OAKLAND, CA.- Clars Auction Gallery will present their monthly auction of Fine Art, Decorative Art, Furniture, Jewelry/Timepieces and Asian Art Auction on Sunday, December 17th at their Oakland (CA) gallery and saleroom. Important Asian Art and Antiques will be the highlight of this sale complemented by an impressive selection of Fine Art, including pieces from the private collection of Dr. Phil Zimbardo, Prof. Emeritus, Stanford University and the exciting Atomic Era NASA collection from the estate of Ray Larson, former Vice President and Lead Engineer of Rockwell International.
Highlights in Asian Art and Antiques
Clars is once again will present works attributed to Zhang Daqian (Chinese, 1899-1983) at auction. On December 17th, Clars will offer Album of Still Lifes. This ink and color on paper consists of eight painted pages that include subject matters such as flowers, fruits and vegetables, each with colophon bearing signature and seal and some bearing the collector’s seal 'Dingshan zhen cang' (Chen Dingshan, 1897-1987). This work will be offered with an estimate of $50,000 - $70,000. (Clars presented a collection of eight scrolls by Zhang Daqian at their June 2017 auction. Offered with an estimate of $200,000 - $400,000, the scrolls commanded the exceptional price of $2,827,000).
Another highlight in this category’s offerings will be a Chinese hanging panel inset with four porcelain plaques, each etched and highlighted in black pigment. Each bears the signature 'Houci, Fang Zhenji' as well as the seal 'Fang Zhenji' or 'Houci'. These will be offered with an estimate of $15,000 - $25,000.
A Chinese six panel overlay decorated lacquered screen featuring various scholar’s items will be also offered for $12,000 - $16,000.
A collection of highly desirable Chinese huanghuali furniture will be presented. This collection includes an elaborately carved clothing cabinet estimated at $15,000 - $25,000. In addition, horseshoe back arm chairs, a wine table, a low table, a settee with lattice back rail and arms, will each carry an estimate of $10,000 - $15,000. (Provenance: from the collection of a colleague of Edward Gerber (Reno, NV.) from whom Clars sold an important collection in 2014.)
Rounding out the impressive Asian offerings will be a selection of Chinese textiles including Qing dynasty dragon robes, embroidered and brocade robes for winter and summer; a Chinese kesi woven tapestry of celestial beauties plus silk pouches and sachets.
From Japan will be a lacquer writing box from the Edo period. The box features peonies heightened with mother-of-pearl inlay, bearing the signature Korin (Ogata Korin, 1658-1716) and Hoetsu seal.
Highlights in Fine Art
Several works from the private collection of Dr. Phil Zimbardo, Prof. Emeritus of Psychology, Stanford University, Founder, Heroic Imagination Project, and head researcher of the Stanford Prison Experiment will highlight the Fine Art Sale. Works from Dr. Zimbardo’s collection include a rare lithograph in colors by Marc Chagall (French/Russian, 1887-1985). Titled And you wove for your tender neck seductive garlands of ravishing flowers," 1967, from "In the Land of the Gods," will be offered with an estimate of $20,000 - $25,000.
Another rare print by Joan Miro (Spanish, 1893-1983) will be offered. Titled Barbara dans la Nuit, 1967, this etching and aquatint in colors carries an estimate of $10,000 - $15,000.
A large oil painting by Mihail Chemiakin (Russian, b. 1943) is also part of this collection. Titled Carnival St. Petersburg, VII, this work will be offered with an estimate of $10,000 - $15,000.
Highlights in Decorative Arts & Furnishings
Atomic Era NASA Collection —
Property from the Vice President and Lead Engineer (1954-1986) of Rockwell International, Ray Larson, including a detailed and accurate Apollo-Soyuz Test project 1/50 model and docking pin prototype. This special collection includes artifacts and ephemera from Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle missions, with rare heat shield fragments, plugs, original briefing packets, photographs, 8mm film reels and slides.
Also to be offered will be a collection of porcelain table services sold to benefit the Sonoma County Fire Victims, consisting of Versace meets Rosenthal, Royal Crown Derby “Old Imari” and "Aves Gold" patterns.
Breweriana from Pacific Coast Brewing Co., including local and international beer taps, glassware, vintage bar trays, etc.
Highlights in Jewelry
‘Tis the season for jewels and Clars’ December sale won’t disappoint lovers of fine diamonds and precious gems. From Boucheron Paris will be an exquisite 18k white gold ring set with a 3 ct. Ceylon sapphire and diamond and will be offered with an estimate of $8,000 - $12,000. From Cartier, a circa 1950s 18k yellow gold bracelet set with lapis lazuli is estimated to sell for $10,000 - $12,000.
Rounding out these rich highlights will be a platinum ring featuring a natural fancy deep brownish orange yellow diamond; a 14k yellow gold ring with a 1.53 ct. emerald-cut diamond and a Victorian pearl, diamond, platinum and silver-topped gold brooch with total diamond weight of 4 cts. plus a large collection of vintage stick pins.
Clars’ December 2017 Fine Art, Decorative Art, Furniture, Jewelry/Timepieces and Asian Art Auction will be held on Saturday and Sunday December 16th and 17th, 2017. The sales will begin promptly at 9:30am on Saturday and Sunday. Previews for this sale will be held Friday, December 15th from 1pm to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday beginning at 9:00 am and by appointment the week prior.
