Two white metal mounted human skulls, est. $1,000-$1,500. Michaan’s image.
ALAMEDA, Calif. – Michaan’s Nov. 4 Estate Auction, with Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers.com, opens with over 150 lots largely represented by European and American art primarily from the 19th to 20th centuries. A great deal of the property was acquired from estates and private collections throughout the West Coast.
The selection of lots includes, but is not limited to, oil paintings, works on paper and print art. A Robert Wyland work reflecting the painting genre for which he is best known highlights this month’s sale. Return to the Sea, 2005 (est. $5,000-$8,000) shows a pair of dolphins at play. Wyland’s marine life paintings, sculpture and photography has not only raised awareness of marine life conservation, but has gained him national recognition as well. His art has been honored by the Smithsonian Institution, the U.S. Department of Interior and the United Nations.
Michaan’s Auctions presents an exciting collection of ancient beads available for sale in addition to offerings of gemstone jewelry, certified jade and Bakelite pieces. Rare Roman, Kiffa, Afghani, Syrian, Islamic, Etruscan and Columbian beads comprise a portion of the offered lots. Bead materials include agate, gold, carnelian and Peking glass. This once-private collection is being offered for the first time at auction, providing an exclusive opportunity to own one-of-a-kind beads from around the world.
A fine collection of 20th-century American Indian jewelry is a unique accompaniment to the ancient beads. Forms such as squash blossom necklaces, bracelets, belts, buckles and pins are largely represented from Navajo and Zuni tribes. Many are artisan signed and made from high-quality materials such as silver, turquoise, coral, agate and opal.
The Asian department presents over 145 lots in the sale, including statues of deities, Japanese decorative works of art, jade carvings, bronzes and furniture. A lot comprised of a pair of decorative skulls is both darkly stunning and compelling, as it contains human bone. One authentic human skull displays intricate carvings upon its suture, as well as decorative metal adornments. Semiprecious stone is also used to decorate the Tibetan Buddhist-style piece, whose skull cap cleverly opens to reveal a metal lined, ornamental interior. A representation of the eight symbols of Buddhism is seen throughout, as well as dragon ornamentation along the length of the cheekbones. The piece is accompanied by a metal skull form on a stand complete with an articulated jaw (est. $1,000-$1,500).
Novelty nautical lots are another interesting feature in the November estate auction. Two lots of ship models are highlighted, each featuring a signature sea vessel. A pair of ship models, each displayed in a shadowbox ($300-$400). The larger of the two is a rendition of the H.M.S. Bounty, whose demise came to be known as a historical tale. On the Bounty’s last voyage to Tahiti, the ship’s final crew kidnapped 17 Tahitian natives in the hopes of acquiring female companionship. After the kidnapping, the Bounty was intentionally burned and sunk in Bounty Bay, eliminating any possible detection of the ship. A smaller, non-commercial ship model accompanies the H.M.S. Bounty model. This ship is also highly detailed and is depicted mid-sail with a backdrop of a painted sky.
Yacht models are also available in time for the America’s Cup celebrations. A Seacraft Classic model of the Shamrock is an uncannily realistic version of the yacht commissioned by Sir Thomas Lipton of Lipton Tea fame. The Shamrock was built in 1930 specifically to compete in the America’s Cup. Although the yacht did not win the race, it remains one of the most impressive sights on the Eastern seaboard today. An additional model of a handsome blue personal leisure yacht completes the lot. Both models are mounted on finished wood stands and are in excellent condition. (est. $300-$400).
For additional information on any lot in the sale, call 510-740-0220.
View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.
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ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
Two white metal mounted human skulls, est. $1,000-$1,500. Michaan’s image. Robert Wyland (American, b. 1956) ‘Return to the Sea, 2005,’ oil on canvas, est. $5,000-$8,000. Michaan’s image. Collection of ancient beads including Afghani, Syria, Islamic and Egyptian faience beads, est. $400-$600. Michaan’s image. Two sailing ship models in shadowboxes. Est. $300-$400. Michaan’s image.
