OAKLAND, CA.- Coming to the block on Sunday, December 9, 2012, from two private California collections, will be over fifty (50) examples of rare and exceptional pottery spanning Arts & Crafts through to Contemporary Studio works. The collection will be offered as part of Clars Decorative Arts and Furnishings Sale and incorporates a very creative range of potters and examples,” said Deric Torres, VP and Director of Decorative Arts & Furnishings.

From the Arts & Crafts period, will be a Teco Art Pottery vase designed by Fritz Albert estimated to sell for $1,500 to $2,500. A mottled blue to violet drip glaze vase by Frederick Rhead (Santa Barbara) carries the same estimate. Exceptional works by Overbeck Pottery will be offered as well.

Turning to the highlights of Contemporary Studio examples to be offered is a very early and rare work from Gertrude and Otto Natzler is an earthenware bowl covered in a brown and turquoise “crater” glaze. This piece is being offered for $3,000 to $5,000. One of Robert Arneson’s earliest works, a studio earthenware “moon vase” is being offered for $2,000 to $4,000. Regarded as one of the most visionary figures in American pottery and glass, Glen Lukens will be represented with an organic turquoise crackle glaze studio bowl that is estimated at $2,000 to $4,000. In addition, six (6) glass lots from Lukens will also be offered.

From James Lovera will be the largest example of his work ever to be offered at auction. Measuring over 18.5”, this vase is done in volcanic and iridescent glazes. This work is being offered for $1,500 to $2,500.

Several works from Beatrice Wood will be offered. Among them is a group of four (4) ceramic pieces purchased directly from the artist by Elizabeth Wilbur Stewart, a lifelong friend of Wood. These ceramic pieces include a blue tumbler, raspberry tumbler, striped straight walled pot and a crackle glaze lidded vessel.

Among the other notable makers in the collection include Harrison McIntosh, Myrton Purkiss, Marquerite Wildenhain, Richard Fairbanks, Roy Walker, Laura Andreson, Jack Windsor and Manuel Jalanivich.

In addition to the important pottery to be offered is a circa 1889-1908 Faberge fine silver tray with exotic floral repousse. This exceptional piece is being offered for $4,000 to $6,000.

Clars December Decorative Arts and Furnishings Auction will be held Sunday, December 9th at 10am in conjunction with their Antiques and Fine Art Sale. A complete catalog of all lots to be offered will be available online one week prior to the sale.

Preview for this sale will be Friday, December 7th, from 1pm to 6pm and beginning at 9am on both Saturday, December 8th and Sunday, December 9th.