OAKLAND, CALIF.- This April, Clars is hosting a Maritime sale that will include a multitude of art and décor from celebrated nautical interior designer Meri Jaye as well as memorabilia and artifacts from the historic marine collectibles shop Frank’s Fisherman, a San Francisco landmark that was converted from a fishing supplier in the 1970s. This sprawling collection includes fine paintings from the Atlantic to the Pacific, stunningly crafted model ships, authentic relics from functioning boats, and much more that is sure to draw the enthusiasm of marine collectors. This auction extends beyond these two extraordinary collections. Additional estates and collections, including vintage fixtures from the beloved San Francisco landmark Playland at the Beach, will also be offered.

Meri Jaye: Interiors Inspired by the Sea

Up on Lombard Street in San Francisco, CA, renowned designer Meri Jaye crafted captivating interiors for passenger and cargo ships, including the American President Lines headquarters. Ms. Jaye amassed a distinguished collection with a keen eye. Many of her pieces, acquired from reputable dealers in the 1960s and 1970s, haven't been offered for sale in over 50 years. This includes rare manuscript by Admiral Horatio Nelson, exquisite ship models, half hull models and unique nautical furnishings like royal tiller yokes and ships' tables. Among the treasures from her collection, we are thrilled to present a rare and breathtaking oil on canvas painting by the English-born American artist Edward Moran (American/British, 1829-1901). Entitled "New York Bay from the Battery," painted in 1871, this masterpiece is estimated to be valued between
$20,000 and $40,000. Moran's artistic journey began as an apprentice to landscape painter Paul Weber in Philadelphia. He later established himself as a prominent marine artist in the United States, studying at the Royal Academy in London and setting up

studios in Paris and New York City. Arguably, his most significant contribution lies in his series of thirteen Marine History paintings, capturing pivotal moments in American maritime history. The featured work in our April sale provides a captivating glimpse of New York City's harbor, with its intricate composition portraying two small boats navigating turbulent waves in the foreground, amidst a backdrop of numerous ships entering the harbor. Another notable highlight from Ms. Jaye's collection is a portrait miniature of Marie Antoinette by Pierre De Nolhac, published in London by Arthur L. Humphreys in 1905, estimated to be valued between $600 and $800. Another highlight is an HMS Bellerophon stern model in case with letter fragment stating that the model was made by a sailor on duty on the Bellerophon in 1815, estimated $4,000 / 6,000, a Don Quixote. Saavedra, Miquel de Cervantes. El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha. Madrid: Don Joaquin Ibarra, 1780, estimate: $5,000 / 7,000.

Frank's Fisherman: A Wharf Mainstay

For nearly five decades, Frank's Fisherman was a cornerstone of Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, CA. Founded in 1946, the store transformed under the ownership of the Brown brothers, Ken and Ron. From 1977, their passion for maritime history fueled their lifelong pursuit of collecting and selling significant 18th and 19th-century maritime antiques. Renowned for their expertise, the brothers were a trusted resource for museums and private collectors alike. Their recent closure in February 2024 marked the end of an era, but their legacy lives on in this remarkable collection. Clars is honored to present a curated selection from their extensive collection, including an American carved eagle from New Hampshire, estimated at $4,000 to $6,000, a Japanese silk and metallic thread commemorative embroidery of the U.S.S. Chattanooga, estimated at $2,500 to $3,500, a waterline ship model of the Elin Maria in case, estimated at $6,000 to $8,000, and a magnificent scratch-built paddle wheel steamship model of the 'California,' crafted by Tom Fordham (d. 2004) at a scale of 1/4" + 1', estimated at $6,000 to $8,000.

The Maritime auction also has a small collection of amusement park collectibles featuring two iconic items from the legendary San Francisco’s Playland at the Beach: an elephant animatronic character supporting a globe and a whimsical larger than life paper mache head of a man/boy with large ears.

Furniture, Art, Jewelry & Asian featuring the Estate of Harvey Clar Friday, April 19, 9:30am

Furniture

This auction features a remarkable collection from the estate of Harvey Clar, the gallery's founder. Mr. Clar's collection includes exquisite Lalique pieces, fine porcelain, marble and bronze sculptures. The estate of Meri Jaye of Nob Hill, San Francisco, also contributes to this sale. Her collection boasts a coveted 1780 edition of Don Quixote, printed by Don Joaquin Ibarra, and a deluxe copy edition of Tales of Mystery and

Imagination by Edgar Allan Poe, signed by illustrator Arthur Rackham. The auction further presents a selection of indigenous art, including Native American beadwork, Hopi kachinas, and Inuit figures, from other estates. Rounding out this diverse auction is a collection of antique furniture in Regency and Georgian periods, including miniature cabinets, and brass-bound writing boxes.

