Clars Spring Auction Promises To Be The House's Biggest Ever

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed)
Apr 30th 2010 at 8:01AM

We cover a lot of the big auction houses here on Luxist but smaller auction houses offer quite a few treasures too. Clars, an estate auctioneer based in Oakland, California is having what is anticipated to be the largest and most important sale in their more than 60-year history on May 15 and 16. The sale comprises lots that span 400 years and come from four major estates and other important consigners. The sale includes 17th and 18th century furnishings and art from both contemporary artists and Old Masters. Clars is representing the Lane & Jenkins Trust of San Francisco, the Frank Hinman Estate of San Francisco, the Dr. Sydney Widrow Estate of Hawaii and Carmel; and the Dr. Lawrence Loftus Estate, also of Carmel.

Two of the key lots in the furniture category are a circa-1650 Charles II small Oyster-style walnut inlaid chest from the Widrow Estate (estimate: $10,000 to $15,000) and a circa-1730 George II walnut veneered chest on chest. (estimate: $8,000 to $12,000). A monumental Dirk Van Erp Studios vase will be offered, as well as a 1799 George III celestial floor standing globe estimated at $5,000 to $7,000. The painting shown at right "Moonrise over the Mojave" by Maynard Dixon (Californian, 1875-1946) is estimated at $150,000 to $250,000. The contemporary category will include original prints by Roberto Matta, Joan Miro and Pablo Picasso. Coming from the Widrow Estate will be a framed silver gelatin photograph by Ansel Easton Adams (Californian, 1902-1984) titled "Clearing Winter Storm, Yosemite," estimated at $40,000 to $60,000.

Clars sales end with fine jewelry. The top lot in the jewelry category is a diamond ring mounted in platinum, center set with one round brilliant cut diamond weighing 9 carats (GIA stated M color and SI1 clarity) surrounded by 52 round diamonds weighing 1.10 carats. (estimate $90,000 to $120,000)

Approximately 2,000 lots in total will be offered over the course of this two-day event and internet live bidding will be provided by LiveAuctioneers.com.

Tags: auction house, auction houses, clars, fine art, maynard dixon, oakland