Clars – Upcoming February Auction
February 16th-17th
www.clars.com
5644 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, CA 94609

OAKLAND, CALIF. — Clars is hosting two days of auctions, February 16 and 17, including a warehouse sale on February 17 and a sale featuring furniture, art, jewelry and Asian material on February 16.

The furniture and decorative arts section of the gallery auction offers a diverse collection of antiques and contemporary items, ranging from Regency swan consoles and antique Persian and Chinese carpets to modern furniture icons by Hans Wegner and Percival Lafer. Decorations include sterling silver, French bronze decorations, Meissen porcelain and a menagerie of Herend animals. A collection of Santa Clara blackware vessels and a vibrant spectrum of contemporary art glass and studio ceramics will also be available.

Fine art will present a selection of artwork this February. Highlights include works by California artists, such as Elmer Bischoff and Sam Francis, as well as an impressive sculpture by Italian-American artist Harry Bertoia. First, there’s a painting by Bay Area Figurative Movement artist Bischoff. A Berkeley native, Bischoff studied art and taught at a Sacramento high school until he joined the US Air Force in World War II. After the destruction of the war, the prevailing art style in the United States was Abstract Expressionism, and Bischoff moved in circles with avant-garde painters upon his return to the San Francisco area. After joining the faculty of the California School of Fine Arts (now the San Francisco Art Institute), Bischoff worked in close company with like-minded artists, including Karl Kasten, Richard Diebenkorn and David Park. Bischoff’s work in this month’s sale, titled “Cityscape” and depicting just that, shows a scene that could be taken from several areas around the San Francisco Bay, with the rooftops of buildings receding down and peeping over the tops of hills.

An artist whose work remained solidly in the realm of Abstract Expressionism throughout his career was San Mateo-born Sam Francis. Like Bischoff, Francis served in the Air Force during World War II. After his return to California, he was visited by artist David Park, who encouraged Francis to express himself artistically. Inspired by artists like Mark Rothko and Helen Frankenthaler, Francis’ work was characterized by large dollops of vivid color, smeared into both geometric and organic forms. The Francis piece to be offered is a striking monotype featuring woodcut and oil pigment elements.

Finally, Clars will offer a large-scale sculpture by Harry Bertoia. Born in Pordenone, Italy, Bertoia travelled to the United States at age 15 to study jewelry making and metalwork. His talent in these areas quickly led to commissions from figures as prominent in the arts as Charles Eames and Edmund Bacon. After further studies in welding, Bertoia experimented with furniture design and developed his most notable creation — the sound sculpture. Bertoia fashioned several of these sculptures, comprising brass and beryllium copper rods affixed to a flat surface, and used them to record a series of 11 albums, all titled Sonambient. Although Bertoia eventually made dozens of these sculptures, each one is completely unique, producing different tones based on the configuration of rods, metal composition and the shape of the sculpture. The sounding sculpture at Clars this month consists of 16 vertical rods that are minimalist and modern in appearance, yet ring out with an expressive timbre. Also featured this month are works by Louise Nevelson, Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein and much more.

The jewelry and timepieces department will offer diamond, colored gemstone and gold jewelry in the February 16 sale. Some of the highlights include a diamond ring featuring a diamond of approximately 1.50 carats ($3/5,000); and a diamond and 14K gold bracelet ($4/6,000). There will also be a colorful gemstone selection available, including a pink tourmaline and 14K white gold ring ($2/3,000).

Clars’ Asian Art department will offer a diverse array of Asian masterpieces that span several cultures and historical periods. A key feature is a collection of jade carvings crafted in the Eighteenth Century Mughal style. These pieces, including intricately designed teapots and incense boxes, blend Indian and Chinese artistry.

Another notable highlight is a Ming dynasty fahua ceramic figure of Luohan. This piece, characterized by the vibrant and intricate fahua glazing technique, reflects the religious significance and artistic depth of the Ming dynasty.

Additional highlights from the Qing dynasty include a Chinese famille rose and underglaze blue bird and flower hu-form vase, and a Chinese enameled 100 deer hu-form that features a multitude of deer in various stances — symbolizing longevity and prosperity. Also to be featured is a late Nineteenth Century Japanese inlaid bronze koro and cover, crafted by Ohashi San’emon (1851-1895) during the Meiji period.

Clars’ warehouse sale is set to showcase an eclectic range of art, prints by Marco Sassone, Looney Tunes animation art, photographs by Scott Maddern and much more.

Clars invites art enthusiasts and collectors to explore these treasures and more. Previews are February 15, 1 to 5 pm. Clars Auction Gallery is at 5644 Telegraph Avenue. For information, 510-428-0100 or www.clars.com.

888 339 7600 (toll free)
510 428 0100 (local)
info@clars.com
1. Elmer Bischoff, Cityscape, oil on canvas, 32″ x 38″. 2. A pair of Hans Wegner chairs for Johannes Hansen, model: JH-501.3. Harry Bertoia, Sounding Sculpture, 55.5″h. 4. A Chinese celadon jade tripod censer and cover. 5. A George Jones majolica punch bowl. 6. A Japanese inlaid bronze ‘dragon’ koro and cover. 7. Louise Nevelson, Rain Garden Cryptic VIII, black painted wood box, closed: 4.75″ x 9.75″ x 7″. 8. A fine pair of Louis XV style jasper mounted gilt bronze figural table lamps. 9. A diamond and 14k white gold ring. 10. A Chinese enameled 100 deer hu-form vase. 11. Roy Lichtenstein, Mermaid, 1978, lithograph in colors, 17″ x 18.25″. 12. A ruby, diamond and 14k gold necklace. 13. A Ming Dynasty fahua ceramic figure of a luohan. 14. An amethyst, diamond and 18k gold necklace.
Clars Auctions | 5644 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, CA 94609
In Person + Online Bidding | Preview: February 15th, 1-5 PM PST