Guy Charon (French b.1927), ‘Harbor Scene,’ oil on canvas. Estimate: $800-$1,200. Image courtesy Michaan’s Auctions.
Lots are composed of oils, watercolors, lithographs, etchings and drawings. Highlights include a Paolo Bergamaschi, whose proceeds will benefit the Lindsey Wildlife Museum (lot 023, $500-$800); a Valentina Cvetkova still life oil (lot 001, $5,500-$6,500), Paul Grimm’s Among the Smoke Trees, 1961 (lot 694, $4,000-$6,000); and an El Dutand oil (lot 709, $1,000-$1,400). Also quite notable is Guy Charon’s Harbor Scene, offered as lot 010 ($800-$1,200). The scene depicted overlooks a quaint town with boats serenely floating on tranquil waters, framed by lush trees. The piece is vibrant yet peaceful, played out in boldly saturated blues, greens and yellows.
The jewelry department’s March lots display an exciting range of pieces. The diverse sale holds many interesting finds, spanning many time periods and cultures. Featured are an Austro-Hungarian necklace with approximately 63.00 carats of citrines (lot 184, $400-$600) and a rare bronze and silver gilt Imperial Russian Order of the White Eagle Medal (lot 236, $35,000-$40,000).
A true standout of the sale lies in a unique carved coral Guanyin brooch. The unusual piece centers a Guanyin figure standing slightly over 3 inches, carved from a beautiful coral specimen. Ribbons of gold swirl about her as well as foliage décor made of 22 pearls, six jade leaves and 14 small jade cabochons. She stands upon a golden lotus flower, making the entire brooch measure approximately 4 inches in height. This uncommon find is well executed with an original and mystical air to it, fitting for the “goddess of mercy” (lot 213, $1,500-$1,800).
Among the Asian department’s lots of porcelains, ivories, Peking glass, jade and furniture is a huanghuali brush pot ($600-$800). Offered as lot 347, the wood specimen displays a rich cognac color and desirable irregularities in its grain, popularly recognized as “ghost face” patterns. The cylindrical, finished pot is minimal, yet sleek in design; a perfect display for showing the translucent, shimmering beauty of huanghuali wood. Since the mid-Qing Dynasty huanghuali has become increasingly scarce and is presently considered to be one of the most precious and expensive woods on the market. In fact, huanghuali from Asia is classified as being extinct. The pot weighs approximately 3 pounds and measures approximately 6 1/2 inches in height and 5 1/2 inches in diameter. Wood thickness measures approximately three-quarters of an inch.
Furniture and decorations presents a wide range of treasures from the 18th through 20th centuries. Among the department’s lots is a large selection of clocks from Germany, Austria and Denmark. The furniture selection includes French, Dutch and Victorian pieces as well. Over 50 lots of fine sterling and Sheffield silver will also be a part of the March sale, a category that often shows strong bidder interest. An outstanding highlight is found in a highly collectible Suzani embroidery panel from Uzbekistan. Suzani has enjoyed an increase in popularity in the former Soviet Union and is now finding similar interest in the United States. The bright and lively hand-embroidered tapestry features a lovely floral design whose main color themes are salmon pink, fuschia and dark blue. The piece shows quality workmanship, as it is tightly woven with a concise and intricate design layout. The tapestry measures approximately 5 feet, 6 inches by 9 feet, 5 inches (lot 564, $1,500-$2,000). Collectors interested in the Suzani may also find interest in lot 562, an exceptional Caucasian long rug from the same region ($1,000-$1,500).
An illustrated auction catalog will also be on-line for review at www.michaans.com. Previews open at Michaan’s Auctions on March 2 and continue until March 4, the day of sale. For details visit Michaan’s website or call the front desk at 510-740-0220.
Michaan’s Auctions is located at 2751 Todd St., Alameda, CA 94501.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
Guy Charon (French b.1927), ‘Harbor Scene,’ oil on canvas. Estimate: $800-$1,200. Image courtesy Michaan’s Auctions. Valentina Petrovno Cvetkova (Ukranian 1917-2007), ‘Floral Still Life with Strawberries,’ oil on canvas. Estimate: $5,500-$6,500. Image courtesy Michaan’s Auctions. Paolo Emilio Bergamaschi (Italian 1929-1990), ‘Girl with Flowers.’ Estimate: $500-$800. Image courtesy Michaan’s Auctions. Citrine, seed pearl, cultured pearl, silver necklace. Estimate: $400-$600. Image courtesy Michaan’s Auctions. Coral, cultured pearl, jade, 14-karat yellow gold brooch. Estimate: $1,500-$1,800. Image courtesy Michaan’s Auctions. Imperial Russian Order of White Eagle with Swords. Estimate: $35,000-$40,000. Image courtesy Michaan’s Auctions.
