ALAMEDA, CA .- Michaans Auctions Winter Fine Sale on Thursday, December 14th, features notable names leading the fine art, decorative, and jewelry departments. BANKSYs 2004 screen print Barcode headlines a sale featuring Tiffany Studios Bronze Lamp and Wisteria Table Screen, wristwatches by Omega and Hublot, and a brooch attributed to Suzanne Belperron.
The Fine Art department leads the way with an exciting work, Barcode by British phenom Banksy ($40/60,000). Functioning both as a criticism of the illegal wildlife trade and as a subtle anti-consumerist metaphor, Barcode is one of the finer examples of the artists social critique and has regularly proven its value. This work is certified by the Pest Control Office and is signed by the artist. Also for sale is M.W. Skip Whitcombs Trail Into the Back Country ($2/4,000) a beautiful painting by the Colorado plein-air artist, and Verves Last Works of Matisse; 1950 through 1954 ed. 35/36 ($2/3,000), which showcases some of the artists most mature, and celebrated works.
The furniture and decorative departments have several exciting pieces, the first of which is Tiffany Studios Bronze Lamp with Favrile Shade ($8/12,000). Exquisitely designed with a beautifully ribbed base and iridescent favrile shade, this lamp is a masterpiece of Tiffany Studios' graceful design. Also from Tiffany Studios is the Wisteria Table Screen ($8/12,000) in an elegant green with pops of purple in the flower motif. We will also be offering a par of Escalier de Cristals Etched Glass Vases ($2/3,000), featuring excellently rendered waterfowl engravings.
Our Asian Art department is proud to present a Carved Zitan and Mixwood Sculpture ($5/8,000). Intricately detailed, this piece is impressively executed, with multiple figures, structures, and flora, as well as exposed wood grain. Also included in the sale, is a Group of Underglaze Red and Blue Porcelain Snuff Bottles ($8/1,200) featuring dragons and pastoral scenes.
Finally, our Jewelry department features various must-see items, headlined by a French Lace Agate, Amethyst, and 18k Yellow Gold Broach attributed to Suzanne Belperron ($10/15,000). Nimbly crafted, its sweeping lines and fine jewels make this an exciting example of Belperrons iconic design. Also featured are a pair of wristwatches, the first a Hublot Big Bang Wristwatch ($7/9,000) and the second an Omega 18k Yellow Gold, Leather Wristwatch ($3/5,000). Also on offer, is a slender and marvelously constructed Art Deco Diamond Bracelet ($2.5/3,000).
The December Gallery Auction will be held on Friday, December 15th. This auction is led by our flagship offering from the Sports Memorabilia department; a 1937 All-Star Multi- Signed Baseball, with 19 signatures including Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio. The baseball is certified by PSA/DNA Authentication Services and is estimated at $8/12,000.