On September 13, 14, and 15, 2014, Clars Auction Gallery will host what is anticipated to be the largest sale in the firm’s history. In a year where each monthly sale surpassed all previous records for that month, their September event will be an exciting world-class experience for buyers and collectors around the globe.

THE FINE ART

The importance of the fine art to be offered is remarkable. Roy Lichtenstein’s (American, 1993 – 1997) ‘’Study for Still Life with Dossier,’’(PHOTO 1) will be the leading offering in this category. This drawing—the only known study for the 1976 ‘’Still Life with Dossier,’’ painting currently in the important post-war collection of Dr. Giuliano Gori—has never been seen outside of private hands. Artistically a strong example of the artist’s work, the drawing engages a significant shift stylistically in Lichtenstein’s practice. In the study, we see the artist’s early use of straight lines, rather than his iconic Ben-Day dots. By 1983 his signature dots had yielded almost entirely to stripes. The fact that the artist created very few drawings and that this work is fresh to the market will make this 11 13/16 x 8 15/16 inch drawing the leading lot in the Fine Art Offering. “The story of how this work was consigned at Clars is one of scholarship and, as far as provenance is concerned, it could not be better,” said Rick Unruh, Vice President and Director of Fine Art. This work will be offered for $80,000 to $120,000.

The second premier offering will be a work by Leonor Fini (French, 1908-1996). Fini was an artist living in Paris for the majority of her career who counted Pablo Picasso, Rene Magritte, Max Ernst, Jean Cocteau, and Salvador Dali amongst her many friends and peers in the art world. “Dialogue Impossible (1994)” (PHOTO 2) depicts a strong woman clad in a long flowing crimson skirt, looking past the drab man with his eyes closed beneath her. The painting, originally from the Weinstein Gallery of San Francisco, CA (who represents the artist), will certainly achieve its $60,000-$80,000 estimate.

Clars is once again pleased to present a fine sculpture by African American Modernist, Elizabeth Catlett (1915-2012) titled, “Cabeza de Piedra.” This 11 inch high, cast stone piece will be offered at $16,000 to $22,000 and depicts the head of a man and recalls the strength of traditional Aztec and Mayan stone sculpture in Mexican culture which influenced Catlett significantly. The artist makes a powerful statement with this a unique example. Another important sculpture will be a Beaux Arts classic by Louis Ernest Barrias (French, 1841-1905) titled, ''Nature Revealing Herself to Science,'' (Estimate: $20,000 to $30,000).

This summer’s World Cup has come and gone, but the brilliant, Pop Art of Brazilian artist, Romero Britto (b. 1963), will be available at this sale. This vibrantly playful, acrylic on canvas titled, “Brazilia Lady,” exemplifies the effervescent spirit of this talented South American artist. (Estimate: $18,000 to $22,000)

Two American painters whose works exemplify the magnificence of the flowering field landscapes will also be featured on September 14th. One of which is a spectacular oil on board by the Texas artist, Julian Onderdonk (1882-1922), titled, “Blue Bonnets - Early Morning," (PHOTO 4) which will be offered for $30,000 to $50,000. Fields of California poppies are the focus of a vibrantly, colorful, oil on canvas by John Marshall Gamble (1863 - 1957), titled, Meadow with Poppies and Purple Mountains, which is estimated at $15,000 to $20,000.

Clars is honored to offer the work titled “A Walk Into Town,” (PHOTO 3) by 19th century Dutch Master Bernardus Johannes Blommers (1845-1914), one of the most collected artists of The Hague School of Painters. This work was originally part of the extraordinary Jacques Goudstikker Gallery Collection which was seized by the Nazi’s during their art confiscation program. This work by Blommers was recently a subject in the travelling exhibit, “Reclaimed, Paintings from the Collection of Jacques Goudstikker.” The provenance of this work combined with the balanced composition and timeless Dutch Master palette, and excellent condition, makes the appearance of this master on the market a most exciting opportunity for collectors. (Estimate: $5,000 to $7,000)

One region of the globe that is experiencing ‘sky rocketing,’ global art prices is Russia. Clars is pleased to be offering paintings by some of the finest 19th and 20th century, Russian artists on the market. One of these highlights is a dramatic scene by Lev Lagorio (1827-1905) titled, “Figures Gazing at the Sea,” (PHOTO 5) which is conservatively priced to sell at $15,000 to $20,000.

