Lot 325: diamond, platinum cross pendant. Estimate: $5,000-$6,000. Michaan’s Auctions image.
An especially lovely piece is found in a landscape titled California Foothills by Franz Arthur Bischoff (1864-1929). The picturesque image of natural growth trees framed by rolling hills is from a private San Francisco collection and remains in wonderful condition (lot 048, $2,500-$3,500). Selections from Chilean artist Roberto Matta’s (1911-2002) series “Les Oh! Tomobiles” are seen in lots 574 and 571, each at an estimate of $750-$1,000. The childlike, frenzied color etchings burst with energy from Chile’s leading surrealist artist.
Bay Area artist Justin Faivre’s (1902-1990) Girl Fixing Her Hair, 1958 is a rare image from his collective body of work (lot 059, $600-$800). He is largely known for watercolor landscapes and abstracts, making this bold portrait an unusual find. Rich, saturated colors are utilized to depict a young lady combing her hair, as large swathes of blue and red are placed in dynamic composition. Faivre made Oakland the location of his first studio before eventually settling in Alameda. Throughout the 1930s he was exhibited at what is now known as the Oakland Museum and a large portion of his subjects have revolved around Alameda County.
The jewelry department presents quite a large sale in November, with over 280 lots available. A variety of gemstones abound, with substantial carat weights held in numerous pieces. A platinum and diamond cross pendant carries 85 princess-cut diamonds weighing a total of approximately 7.85 carats (lot 325, $5,000-$6,000). Certified gemstone rings are found in lot 323 which centers an approximate 9.09 carat cushion cut spinel ($3,000-$4,000) and lot 497, which features a pear cut demantoid garnet of approximately 2.47 carats ($1,400-$1,800). A ring adorned by three round-cut zircons weighing a total of approximately 9.25 carats will be sold as lot 214 ($1,200-$1,500) and a certified jadeite suite of a pendant, earrings and ring will sell as lot 295 at an auction estimate of $5,000-$7,000.
Highlighting the jewelry selection is an Ippolita rose quartz, diamond and 18K yellow gold ring (lot 208, $800-$1,200). Ippolita jewelry pieces have been wildly successful at Michaan’s Auctions, as previous offerings have achieved anywhere from an approximate 95 percent sell-through to a 100 percent sell-through. The ring for sale is undoubtedly a playful and fashion-forward piece, as a sprinkling of nine round rose quartz cabochons and eight full-cut diamonds are splayed across five delicate bands of gold. Ippolita Collection pieces remain a Hollywood favorite, as they have adorned A-list starlets such as Halle Berry, Reese Witherspoon and Kate Hudson. The line has also been carried at major high-end retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Michaan’s 20th century design department features many furniture pieces in the November estate auction, including wall and shelving units, tables and chairs. A varied collection of 10 lots of lighting are highlighted by Kurt Verson floor lamps, a pair of Noguchi paper shades and a 1973 flexible chrome model Charmer lamp in mint condition with its original tag. A modern design lot of children’s items provides a unique grouping of collectible pieces, including a Fageol Walkee bike, a Temco Jet scooter and a Super Jet Speedster. A Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper child’s chair rounds out the grouping, finished by an assortment of catalogs and literature.
Arne Jacobson’s (1902-1971) iconic Swan chair stands as a testament to his fluid modern furniture designs, to be offered as lot 894 ($1,200-$1,600). He enjoyed worldwide success for simple and effective chair forms, which also included The Ant, Series 7 and The Egg. The Swan was commissioned for the SAS Royal Hotel in 1958, combining modernist ideals with a sense of Nordic naturalism. Shortly before his death Jacobsen reflected upon his career, concluding, “The fundamental factor is proportion … that is the essential thing.” The first year production chair will be sold alongside an additional Swan chair, with both remaining in excellent original condition along with original materials.
Quality furniture offerings are at the forefront of the November auction, evidenced by a lengthy list of pieces. Seating includes a Renaissance Revival hall chair adorned with masks (lot 124, $800-$1,200). Louis XV-style pieces include a pair of leather upholstered walnut chairs (lot 095, $500-$800), a verdure tapestry armchair (lot 096, $300-$400) and a pair of leather upholstered pear chairs in the Art Nouveau style (lot 097, $300-$400). Additional seating includes a chaise lounge with burgundy upholstery (lot 120, $800-$1,200), a leather-top inlaid davenport (lot 108, $800-$1,200) and a Renaissance Revival bench (lot 126, $800-$1,200).
A substantial furniture piece in the sale is an Art Nouveau marble-top buffet in the Louis XV taste (lot 102, $600-$800). Chests are highlighted by lot 115, a Janson Napoleon-style tall chest complete with six drawers and brass gallery ($1,000-$1,500) and a Renaissance Revival chest on chest listed as lot 131 at an estimate of $800-$1,200.
For general information phone 510-740-0220 ext. 0 or e-mail info@michaans.com.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
Lot 325: diamond, platinum cross pendant. Estimate: $5,000-$6,000. Michaan’s Auctions image. Lot 048: Franz Arthur Bishoff (American, 1864-1929), ‘California Foothills,’ oil on canvas laid to board. Estimate: $2,500-$3,500. Michaan’s Auctions image. Lot 059: Justin Faivre (Californian, 1902-1990), ‘Woman Fixing Her Hair,’ oil on canvas. Estimate: $600-$800. Michaan’s Auctions image. Lot 131: Italian Renaissance Revival chest on chest. Estimate: $800-$1,200. Michaan’s Auctions image. Lot 208: Ippolita rose quartz, diamond, 18K yellow gold ring. Estimate: $800-$1,200. Michaan’s Auctions image. Lot 894: Arne Jacobson Swan Chair, first year production. Estimate: $1,200-$1,600. Michaan’s Auctions image.
