OAKLAND, CA.- Clars Auction Gallery hosted the most successful one-day online only sale in the companys history with just over $3,000,000 in total sales. After recently being purchased by a private investment group in August of this year, the company is seeing record growth, with an increase in exceptional property being offered.
An Andy Warhol (American, 1928-1987), Mick Jagger, complete portfolio of ten (10) screenprints was the highlight of Clars June 14th Auction selling for an impressive and record breaking $817,000. This price realized soared above the preceding record by 56% (previously the record at auction was $461,000 from 2014) [7242].
Clars is proud to have achieved a record-breaking price on a rare suite of ten Warhol screen prints of Mick Jagger, said Cristina Campion, Associate Director of 20th Century Design at Clars. We were excited to have numerous international bidders vying for the lot. I think its really indicative that the art market is still going strong, and that Andy Warhols works, particularly of noted celebrities, are in high demand.
In addition to the Warhol suite, Clars is proud to be selected to handle the estate of Frank J. Caufield (San Francisco, CA). Mr. Caufield was one of the founding partners of the venture capital firm Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield and Byers. The estate has realized $250,000 to date. Clars is also honored to have presented the celebrity collection of Robin Williams.
FINE ART
There were many highlights in our fine art portion of the sale, including a David Park (American, 1911-1960), Untitled (Reclining Nude), 1957, oil on canvas, that realized $67,650. Also a Pablo Picasso ceramic vase commanded $34,000. A Jean-Michel Basquiat (American, 1960-1988), Subway Rider, charcoal on buff paper sold for 31,250, and a collection of Basquiat postcards brought a cumulative $39,375.
THE ASIAN ART & ANTIQUES
The Asian Art department had a very strong sale, offering items from Kobijutsu KenShuDo, Japanese Osaka Estate Antique Company. The auction was led by a Zhang Daqian (Chang Dai-Chien, 1899-1983), Sightseeing in Mountain, ink and color on paper, hanging scroll that sold for $522,750 [9037].
Highlights also include a rare Ru-type BaGua Cong-Form vase that sold for $123,000, and a copper red glazed YuHuChun vase with QianLong mark, that realized $67,650.
FURNITURE AND DECORATIVE ARTS
The estate of Frank J. Caufield (San Francisco, CA) featured prominently into Furniture and Decorative arts portion of the sale. A Classical style carved marble fountain mask form spout circa 1890, soared well above estimate to realize $17,220. An Italian late Rococo painted and gilt sunburst mirror circa 1770 shined brightly, as it commanded $14,760. The Caufield estate totaled over $100,000 for the June sale.
THE JEWELRY & TIMEPIECES
The Jewelry and Timepieces Department at Clars Auction Gallery had an excellent June sale with strong prices throughout. The highlight was a rare and important Russian 14K yellow and rose gold pectoral Metropolitan cross, St. Petersburg, 1908-1927 that sold for a record-breaking price of $23,370, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of $3,000-5,000 [7912]. According to Senior Vice President, Deric Torres, I was very proud to represent the estate and collection. The cross came from a very important Marin county estate, and is now part of the collection of an important Russian Orthodox church.
A stunning 6.41 carat pear brilliant-cut diamond and platinum ring also performed well, selling for $36,900 over a $25,000-$50,000 pre-sale estimate. Prices for gold jewelry were exceedingly strong, reflecting the buoyant prices in the gold market right now. A natural gold nugget, diamond and yellow gold bracelet sold for $7,995, and a handsome Rolex DateJust 18k yellow gold wristwatch which sold for $7,995.