Asian and Art Account for Fifth Largest Sale in Clars History
Nov. 12, 2007
OAKLAND, Calif. – Clars Auction Gallery’s November 3rd and 4th sale seemed to be filled with one extraordinary and unexpected hammer price after another. In the end, the events of the two-day sale would account for the firm’s fifth largest sale in their 59 year history, with gross sales topping $1.2 million. Bidders worldwide participated to ensure that, in the world of auctions, two things are certain: the expected sometimes happens and the unexpected always does. Redge Martin, President of Clars Auction Gallery, has become a bit accustomed to this whirlwind. Flash back to February 2007 when an old master estimated to bring $3,000 to $5,000 sold for $620,900, sending shock waves around the globe. Just another day at the office for Martin, long-time veteran of this unpredictable business. Live Internet bidding for the auction was facilitated by www.LiveAuctioneers.com
It would be the Southeast Asian and Chinese offerings that would have heads spinning at the November sale. The phrase “strong prices realized” doesn’t even come close to doing justice to the amazing results from this category.
Starting off this run was an 18th century Tibetan/Nepalese figure of a bodhisattva which was expected to bring $500 to $700 but quickly sold for $4,972. The very next lot, a Sino-Tibetan Qing Dynasty figure depicting Buddha Gautama, also sold for $4,972 against its pre-sale estimate of $400 to $600. The tone of the sale had been set.
Next up to have heads turning was a Chinese sword, suspected to be Qing Dynasty. This silver-colored scabbard was elaborately decorated with turquoise, coral and jade. Martin opened this lot at $100 (estimate $100 to $200) and feverish bidding ensued until the winning bid landed at $7,605.
An unsuspecting 20th century blue and white Chinese offering bowl would hold a similar surprise. Also estimated to sell for $100 to $200, the bowl earned an amazing $4,680. But, as time would reveal, this was just the tip of the iceberg.
It would be a set of Chinese imperial seals in a carved box that would stun the crowd. One massive two-section jade seal opened to one large and four smaller fitted circular seals, all carved with imperial legends. The zitan-stained hardwood box was carved to the top with archaistic scrollwork. This lot was expected to bring $1,200 to $1,500. Martin opened the bidding and over 60 bidders jumped in from the floor, phones and over the Internet to drive the final sale price to an astounding $35,100! Wow, the crowd stood in applause.
The art however, was yet to come and impressive results would be realized, particularly for Chinese artist Luo Zhongli (B,1948). The four works from Zhongli came to the block from a private gallery in San Francisco and earned over $260,000, results which were fueled in large part to strong international bidding.
Born is the Sichuan Province, Zhongli graduated from the Sichuan Academy of Fine Arts in 1982 then went on to study at the Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Belgium. Zhongli gained international recognition when, in 1981, his oil painting “Father” won first prize at the National Youth Art Exhibition in Beijing. Its exhibition caused a sensation throughout China as “Father” represented Chairman Mao as a weatherbeaten old peasant instead of the vibrant leader he had always been portrayed as. Not only had Zhongli been recognized for his masterful painting but his work was also seen as a rejection of the artificiality of the cultural revolution art. His art reflected the realities of the China he and his generation had lived through.
The first of his works offered, entitled “Memories,” was a signed oil on canvas which sold nicely over estimate for $74,750 placing this work in the 14th highest price realized for the artist at auction. The second work offered, coming to the block with an estimate of $40,000 to $60,000 was “Water Bearer” which sold for $70,200. Following this lot was “Winter Wheat” which performed exceptionally well. Estimated to earn $60,000 on the high side, competitive bidding drove the final sale price to $81,900 resulting in the 12th highest price realized for this artist at auction. The fourth work offered was “Harvesting” which sold for $31,000.
President of Clars Auction Gallery, Redge Martin, was very honored to represent this artist to the world with such strong results. He attributes the success of these offerings in part to the burgeoning economy in China where dollars can now be spent to collect and promote the amazing works held in that country, which have been overlooked for far too long.
But, it wasn’t only the amazing Asian results which contributed to the success of the sale. Arts and Crafts and American artists held their own with unexpected prices as well.
A Tiffany lamp earned over twice its high estimate. From Tiffany Studios, a patinated bronze counterweight desk lamp signed L.C. Tiffany was expected to sell for $10,000 to $15,000 but sold for $32,175. Coming from the same period and surpassing expectations was a hammered and mica lamp by Dirk Van Erp. Marked D’Arcy Gaw Dirk Van Erp under the windmill, Clars had assigned this lamp a pre-sale estimate of $5,000 to $7,000. The ongoing desire for authentic Arts and Crafts period pieces was apparent by the final selling price of $12,870.
Performing well and within expectations were works from two renowned California artists. A signed and framed oil on canvas by Edwin Deakin (1838-1923) entitled “Yosemite Scene” earned a very respectable $28,080, the fifth highest price ever realized for this artist at auction.
Known for his stunning floral and coastal landscapes, a framed and signed oil on canvas by John Marshall Gamble (1863-1957) entitled “Landscape with Poppies” (Photo 3) was expected to bring $100,000 to $150,000. This work sold well at $99,450.
Clars Auction Gallery holds fine antiques and estate auctions each month. Their next Fine Estate Auction will be held on Saturday and Sunday, December 1 and 2. To view the fully illustrated auction catalog visit www.LiveAuctioneers.com.
