Musical instruments, Asian art high notes at Clarke Auction April 7

Leading the Asian art category is a carved celadon and russet jade double brush washer having two lotus leaves curling around a dragonfly. Estimate: $12,000-$15,000. Clarke Auction Gallery image

LARCHMONT, N.Y. – Ranging from a fine piece of carved antique jade and two concert pianos to choice paintings and ornate silver serving pieces, Clarke Auction Gallery’s sale on Sunday, April 7, at 10 a.m. Eastern will be especially diverse while encompassing quality offerings. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.

The auction will consist of important works of art, sterling and jewelry, Asian arts, mid-century, decorative arts and much more. The fine art selection will feature paintings from Old Masters to contemporary artists while highlighting antiques and decorative arts offerings will be Oriental carpets, bronzes, Continental and American furniture, and lighting. A typically strong performer is the sterling and jewelry category, which includes flatware, tea sets, sterling accessories, diamond jewelry, gold jewelry and designer jewelry. A compact but fine selection of mid-century modern presents American and Italian designers from the 1950s to contemporary manufacturers.

“Our monthly auctions are quite eclectic in nature. Buyers can always look forward to exceptional pieces as well as interesting surprises,” said owner and auctioneer Ronan Clarke. “This sale will appeal to a wide variety of collecting interests with a focus on unusual pieces and fine craftsmanship.”

Expected to make sweet music at the auction are a Steinway & Sons Model D Concert Grand piano ($15,000-$25,000) and a Lyon and Healy Concert Grand harp ($10,000-$15,000), circa 1915, having provenance to the Philadelphia Orchestra and one of its noted harpists, Flora Greenwood McCurdy. The aforementioned piano and a Steinway & Sons Model M ($4,000-$6,000) come from the estate of a well-known pianist who has played for the Pope on numerous occasions.

This Steinway & Sons Model D Concert Grand piano is expected to sell for as much as $25,000. Clarke Auction Gallery image

Asian art routinely performs well at auctions and a standout here will be a finely carved celadon and russet jade double brush washer ($12,000-$15,000), 18th/19th century, having two lotus leaves curling around a dragonfly flanked by blossoms and a seed pod. The piece, which rests atop a carved rosewood stand, measures 1¾ by 5¾ by 3¾ inches.

A quality selection of furniture will run the gamut from a highly carved R.J. Horner mahogany dining set ($10,00-$15,000) to a grouping of pieces by Raul Carrasco such as a shagreen and lacquered cabinet and several desks.

Paintings are perennial favorites at Clarke Auction Gallery and the offerings this month run toward fine portraits and classical motifs. Among the expected standouts are an Edward Cucuel (American, 1875-1954) oil on canvas portrait of Mrs. J. Whitney Baker ($8,000-$12,000) from 1929, 40 by 30 inches; an Emil Carlsen (Danish, active in America, 1848/53-1932) still life oil on canvas ($4,000-$6,000) having a label stating the painting was in the collection of Roman Bronze Works; and three oils on canvas by noted animal painter Comte Bernard De Claviere (French, 1934-2016), including Dogs and Sheep ($3,000-$5,000), 1994, a portrait of a tiger ($3,000-$5,000) and a striking painting of a tree ($1,500-$2,500).

Edward Cucuel (American, 1875-1954), oil on canvas. Portrait of Mrs. J. Whitney Baker. 1929. Estimate: $8,000-$12,000. Clarke Auction Gallery image

The silver category is expected to be especially robust, led by a George III Thomas Pitts I silver epergne ($6,000-$9,000), mid to late 18th century English, having six foliate arms, a foliate, ribbon and urn vignette apron and an elongated stem with floral swags and floral vignettes; accompanied by six later Watson Co. sterling reticulated bowls.

Expected to lead the silver category is this 18th century Thomas Pitts English epergne with six foliate form arms. Estimate: $6,000-$9,000. Clarke Auction Gallery image

Another silver standout will be a Thorvald Marthinsen .830 silver Kvarberg lidded tureen featuring elaborate repousse work ($4,000-$6,000) with ball and claw feet, finely detailed eagle’s head handles and repousse work all over, depicting flowers, birds and scrolling foliage amid a textured ground. This particular form is modeled after an early 18th century design referred to as a lid bowl.

The jewelry and watches category will include a man’s Audemars Piguet 18K watch gold automatic wristwatch ($4,000-$6,000) with round champagne dial and 36 jewels and a 14K gold, diamond and sapphire ring ($2,000-$3,000) centered with an Old Mine cut diamond.

Rounding out the auction will be a palace-size Manchester Kashan carpet, circa 1910 ($4,000-$6,000) and a Louis XV-style carved marble fireplace mantel ($3,000-$5,000).

For more information call Clarke Auction Gallery at 914-833-8336.