Michaan’s auction Feb. 8 offers wide-ranging treasures

Michaan’s

Thomas Martin Uttech (American b. 1942), ‘Rock Formation,’ watercolor. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000. Michaan’s image

ALAMEDA, Calif. – Saturday, Feb. 8 is the date set for Michaan’s next Gallery Auction. This is the time and place to discover one-of-a-kind fine collectibles, fine art and Asian art, exciting jewelry and rare furnishings. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.

In February Michaan’s invites bidders to replace humdrum barware with a collection of Baccarat crystal, and set the table with sterling flatware by Georg Jensen or Shreve & Co. Find inspiration in Michaan’s selection of fine art, such as the bold lines of Sol LeWitt or a French farm landscape from the mid-19th century. Michaan’s offers furniture with a history and handmade rugs with the allure of family heirlooms. There are great finds in every department.

Fine jewelry brings extra sparkle to the auction on Feb. 8. Diamond rings are among the most highly sought auction lots, and February offers several choices including the elegant emerald-cut stunner estimated at $4,000-$6,000. Diamond stud earrings, a luxury wardrobe staple, are estimated at $500-$700, and the filigree brooch of 14K white gold set with diamonds is offered at $1,500-$2,500. Designer jewels include the Van Cleef & Arpels 18K yellow gold “beehive” ear clips ($1,500-$2,500). Period jewels and timepieces include the graceful Art Nouveau pendant watch by Elgin, of 18K yellow gold ($300-$500).

Michaan’s

Diamond and 14K yellow gold ring. Estimate: $4,000-$6,000. Michaan’s image

American artists are featured in Michaan’s selection of fine art. February’s auction includes interesting works by Sol LeWitt and Andy Warhol. The LeWitt piece is an original glazed ceramic titled Four Colors in the Round, (below) and was given to the current owner by the artist.

Michaan’s

Sol Lewitt (American 1928-2007),’ ‘Four colors in the round,’ glazed ceramic. Estimate: $1,000-$2,000. Michaan’s image

The Warhol auction lot is of interest not only to art collectors but also to collections dedicated to rock and roll history. It consists of 10 color litho announcement cards (the lot of 10 estimated at $1,500-$2,500) for the launch of Warhol’s Mick Jagger screenprint portfolio, published by Seabird Editions for the exhibition at Castelli Graphics in New York.

A noteworthy art find in February’s auction is the watercolor, Rock Structure by Thomas Martin Uttech (American, b. 1942). Tom Uttech’s woodland landscapes are intricately composed, thought-provoking and utterly gorgeous. Rock Structure is estimated at $2,000-$3,000. The auction also offers intimate portraits such as the lovely oil paintings Woman at Dresser ($1,500-$3,000) by Edward Dufner (American, 1871- 1957) and Mother and Child by Walter Castle Keith (1863-1927).

When Jeffrey Ripple (American, b. 1962) paints a bowl of fruit, one really can’t call it a “still life” and do it justice. Ripple’s works are more accurately described as living portraits of fruits and flowers; they glow with vitality as well as impeccable detail. Squash and Leaves, a 1998 oil on Arches paper by Jeffrey Ripple, is offered at Michaan’s on Feb. 8, estimated at $2,000-$4,000.

Michaan’s

Jeffrey Ripple (American b. 1962), ‘Squash and Leaves,’ oil on arches paper. Estimate: $2,000-$4,000. Michaan’s image

Asian art treasures include sumptuous Chinese export rosewood furniture. The demi-lune table, inset with pink marble and featuring lovely foliate openwork, is estimated at $5,000-$8,000. The circular revolving pedestal table, elaborately carved with figures, is $800-$1,200. Fine porcelain includes a Chinese export teapot and creamer, and the “garlic-head” celadon crackled glazed vase ($600-$800).

Michaan’s

Chinese Export rosewood demi-lune table with back panel. Estimate: $5,000-$8,000. Michaan’s image

A top draw of Michaan’s monthly auctions is the diversity of the property offered. February brings the sale of the charming French automaton, circa 1900: a monkey seated on a music box, having a smoke ($800-$1,200). For Wedgwood collectors there is a three-color urn, circa 1820 ($700-$1,000). From the same period, a fine German porcelain plate ($1,000-$1,500) features a nighttime hunt scene. The selection of silver is exceptional in February with Shreve & Co.’s Art Nouveau sterling tea service ($4,000-$6,000) and a 91-piece service of Georg Jensen’s Acorn sterling flatware ($1,300-$1,700).