Latin American art headlining Sept. 16-17 auction

OAKLAND, Calif. — On September 16 & 17, 2017, Clars Auction Gallery will wrap up its 2016-2017 fiscal year with a sale of Fine Art, Decorative Art, Furniture, Jewelry/Timepieces and Asian Art Auction. The sale will feature significant offerings across all categories with an important collection of Latin American art headlining this event.

The extensive collection of Latin American art features several works by Carlos Mérida (Guatemalan, 1895-1984). Of great significance is "El Tono," one of the largest of Mérida’s works. This large-scale horizontal composition on handmade paper is certain to engage collectors of Mérida’s signature geometrical forms.

Mérida was part of the Mexican muralist movement in subject matter, but less so in style. His approach, favoring a non-figurative and later geometric style. This geometric way of painting had echoes in Brutalist architecture and sculpture. It was part of early abstraction and linear arrangement in the second and third quarters of the 20th century. This important Latin American work comes to auction with an estimate of $80,000 to $120,000.

An early surrealist graphite on paper of a woman by Rufino Tamayo (Mexican, 1899-1991) titled, "10 oros de dibujo (1942)," will hit the auction block. It carries forth an estimate of $15,000-20,000. A multi-colored landscape painting by David Alfaro Siqueiros (Mexican, 1896-1974) follows suit. It comes with an estimate of $40,000-60,000.

An ink on paper entitled “Three Peasants,” by Alfredo Ramos Martínez (Mexican, 1871-1946) will present with an estimate of $10,000-$15,000. This work depicts three Mexican workers filling barrels with the crops they had picked that day. Originally acquired by notable Ramos Martinez collector, Milton Holland it was donated to the Triton Museum of Art in 1967. The piece has been in the museum’s collection until now. It is verified as authentic by Louis Stern and the Alfredo Ramos Martinez Research Project. Quite a few works from the Triton Museum appear in the auction.

The Latin American collection will also include impressive works, both original and prints, by José

Luis Cuevas (Mexican, 1933-2017). Along with Francisco Zúñiga (Mexican, 1912-1998). Not to mention Angel Botello (Puerto Rican, 1913-1986). Accompanied by Felipe Castañeda (Mexican, b. 1933). And Jesús Rafael Soto (Venezuelan, 1923-2005).

Clars will once again be offering late 20th century Contemporary paintings, sculpture and ceramic works from prominent collector Allan Stone. Spanning half a century, this New York and San Francisco-based dealer amassed works by the most talented abstract and realism artists of their generation. Stone, who died in 2006, discovers artists in the mid to late 20th century (one of which was artist Wayne Thiebaud. Important works by Robert Baribeau (American, b. 1949), James Havard (American, b. 1937), Dennis Hare (American, b. 1946), and others.

There are several highlights in the Decorative Arts portion of the sale, including two extensive groups of Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica, each valued at $10,000-15,000. An early 20th century beautiful Louis Vuitton steamer trunk which will come with an estimate of $10,000-15,000.

To be featured prominently in this sale will be several major art glass pieces, fixtures, and vessels. A Tiffany Studios, New York “Stalactite” chandelier comes with an estimate of $15,000-20,000. In addition, a Tiffany Studios ”Linenfold” table lamp and a Tiffany Studios favrile glass lamp both carry estimates of $5,000 to $7,000. A Dale Chihuly "Persian" blue art glass sculpture offered for $4,000-6,000.

Investment level Mid-Century Modern and custom designed furniture pieces will highlight the furnishing offerings. Of particular note is a ‘Table Torsade’ attributed to Diego Giacometti, impressed Diego, which is estimated to achieve $10,000 - $15,000, a pair of after Diego Giacometti “Tete de Femme” cast bronze floor lamps estimated at $4,000-6,000, and an Italian Mid-Century Ico and Luisa Parisi coffee table expected to sell for $10,000-15,000. Rounding out these highlights is a pair of Arne Norell (1917-1971) "Ari" lounge chairs estimated at $5,000-7,000.

There will be several Modern design furniture pieces in the auction, including a Mark Levin “Marylin Monroe” leaf hall table estimated at $4,000-6,000, and an Enzo Bellini claro walnut dining table valued at $6,000-9,000 (one of several Enzo Bellini pieces to be offered). To be offered as well will be a collection of specially commissioned pieces for a Menlo Park (CA) residence designed by India’s most noteworthy designer, Pinakin Patel.

Of great significance to certain collectors is a Stein and Goldstein middle row jumper carousel horse, circa 1908, last ridden at Waldameer Park, Erie, PA. (estimate $10,000-15,000) Several additional items that are perfect for the right collectors are a Mill Dewey 5 cent upright floor wheel slot machine valued at $10,000-15,000, and a Gypsy Genco Grandma 10 cent fortune teller, a rare pedestal model, is expected to bring $4,000-6,000.

Rounding out this category’s fine offerings will be a C. Bechstein, Berlin, Model B grand piano, circa 1971, and an antique Persian Kashan listed for $7,000-10,000, as well as many other fine carpets. A treasure trove of fine sterling silver pieces will be offered including a monumental Tiffany sterling silver trophy cup estimated at $6,000-9,000, and several George III holloware pieces. including a sterling silver soup tureen by Benjamin Smith, London 1816, estimated at $8,000-12,000.

And coming from the Thomas J. Perkins estate will be a Gerald Wingrove 1:15 scale model of a 1930's Bugatti Atlantic (EXK6) Type 57SC that will be offered for $5,000-7,000.

Over the past several years, Clars has consistently achieved exceptionally impressive results for Asian offerings, with numerous astonishing prices achieved on Chinese zhadou vessels. Anticipated to once again surpass all expectations in September will be a celadon glazed porcelain zhadou vessel with Yongzheng mark. This piece is offered with an estimate of $50,000-70,000.

Other Chinese offerings will include a cloisonne enameled archaistic covered urn marked 'Laotianli zhi', and a selection of Chinese jade carvings, including various auspicious zoomorphs and mythical beasts, including a carving of a recumbent deer clasping a sprig of lingzhi fungus.

The highlights of the Japanese offerings include a silver koro censer, Meiji period, signed 'Baio sen' ($7,000-10,000) and a cloisonné lidded jar, enameled with butterflies and dragons on a black ground which is estimated to achieve $8,000-12,000.

The exceptional fine estate and antique jewelry offerings include a stunning ruby, diamond and 14k yellow gold bracelet laden with rubies totaling 15 cts is accompanied by a Gubelin Lab Gemmological Report. This incredible “bangle” will be offered for $15,000 – 20,000.

A sapphire, diamond and platinum ring may fetch between $6,000 and $9,000. There is a diamond, platinum-topped 18k yellow gold circle chatelaine-pendant-brooch, with total diamond weight of 5.50 cts; and the Rolex Cellini 18k gold wristwatch will catch the attention of those desiring to sport a fine timepiece on their hands.

For more information, please visit www.clars.com or email info@clars.com.