Serbian medal, diamond ring outshine all others at Michaan’s sale

Serbian Order of the Star of Karageorge medal, $4,612

ALAMEDA, Calif. – Michaan’s monthly gallery auction, which took place September 17, comprised decorative arts spanning an array of cultures and styles, including painted Russian icons, African masks and figures, framed Disney celluloids, a variety of designer jewelry and many genres of Chinese pottery and carvings.

Furniture and decorative arts began the auction, with a selection of historical memorabilia making its appearance, with the star of the category being a Serbian Order of the Star of Karageorge medal. First established in 1904, the Order is Serbia’s highest decoration, awarded for services rendered to the Serbian monarchy and state. This medal is one that predates Serbia’s era of communist rule, in which royal-era orders and medals were temporarily replaced. Estimated at $2,000-$2,500, the medal realized $4,612.

Production cell from ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,’ $4,305

Several framed Walt Disney Studio cels from films such as The Sword in the Stone and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs were auctioned. Lot 272, a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs production cel featuring the dwarves Dopey, Sneezy and Doc was estimated at $500-$700 but ultimately sold for $4,305.

Platinum ring with 2.40-carat diamond, $8,610

Pieces of jewelry from sought-after designers including Tiffany & Co., Jim Kaufmann and Stephen Dweck were on offer, but the top performer was a platinum ring featuring a 2.40-carat diamond and 18 single-cut diamond accents, which achieved $8,610. A number of gold bracelets appeared in the lineup as well. Of these, the standout was a curb link bracelet of 22K gold that realized $6,150.

Chinese jade brush washer, $4,920

Asian art, with decorative pieces spanning a variety of genres, concluded the auction. Leading the selection of jade carvings was a Chinese celadon jade brush washer in the shape of a halved peach with bird and floral motifs. Estimated at $400-$600, the brush washer commanded $4,920. Also, a collection of 11 carved jade pendants on a wooden stand proved popular. The pendants were suspended from a rectangular stand and depicted forms that included a bat, pomegranates and squash. Carrying an estimate of $800-$1,200, the piece sold for $4,612.

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