the global market. The yellow diamond and near-colorless diamond ring [PHOTO 10] features a rectangular modified brilliant cut diamond weighing 7.52 cts and is being offered for $80,000 to $100,000. For bidders who miss this offering, a second diamond and platinum wedding ring suite is highlighted by a round brilliant cut diamond weighing approximately 5.30 cts and will be offered for $30,000 to $50,000.

Rounding out the dazzling jewelry offerings will be a pair of sapphire and diamond clip earrings featuring a total sapphire weight of approximately 11.80 cts (estimate: $12,000 to $14,000) and a stunning David Webb diamond, emerald and enamel leopard bangle bracelet that is being offered for $12,000 to $16,000.

In timepieces, the highlight will be a Gentleman’s Rolex Submariner stainless steel wristwatch, ref, 5512, circa 1967, that is estimated at $5,000 to $7,000.

Asian Art and Antiques

The Asian category will offer a selection of fine art and decorative art from various museums and estates. In addition to items from Trotter Antiques and the Mellon Scaife estate, we will be featuring a collection from the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (University of Oregon) with Japanese metal work, cloisonné enameled ware and ceramics, along with a selection of Chinese snuff bottles of various medium. Chinese ceramics, from the estate of Dr. Graeme Hanson from San Francisco California, will include Ming and Qing dynasty underglaze blue porcelain and enameled ware as well as an assortment of Song dynasty Longquan, Cizhou, Ding ware and qingbai glazed ceramics.  A pair of large Chinese export rose medallion vases from the late 19th/early 20th century, with gilt fu-lion handles and chilong on the shoulders, set on gilt bronze ormolu bases with lions and flowers, is estimated at $3,000-$5,000.

In Asian fine art, there will be a painting of bouquets of magnolia and peonies attributed to Yu Sheng (Chinese, 1692-1767), the lower left bearing signature 'Chen Yu Sheng gong hui', sealed 'Chen Yu Sheng' and 'Zhao zhao ran han' (estimate $5,000 to $7,000). Another highlight of the sale is a Chinese calligraphy attributed to Zheng Xie/Banqiao (Chinese, 1693-1765) with eight artist seals and collector’s seal including Deng Cangwu, a 20th century art collector from Macau (estimate $4,000 - $6,000).  Also to be offered will be an exceptional coral form lamp base. To conclude this section, there will be a selection of hardwood Chinese furniture, including a lacquered cabinet with bouquets of flowers and scholar’s items executed in stone and wood inlays.   

Clars Auction Gallery’s Fine Art, Decorative Art Furniture, Jewelry/Timepieces and Asian Art Auction will be held Saturday and Sunday , May 30th and 31st, 2015.. The sales will begin promptly at 9:30am on Saturday and Sunday. Previews for this sale will be held Friday, May 29th   from 1pm to 6pm and 9am, Saturday and Sunday beginning at 9:30 am and by appointment. A complete catalog will be available online one and one-half weeks prior to the sale. For more information, please visit www.clars.com  or email: info@clars.com

Clars Auction Gallery is based in Oakland (CA) and is  the largest full service auction gallery in the Western United States, Clars Auction Gallery has been the chosen auction gallery of a number of institutions and distinguished private collectors across the country.  

Bidding for Clars’ auctions is available in person, by phone, absentee and live online at www.clars.com, and through www.liveauctioneers.com, and www.Invaluable.com.  Clars Auction Gallery is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609.