Landscapes, skyscapes and ship’s binoculars made waves at Michaan’s

Eric Sloane, ‘Storm Over Walpi,’ $5,227


Eric Sloane, ‘Storm Over Walpi,’ $5,227

ALAMEDA, Calif. – Michaan’s Auctions welcomed the New Year with its monthly Gallery Auction on January 20. Among the lots that found new homes were a set of Israeli ship’s binoculars and a pair of bronze cat sculptures that stood nearly seven feet tall, as well as American fine art, several diamond rings, and a variety of Asian carvings and ceramics.

The January 20 auction enjoyed a strong start when a Dominick & Haff sterling silver tea set sold for $5,227. Furniture in a range of styles appeared as well, led by a set of 12 Maitland Smith-style side chairs with gilt-painted chinoiserie motifs that realized $2,460.

Israeli ship’s binoculars, $2,460

Israeli ship’s binoculars, $2,460

This auction also featured finds such as the aforementioned Israeli ship’s binoculars, which earned $2,460.

Percy Gray, ‘Flower Field,’ $18,450

Percy Gray, ‘Flower Field,’ $18,450

The sale delivered a wealth of fine art in the form of pieces such as Storm Over Walpi, an oil on panel by Eric Sloane (American, 1905-1985), a known master of cloud painting. Another standout was a watercolor titled Flower Field by Percy Gray (American, 1869-1902), one of California’s best-known landscape painters and a leader of the tonalist style. Storm Over Walpi sold for $5,227 and Flower Field climbed past its $4,000-$6,000 estimate to achieve $18,450.

Monumental bronze titled ‘Le Chat Maitre d’Hotel,’ $22,140

Monumental bronze titled ‘Le Chat Maitre d’Hotel,’ $22,140

The lineup also included a pair of lithe monumental bronze sculptures after Diego Giacometti, both dubbed Le Chat Maitre d’Hotel and both offered with individual estimates of $1,500-$2,000. The sculptures sold for $18,450 and $22,140, respectively.

18K gold ring with 1.90-carat diamond, $6,765

18K gold ring with 1.90-carat diamond, $6,765

Leading the jewelry choices was an 18K gold ring featuring a 1.90-carat old European cut diamond that realized $6,765. The winner among the designer wristwatches was a Patek Philippe 18K gold wristwatch that brought $4,305.

Group of three Chinese jade carvings, $2,767


Group of three Chinese jade carvings, $2,767

A strong selection of Asian art in an array of genres including ceramics, carvings, furniture, and silk and painted panels rounded out the auction. Fine jade carvings found favor, in particular lot 329, a group of three Chinese carvings in the form of blossoms and mushrooms growing over rockwork, a sage and an immortal, and a gate with movable doors. Together, they went for $2,767.

 

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