Fine Art

This month at Clars we are pleased to present a number of works by well-known and up- and-coming artists. Featured in our April sale is a bronze sculpture by German-born American sculptor Adolph Alexander Weinman. Weinman received his arts education at Cooper Union and later at the Art Students League of New York, after which he became of member of the National Sculpture Society and served as its president. He is most known for his architectural sculpture, as well as portrayals of American presidents. His most acclaimed works include a bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln at the Kentucky State Capitol, the Fountain of the Centaurs at the Missouri State Capitol, his work on Pennsylvania Station in New York, and the pediments of the National Archive Building and the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. The piece in our April sale is a nude female figure dancing with a hoop, set atop a marble base. The sculpture masterfully evokes movement and displays the influence of the Art Deco style that was flourishing in 1922 when the sculpture was cast.

A second highlight in our sale is a 1915 edition of volume ten of The North American Indian, a book and portfolio by American photographer Edward Sheriff Curtis. Curtis is widely known for his depictions of the American West and Native American people, including important figures such as Geronimo, Princess Angeline, and Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce. In 1906, financier J.P. Morgan commissioned Curtis to produce the 20 volume series containing many of his photographs of the Native American peoples across the country. Volume 10 is centered on the Kwakiutl people of the Pacific Northwest, mainly based in British Columbia, Canada. The volume in our April sale contained 74 sepia-toned photogravure plates and is out of an edition of 500.

Also featured in the April sale is an oil on canvas painting by Icelandic-American artist Louisa Matthiasdottir. Born in Reykjavik, Matthiasdottir studied art in Denmark and Paris before moving to New York City in the 1940s. She studied there under Hans Hoffmann and Robert De Nico, Sr. and exhibited often in New York and other major east coast cities. She is known for her landscapes and cityscapes depicting Iceland, with focus on the light, agriculture, and colorful architecture of the towns. Her work is included in collections at the Hirschhorn Museum in Washington, D.C., the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Reykjavik Art Museum.

Along with these exciting items, we also present a large oil on canvas painting by American contemporary artist Deladier Almeida, a painting by Karl Albert Buehr, sculptures by Beniamino Bufano, a mixed media by Sam Gilliam, and much more.

Jewelry

The Fine Jewelry & Timepiece department is excited to offer a selection of diamond, colored gemstone and gold jewelry, in their upcoming April 19th sale.
This sale features a variety of wardrobe staples to build up the foundation of your jewelry collection at accessible price points, including an opal, ruby and gold pendant brooch, estimated at $2,000-3,000; a pair of diamond and 14k gold earrings, estimated at$1,500- 2,500; a gold link bracelet, estimated at $500-700.

Asian

A standout piece from the auction is a hanging scroll calligraphy by Yu Youren, a master revered for his exceptional skill in calligraphy, particularly in cursive script. Yu Youren is celebrated for pioneering the "Standard Cursive Script," earning him accolades as the "Contemporary Sage of Cursive" and "Modern Saint of Calligraphy." This calligraphy came from the collection of Huang Siufeng (1892-1975) who held a prominent position at the Central Bank of China during the late 1930’s. It was acquired at auction in Seattle where Huang Siufeng lived for many years.

Accompanying this masterpiece is a Chinese famille rose blue ground bowl, with a blue background and adorned with bird and floral motifs, including a dragon in the interior. This exquisite piece featuring the Guangxu six-character mark showcases the refined porcelain artistry of the late Qing dynasty period.

Next is a Japanese six-panel folding screen, illustrating morning glories, measuring 36" high by 102" wide. This screen exemplifies the Japanese aesthetic of capturing the fleeting beauty of nature, rendered in delicate detail and vibrant hues.

Completing our highlights is a Chinese landscape painting attributed to Zhang Daqian, executed in the splashed color technique. This painting showcases Zhang Daqian's mastery of ink and color on paper. Known for his innovative splashed ink technique, Zhang Daqian's work is a bridge between traditional Chinese landscapes and modern abstract expression, inscribed, dated, and adorned with two seals.

The Warehouse Sale Saturday April 20, 9:30am

Clars’ The Warehouse auction will feature a collection from the estate of Harvey Clar, the gallery's founder, such as Lladro, Boehm and Lalique figures. Antique and contemporary silver, porcelain, glass and fine books. Also including carpets, furniture, mirrors and lighting. Also on offer will be an eclectic range of art, prints and photographs. Each month we select paintings, prints, and sculptures in diverse styles from all over the world to offer with accessible estimates. The furniture section will offer antique, vintage and contemporary furniture and decorative arts. The Asian Art Department presents a meticulously curated collection spanning Japanese woodblock

prints, ceramics, folding screens, and various decorative pieces. Meanwhile, the Jewelry department is thrilled to present an array of affordable items, including diamonds, silver and gold necklaces.