ALAMEDA, CA.- Influential tastemakers from America and abroad are in the spotlight at Michaan’s on April 7. The sale offers fine paintings and furniture, diverse works of Asian art , collectible silver and other antiques, and fine jewelry — a broad range of periods and estimated prices.

The art of Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933) has often graced the gallery at Michaan’s Auctions, a leading resource for collectors of Tiffany Studios art glass. April’s auction brings to market one of Tiffany’s oil paintings, “Gibraltar” ($15,000-$20,000). “This wonderful small landscape with figures will attract the interest of many collectors, given its appeal across several genres,” says Michaan’s specialist Susan Paffrath. “Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany are important not only for his lasting influence on art and design, but also for the singular beauty of his vision and technique.”

California artists, also a specialty of Michaan’s Fine Art department, are abundant in April as well. Coastal scenes by California Impressionist William Ritschel (1864-1949) and by his contemporary Mary deNeale Morgan are especially noteworthy. Morgan studied painting with family friend William Keith and was a founder of the Carmel Art Association. Her work is held in the collections of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, UC Berkeley and USC, among others. Morgan’s “California Coastal” oil on board is estimated at $4,000-$6,000. “River Landscape”($2,000-$4,000) is by Julian Rix (1850-1903), an early California painter whose rigorous academic style, informed by plein air studies, has been compared with the French painters of the Barbizon school. San Francisco artist and illustrator Maurice Logan (1886-1977) designed memorable posters, including many views of his scenic hometown. Logan’s gouache on paper, “Mexican Street Game,” has a presale estimate of $1,500 to $2,500. An uncommon find offered in April is the large, exuberant oil, “Joy of Spring” ($4,000-$6,000) by the actor and painter, Tony Curtis.

Also highlighted in April is the singular art of Grant Wood. Two lithographs, “January” and “July 15th” are offered at $3,000-$5,000 each. “In the eyes of many, all around the world, Grant Wood is synonymous with American art,” notes Paffrath. “Collectors are certain to recognize the value of this opportunity to acquire his work.”

Famille rose porcelain, with its lovely soft palette and intricate enamel decoration, is highly favored by collectors of Chinese art. In April Michaan’s offers a pair of exceptional famille rose “dragon and phoenix” bowls for the presale estimate of $3,000-$4,000. Dating to the late 19th century, typical of the period and bearing Guangxu marks, each bowl is decorated inside and out with symbolic images such as the dragon in pursuit of the flaming pearl. Another fine porcelain lot is the dragon motif bottle vase ($1,500-$2,000), prized for its copper red underglaze which is among the most difficult colors to perfect in porcelain.

Collectors are always on the lookout for finely crafted brush washers, the traditional small cleaning vessels used for millennia by artists and calligraphers. A perfect expression of the Asian artisan’s tendency to imbue everyday objects with beauty and meaning, the brush washer is integral to the artist’s world in more ways than one. Michaan’s offers a trio of fine hardstone brush washers in April, estimated at $1,200-$1,600 for the set. Made of jadeite, celadon jade and agate, they are carved with lotus and dragon motifs, one in the distinctive form of a finger citron.

Additional fine carvings, of jade and also cinnabar, are offered in the April sale. A handsome old bamboo birdcage is estimated at $500-$700. Delicate wine cups of Chinese grisaille glazed porcelain depict a scholar in a hilly landscape, $600-$800 for the pair.

Rare and collectible estate furnishings and decorations are leading attractions at every Michaan’s auction. April’s highlights include a massive high cabinet by Berkey and Gay ($6,000-$9,000), richly carved and painted with a delightful Palladian architectural motif. Opposite this ornate piece on the design spectrum is the Eliel Saarinen credenza ($2,000-$3,000). Another piece with an impeccable design pedigree is the gilt-decorated walnut chair ($6,000-$9,000) by Arthur and Lucia Mathews, whose designs can be found in the permanent collection of the Oakland Museum of California. The Mathews’ furniture shop was the birthplace of the California Decorative Movement in the early 1900s. The stately chair offered by Michaan’s in April is a prime example of their take on Arts and Crafts, inspired by the natural beauty of the Golden State.

From the legendary Venetian house of Fortuny, a suite of three curtains is estimated to sell in April for $1,500-$2,000. From Tiffany & Co., 18k gold demitasse spoons ($4,000-$6,000) and a service of sterling flatware ($2,000-$3,000) are featured. Silver plate from Christofle and a punch set by Limoges are among the Continental treasures in this auction. Another highlight is the group of four whimsical studio pottery figures holding a tea party, by local artist Cynthia Hipkiss.

April’s fine jewelry includes a superb necklace of coral and gold: a carved coral Chinese maiden, accented by diamonds and suspended from an 18k gold wheat link chain ($900-$1,200). Sparkling European-cut diamonds light up the diamond and platinum bow pin ($800-$1,200). The showstopper in April’s sale is the 14k gold necklace loaded with lovely oval-cut emeralds and round full-cut diamonds, a dramatic statement piece estimated at $7,000-$9,000.