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California paintings

Diamonds, California paintings lead off Michaan’s sale Nov. 9

California paintings
Mary DeNeale Morgan, ‘Late Afternoon, Monterey Coast,’ oil on canvas. Estimate: $7,000-$9,000. Michaan’s image

ALAMEDA, Calif. – November’s Gallery Auction illustrates why Michaan’s is the leading Bay Area resource for great finds in fine things. Fine art, Asian art, fine jewelry and estate furnishings are offered in a live auction event on Saturday, Nov. 9. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.

The final stretch of 2019 is an exciting time at Michaan’s, where the auction specialists are preparing to wrap up a year of outstanding sales. On Saturday, Nov. 9 and at two December events including the Winter Fine Sale on Friday, Dec. 6, specialist and GIA gemologist Elise Coronado offers stunning property from fine estates. Every kind of fine jewelry buyer will find wonderful choices among the rare gemstones, designer and period jewels, and luxury timepieces.

Diamonds, a top draw at Michaan’s, bedazzle the gallery in November. The featured ring, which centers a superb oval-cut diamond (below) of more than five carats and gracefully framed in a yellow gold split shank band, is estimated at $25,000-$35,000.

California paintings
Diamond solitaire, 18K gold. Estimate: $25,000-$35,000. Michaan’s image

November’s diamonds comprise a wide range of price points, such as the ring featuring a diamond of approximately 1.85 carats at $3,000-$5,000. Many more beautiful estate rings are offered in November.

Period jewels offered in November include the diamond-encrusted Art Deco bracelet, a lovely geometric composition with sapphire accents ($2,000-$3,000). A slender 18k yellow gold Cartier covered wristwatch ($3,000-$5,000) is a vintage designer treasure. Also offered at $3,000-$5,000 is a midcentury modern French jewelry suite of uncut emerald crystals set in an 18K yellow gold Brutalist style mounting.

Michaan’s Fine Art department presents works by international artists, with a particularly strong sales history in California art. A highlight of the Nov. 9 auction is Late Afternoon, Monterey Coast by Mary McNeale Morgan (1868-1948). A student of renowned California plein air painter William Keith, Morgan rose to prominence as a painter and printmaker in the early 20th century. Her paintings of cypress trees on the windswept Monterey coastline have a unique vitality rising from her vibrant, modernist color palette, bold brushstrokes and unconventional compositions. Late Afternoon, Monterey Coast ($7,000-$9,000) is typical of Morgan’s best work, pulsing with movement and awash in California sunlight.

The works of John Melville Kelly (1868-1962) display the artist’s groundbreaking accomplishments in the printmaking technique. Equally compelling is Kelly’s dedication to his favorite subject: the lives and customs of native Hawaiians, which he featured in his work from the 1920s through the 1950s. On Nov. 9 Michaan’s offers Kelly’s signed and framed print Chinese Costume, Hawaii estimated at $800-$1,200.

California paintings
John Melville Kelly (American 1879-1962) ‘Chinese Costume Hawaii,’ aquatint etching.
Estimate: $800-$1,200. Michaan’s image

Hawaii is also highlighted in the lot of four fine woodblock prints by Charles W. Bartlett (1860-1940), the highly accomplished English painter and printmaker who made Hawaii his home and whose works can be found in the Honolulu Museum of Art, among others. Bartlett’s travels to Japan and India are also reflected in this lot which is comprised of Shoji 1916 and Entrance to Golden Temple, along with Hawaiian Fishermen and Prayers at Sunset. The set of four Charles W. Bartlett woodblocks is offered at $2,000-$3,000.

Throughout 2019 Michaan’s has been the place to find one-of-a-kind furniture pieces and decorative art objects from fine estates and distinguished collections, including property deaccessioned by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Antique furniture, fine silver and historical memorabilia have been highlights of each monthly auction. In the Nov. 9 sale, Michaan’s specialist Jill Fenichell presents fine property of striking variety and quality. One example is the impressive West African ceremonial bed made of wood carved with animals, figures and patterns. Crafted by Senufo artisans, it measures over 9 feet long and is estimated at $4,000-$6,000.

California paintings
African carved wood ceremonial bed, Senufo. Estimate: $4,000-$6,000. Michaan’s image

Among the Continental antiques offered in November is a mid-18th century Venetian giltwood mirror decorated with rococo flourishes such as seashells and foliage. More than 8 feet in height, this grand statement piece was acquired by the present owner through Los Angeles interior designer Val Arnold and is estimated at $2,000-$3,000. Another beautiful 18th century piece is the Baroque Southern German walnut desk, with inlaid decoration throughout ($1,500-$2,000).

For collectors of Asian art, the Nov. 9 sale holds many opportunities presented by specialist Annie Zeng. Fine porcelains are featured.

California paintings
Blanc de chine De Hua statue of seated Bodhisattva, double gourd mark He Cao Zhong. Estimate: $600-$800. Michaan’s image

Michaan’s offers a diverse selection of decorative arts such as the Hopi painted pottery vase dating to the mid 20th century. This fine piece is signed by the artist, Fannie Nampeyo (1900- 1987), daughter of Nampeyo of Hano who is credited with reviving the art of Hopi pottery in the late 1800s. The Nampeyo family of artists is preeminent in Hopi pottery and their works are highly sought by collectors. The Fannie Nampeyo vase is estimated at $600-$800.

Another highlight is the massive garden sculpture of bronze and steel by Bay Area wildlife sculptor Patricia Payne. Depicting an eagle with wings spread, a favorite subject of the artist, the sculpture is estimated at $3,000-$5,000.

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California paintings