Amelia Earhart Collection, Old Masters and More at Clars in September Each September, Clars hosts their landmark sale of the year and this September may likely be the richest in the firm’s history. Internationally important historic memorabilia collections, fine art fro
a 1933 Ace Continental automobile is estimated to earn $40,000 to $60,000. This rare specimen of motordom is the only known example on the West Coast and fewer than 120 were ever produced. Still in its original state, the six-cylinder engine has 81,000 miles.
The jewelry category is always exceptional at Clars. In September, a marquise brilliant cut diamond ring set in platinum is estimated at $10,000 to $15,000. Victorian in style, an emerald bead, rose cut and antique diamond necklace and matching bracelet laden with like gems is expected to sell for $15,000 to $20,000. A jade and diamond ring is estimated at $12,000 to $18,000 followed by a diamond butterfly brooch set with 11 old mine cut diamonds weighing in total over 5 cts.
The head of Clars’ Asian department notes that the museum quality Japanese offerings in this upcoming sale will be particularly strong. Headlining this section will be a group of approximately eighteen inro, the small traditional Japanese cases for holding small object. Examples of these fine inro are done in ivory, bamboo, boxwood, Somada school aogal inlay and various lacquer techniques and some are signed Koma Koryu and Hara Yoyusal.
Over fifty netsuke, spanning the 18th through 20th centuries and representing the OR Edo, Maiji, Taisho and early Showa periods, will be offered. These miniature carvings are executed in ivory and boxwood and feature a great variety of subject matter including deities and demons. Fine carved ivory figures form the Meiji period (1868-1911) will be followed by Japanese Imari and Kakiemon porcelain form the Edo period (1600-1867). Classic examples of Korean ceramics and embroidered panels from the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties will complement this section.
The Chinese section begins with numerous ivory carvings from the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) and Republic period (1911-1949), including a pair of fine wrist rests featuring Buddhist subject matter as well as figures of Chinese worthies and delicate beauties. An archaic bronze jue (wine vessel) of the Western Zhou era (1046–771 BCE), together with Chinese cloisonné figures and large censors, fills out the section on Chinese metalwork. As for Chinese ceramics, the auction is especially strong in Tang, Jin, Song works, together with a few examples from the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. Chinese textiles will also be offered and include a blue gauze dragon robe and numerous finely executed rank badges. Two sets of the important Chinese woodblock printed books by the studio Rong Bao Zhai, entitled 'Beiping Rong Bao Zhai Shijian Pu', published in 1935, and a later verison ‘Beijing Rong Bao Zhai Xinji Shijian Pu,’ published in 1953, will precede a select assortment of Chinese and Japanese furniture.
Clars’ September Fine Art and Antiques Sale will be held on will be held Saturday, September 10th @ 9:30am and Sunday, September 11th @ 10am. Previews for this sale will be Friday, September 9th from 1pm to 6pm and 9am each auction day and by special appointment. A full catalog will be available online at www.clars.com prior to the sale.
