ALAMEDA, CA.- Original works of fine art can be equally compelling in tiny apartments and palatial estates; their power to inspire transcends, as it transforms, our spaces and our lives. A wealth of opportunities awaits art collectors at Michaan's on November 11. The centerpiece of the auction, from the circle of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, is a Pre-Raphaelite allegorical portrait, one of many fine English and European paintings offered. From a private collection in Marin County, works by prominent artists of the Bay Area Figurative Movement are featured. Precious gems, modern furniture, Tiffany lamps and Asian art also shine in this sale of fine consignments from San Francisco and beyond.

"The Personification of Autumn," a female portrait from the circle of poet and painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti, captures the voluptuous glow of the fall season. This exquisite painting more than justifies the widespread and enduring passion for Pre-Raphaelite art. While the movement's origins and principles may be esoteric, its art is easily appreciated: soulful portraits of Bohemian beauties, painted with brilliant color and fine detail. "The Personification of Autumn" epitomizes the Pre-Raphaelite aesthetic and is estimated at $50,000-$80,000.

One of America's premier postwar painters is also featured at Michaan's in November: Richard Diebenkorn, the abstract expressionist and leading artist of the Bay Area Figurative Movement. Diebenkorn (1922-1993), whose works are collected and exhibited by major museums worldwide, is the subject of a concurrent solo show at The Crocker Art Museum: "Beginnings, 1942-1955" (through January 7, 2018). Michaan's will auction his etchings "#38 from 41, 1965" ($1,500-$2,000) and "Tulips" ($1,000-$1,500, dated 1989) alongside works by his California contemporaries David Park, Raimonds Staprans and Nathan Oliveira. The Latvian-born Staprans was displaced in wartime and immigrated to the US, earning a Master's of Fine Art from Berkeley in 1954. His landscapes and variations on the still life theme pulsate with high contrasts of vibrant color. Staprans's "Storm Approaching,"dated 1961, is offered at $3,000-$5,000 and his 1964 “Reflections" is estimated at $2,000-$3,000. Nathan Oliveira (1928-2010), a Bay Area native painter, printmaker and sculptor, was the youngest painter included in the 1959 exhibition, "New Images of Man," at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. His studies of the human figure reflect the alienation typical of the human condition in the 20th century, but also suggest the eternal yearning for connection. Oliveira's 1977 small oil, "Young Woman,” iis estimated at $8,000-$12,000 and his "Watercolor Figure, 1965” is offered at $3,000-$4,000.

Michaan's is well known to collectors as a trusted resource for works from the studios of Louis Comfort Tiffany.. Featured in November are the bronze three-light Tiffany glass wall sconces ($5,000-$7,000), a rare matched pair perfectly suited to flanking a fireplace. Also offered is the "acorn" table lamp ($12,000-$15,000), its sculptural patinated bronze base supporting the green leaded glass shade, of geometric design inspired by ancient mosaics and completed by a band of stylized acorn motifs. Like the pair of graceful "Aladdin" bronze floor lamps ($3,500-$5,000), the wall sconces and acorn lamp are the ultimate lighting fixtures for the connoisseur of Arts and Crafts, and highly prized by Tiffany glass collectors.

November's great finds in furniture include the set of six caned and chrome Herman Miller cantilever chairs ($800-$1,200), icons of easy comfort and modern style. There is no better focal point for a room than the Steinway baby grand piano, offered this month at $4,000-$6,000. Philip and Kelvin Laverne's mid-century designs have lately skyrocketed in popularity and value; their etched bronze "kuan su" side table is estimated at $2,000-$3,000. November's decorative arts highlights include fine sterling silver pieces, turn-of-the-century French art glass vases by Daum Nancy, and an irresistible pair of Meissen pugs ($2,500-$3,000).

As trends evolve in the Asian art market, Michaan's consistently offers the most coveted pieces to local and international collectors. 2017 has been an excellent year for sales of the Japanese woodblock print, known for its great impact on global art and design. Woodblock prints are stealthily powerful: at first glance straightforward, but comprising layers of complexity. Their influence can be seen in works from Monet's late Impressionist paintings to David Goines's contemporary lithographs. November's auction features "Three Butterflies” ($800-$1,200) by Tadashi Nakayama (1927-2014), whose exuberant designs defy our expectations of the woodblock medium.. Another highlight is the vivid print by Joichi Hoshi (1913-1979), acclaimed for his tree studies. Hoshi's "Red Branches” is estimated at $1,500-$2,000. Also in this auction are two watercolor paintings by Chiura Obata (1885-1975). Immigrating to the US as a teenager at the turn of the century, Obata built a successful career as a Bay Area artist and Berkeley professor, only to be imprisoned in a detention camp with fellow Japanese Americans during World War II. His ordeal failed to dim the vitality of his work, which displays both the rigor of traditional Japanese art and the optimistic energy of the American West. Obata's works are offered this month at very attractive estimated prices: "Bird and Grass” ($700-$900) and "Mt. Fuji” ($500-$700). Japanese art treasures offered in November include the pair of stately hexagonal Meiji Period Satsuma vases. Signed Dai Nihon Kozan, they feature scenes of elegant figures in a formal landscape ($3,000-$5,000).

From the small celadon jade brush washer (about 4 inches wide, $600-$800) to the massive carved wood figure of Guanyin (64 inches tall, $8,000-$10,000), Chinese antiques are a highlight of every Michaan's auction. Offered in November are the bronze tripod censer with honorific Ming Xuande fifth year date ($800-$1,200) and the 18th century crackle glazed censer with wood lid ($600-$800). Fine porcelains include the blue underglaze charger adorned with bats, late 19th/early 20th century ($700-$900) and the famille rose figural baluster vase, elegant in shape and rich in detail ($6,000-$8,000). A scroll painting of magpies encircling a prunus, after Wang Mian (1287-1359), is estimated at $4,000-$6,000.

With artworks of such distinction in the auction house, it's fitting that November's fine jewelry includes treasures like the rare emerald of over six and a half carats, its Colombian origin certified by GIA. Set in a platinum and 18k gold ring with diamond accents, it has a deep, velvety hue and is estimated at $20,000-$30,000. Another superstar is the Tiffany brooch of large, luscious carved coral cherries, with diamonds in 18k gold ($8,000-$12,000). Four brilliant-cut diamonds of exceptional color and quality, each weighing over a carat and a half, are united in a dazzling ring ($15,000-$25,000). Vintage estate pieces include the glamorous Art Deco diamond brooch ($3,000-$5,000). A menagerie of animal-themed jewelry awaits holiday gift buyers. Leaping frogs form a pair of 14 karat gold cufflinks ($500-$700). From designer E. Zoartas, the bejeweled 18k gold lion's head bangle and matching ring are estimated at $2,000-$3,000. The 14k yellow gold hand clutch ($4,000-$6,000) and the diamond, enamel and 18k gold lapel watch ($700-$900) bring next-level chic to evenings out. Native American jewelry, strands of fine cultured pearls, antique pocket watches and fabulous cocktail rings are also in this sale, which begins at 10 AM PST on Saturday, November 11.