Sam Hyde Harris (American 1889-1977), ‘Desert Landscape,’ oil on canvas. Estimate: $1,400-$1,800. Image courtesy Michaan’s Auctions.
Two American artists comprise both of this month’s highlights. The featured lots beautifully depict the opposing sides of nature. One represents its serene calm while the other reflects the competition for survival. The first is Desert Landscape by Samuel Hyde Harris (lot 086, $1,400-$1,800). The oil painting depicts a solitary desert tree in tones of light sage cut with accents of fiery orange. A master of subtle, impressionist California landscapes, his professional acclaim is evident as he has won well over 100 awards during his career.
In stark contrast is a bronze by Clark Bronson titled Eagle’s Conquest, 1980 (lot 049, $2,000-$4,000). The sculpture shows two eagles in flight directly above swirling ocean waves. The birds are fighting over a prized salmon, each with their talons firmly clasped around the fish. Bronson built his reputation on watercolors and bronze bird sculptures such as this fine example. The piece is substantial as well, measuring approximately 34 x 24 x 20 inches, including the base.
Classic Cartier sophistication is at the forefront of the jewelry department’s May sale. Lot 370 is a Cartier octagonal Santos two-tone wristwatch estimated at $2,000-$3,000. Introduced in 1904, the Santos is recognized as Cartier’s first true brand wristwatch. A signature watch style for the House of Cartier, Louis Cartier pioneered the deployment-folding clasp first seen in the Santos series of 1910. The watch highlights a fine selection of jade, diamond, gemstone and novelty theme jewelry up for auction in May.
The Asian department has over 100 lots up for auction in the May sale including scrolls, porcelains, sculptures, furniture, jade, decorative objects and snuff bottles. A Ding ware-type white-glazed vase, lot 506, highlights the department’s offerings at an estimate of $300-$500. The unusual details of this vase set the piece apart. The interesting form is adorned with petal motifs upon the top and bottom as two stylized dragons continuously wrap around the body. A pair of ornate handles in the form of mythical beasts are placed near the top of the piece, finished with a lovely, creamy bone colored glaze.
The furniture and decorations department has two interesting collections up for sale among its offerings of clocks, fine china services, silver wares, ornamental figurines, lamps and collectables. A collection of presidential campaign memorabilia is offered in four separate lots, each highly collectible and in excellent condition. Lot 413 contains items from the McGovern-Eagleton-Shriver campaign of 1972 ($250-300). Eagleton was the first vice presidential nominee to withdraw from a ticket and only 18 days into the campaign. Therefore, printed materials from this ticket are a rare find. Other lots containing political material in the May sale include Ronald Reagan campaign items circa 1980 (lot 415, $300-$400), Robert Kennedy presidential primary material circa 1968 (lot 412, $300-$400) and Mondale-Ferraro presidential ephemera circa 1984 (lot 414, $300-$400).
Also noteworthy are vintage advertising signs, perfect for the niche collector. All are framed and in display-worthy condition. The selection includes a sign touting the excellence of a blood purifier (lot 853, $1,000-2,000), an ad for an Atkins saw (lot 854, $300-$400) and a notice featuring a catarrh remedy (lot 855, $800-$1,200).
An illustrated auction catalog will be on-line for review at www.michaans.com. Previews open at Michaan’s Auctions on May 4 and continue until May 7, the day of sale. For details visit Michaan’s website or call the front desk at 510-740-0220.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
Sam Hyde Harris (American 1889-1977), ‘Desert Landscape,’ oil on canvas. Estimate: $1,400-$1,800. Image courtesy Michaan’s Auctions. Clark Bronson (American 20th century), ‘Eagle’s Conquest, 1980,’ bronze. Estimate: $2,000-$4,000. Image courtesy Michaan’s Auctions. Cartier octagonal Santos two-tone wristwatch. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000. Image courtesy Michaan’s Auctions. Ding ware-type white-glazed vase. Estimate: $300-$500. Image courtesy Michaan’s Auctions. McGovern-Eagleton-Shriver 1972 presidential campaign material. Estimate: $250-$300. Image courtesy Michaan’s Auctions. Ronald Reagan 1980 presidential campaign material. Estimate: $300-$400. Image courtesy Michaan’s Auctions. Vintage advertising sign, ‘The Best Blood Purifier Dr. D. Jaynes Alternative.’ Estimate: $1,000-$2,000. Image courtesy Michaan’s Auctions. Vintage cardboard advertising sign, ‘Dr. Sage’s Catarrh Remedy.’ Estimate: $800-$1,200. Image courtesy Michaan’s Auctions.