DECORATIVE ARTS AND FURNISHINGS

Diego Giocometti (Switzerland, 1902-1985) was one of the premier designers of the 20th century. His works are held in the finest museums, private collections and homes worldwide. On Sunday, September 14th, Clars will offer a console rectangulaire (PHOTO 6) created by this renowned artist. This important work of art in design will be offered for $80,000 to $120,000.

Other top furniture designers of the 20th century will also be represented including a bench by Frank Lloyd Wright (estimate: $5,000 to $7,000) and group of metal tree trunk tables by Silas Seandel (cumulative estimate: $12,000 to $15,000). Also to be offered is a palace-sized Ferahan Sarouk carpet measuring 14’.2” by 25’, that is estimated at $15,000 to $25,000.

There will be a large collection of American and European lighting including Tiffany Studios, Pairpoint, Handel, and Art Nouveau examples. Highlighting our lighting collection will be a Tiffany Studios “Venetian” desk lamp (PHOTO 7), estimated at $50,000-70,000.

Another highlight will be a group of wood turned bowls, consisting of an 18th century Koa wood example having indigenous repairs, valued at $3,000 to $5,000; a large Koertge example, as well as a Moulthrop vessel.

The Continental highlights will include a pair of monumental French marble and ormolu mounted urns (PHOTO 8) attributed to Henry Dasson (1825-1896) which will be offered for $30,000 to $50,000. This offering will be complemented by both monumental Royal Vienna and Sevres urns. An impressive selection of clocks includes a mother of pearl marquetry decorated eight-ball, double fuse bracket clock with automaton, having an estimate of $5,000-7,000. and a clock by Lalique valued at $12000-15000.

Several historic items will be offered including two gold presentation walking sticks conservatively estimated at $4,000 to $6,000 and $5,000 to $7,000. Clars routinely realizes record-breaking prices on similar pieces. Also to be offered is a United States Civil War Presentation sword with scabbard estimated at $5,000 to $7,000.

In sterling the highlight will be a Moorcroft for Shreve, San Francisco, 1912, overlaid tea set executed in the Pomegranate pattern, having an estimate of $4,000 to $6,000. Clars recently set a record for a Moorcroft for Shreve loving cup which sold for $32,000. 

THE ASIAN ART

The Asian art department is excited to be offering a Chinese haunghuali table, (PHOTO 9) composed of two floating top panels.  This piece was purchased by the current consignor at auction in the mid-1990’s for a bit over $2,000. In today’s market amid the continued strength of Chinese furniture, the pre-auction estimate is $20,000 to $40,000.  In the porcelain section, a collection of Chinese enameled porcelain planters from the late Qing and early Republic period will be offered.  This collection will include a pair of oval pink sgraffito ground planters painted with various floral scrolls, the bases with  Hongxian marks. (Estimate $6,000 to $8,000)  In the category of jades, there will be a selection of plaques, toggles and carvings from the Qing and Republic period including jade plaques relief carved with scholars in landscapes, previously mounted as ruyi scepters. In textiles, featured will be a Chinese late 19th century blue gauze jifu dragon robe, gilt couched with nine five claw dragons.  This will be offered along with other Chinese embroideries and woven textiles.

Also to be featured is a collection of painted Himalayan thangka from the Edward Gerber estate in Reno, (NV).  Eight lots ranging from the 18th through early 20th century will be offered with estimates ranging from $1,500 –to $4,000.  Images depicted include Yamantaka Yab Yum, Padmasambhava, Skakyamuni Buddha and Mahakala.

THE JEWELRY

Diamonds, rubies, jadeite and sapphires will dazzle collectors and buyers. A cushion cut 3.10 ct. ruby is surrounded by 4.84 cts of diamonds and set in 18k white gold in a stunning ring to be offered for $12,000 to $14,000. Likely surpassing this ring will be a fine jadeite, diamond and white gold ring (PHOTO 10) with the center jadeite measuring 16.79 x 10.35 x 6.80mm which is expected to achieve $25,000 to $45,000.

Also to be offered will be an Art Deco star sapphire, diamond and platinum ring estimated at $5,000 to $8,000 and a diamond and platinum ring featuring an old European cut diamond, 2.40 cts., is expected to earn $8,000 to $12,000. And for the gentlemen, a circa 1956 Rolex GMT stainless steel wristwatch, Ref. 6542, will be offered for $10,000 to $15,000.

Clars Auction Gallery’s September Fine Art, Jewelry and Decoratives Sale will be held on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, September 13th, 14,th and 15th. . The sales will begin promptly at 9:30am on Saturday and Sunday and at 1:30pm on Monday. Previews for this sale will be held Friday, September 12th   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  or email: info@clars.com

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