ALAMEDA, Calif. – Michaan’s will conduct an auction April 11 that features a broad spectrum of fine art, jewelry, antiques and decorative art – nearly 600 lots in all.
LiveAuctioneers.com will provide Internet live bidding.
Shining brilliantly among April’s gemstone jewelry offerings is a classic Tiffany & Co. solitaire diamond ring at an estimate of $7,000-$9,000 (lot 126). The round brilliant-cut diamond of an approximate weight of 1.40 carats is simply set in a polished platinum band mounting. The original Tiffany & Co. box, certification and folder accompany the ring.
Tiffany’s storied legacy is closely tied to its exceptional diamonds. Founder Charles Lewis Tiffany’s passion for the most beautiful diamonds in the world lead to his moniker of “The King of Diamonds.”
The Asian Department will present over 80 lots at this auction, highlighted by a 20th century decorative grouping perfect for ushering spring in (lot 216, $2,000-$3,000). Of the two gilt-silver containers is a cylindrical tea caddy of a fine mesh overlay with numerous applied decorative motifs. Curling filigree tendrils and Chinese characters surround dainty enamelwork of a largely blue and green color scheme. An encircling jadeite bangle as well as coral and turquoise cabochons completes the piece. Also in the lot is a wonderfully decorated lidded, globular form container. This vessel is also of a fine metal mesh body, but this time flourishing with applied decorations of canaries perched upon blooming cherry blossom branches. Similarly hued flowering branches surround the scene, with coral and turquoise cabochons dotting the lid. The enamelwork on this piece is exceptionally painted, with the flowers and foliage in softly graduating colors, juxtaposed by the vibrant yellow and green tones of the birds.
Many substantial artists from a range of genres will be represented in the April sale. Offerings are seen from the likes of Paul Cezanne, Alexandre Renoir, Toulose Lautrec, Victor Vasarely and Carl Sammons. However, Mary Louise Snowden (b. 1952) highlights the sale with a bronze titled Meteorite (lot 321, $2,000-$3,000). The sculpture and black marble base measures approximately 50 inches high by12 inches in depth, as well as in width at the widest point. The original sculpture holds an artist signature and stamp denoting “4/100” upon the back of the scene.
Snowden’s artistic roots run deep, as she is the daughter of renowned sculptor George Holburn Snowden, N.A. When her father won the Prix de Rome of 1926, he received 38 sculpting tools that once belonged to none other than Auguste Rodin. She inherited them upon her father’s death.
She once said, “I’m not the product of an art school, but of a life immersed in art.” At the age of four she would watch her father sculpt and by the age of nine, she began working in clay alongside him. She has received both national and international awards and acclaim, with her work seen publically in the main altar of Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral in Los Angeles as well as in a group of sculpted angels on display at the cathedral’s visitors center.
The most prestigious clock in the auction is a Chinese export mother-of-pearl inlaid double fusee bracket timepiece with charming automaton figure (lot 568, $7,000-$9,000). Sitting on bulbous brass feet, this beautifully handcrafted clock bears many ornate design schemes. Five pinecone finials top a darkly finished hardwood body, generously inlaid with branching mother-of-pearl vines. Also quite lovely is a carved crest of a fanning peacock motif that bears inlay fashioned as likeminded feathers. The clock face is housed behind a windowed door, whose look is kept simple in classic black Roman numerals. The clock face is then surrounded by four applied brass floral appliqués, topped by a delightful hand-painted scene of various birds in a natural environment. A small figurine of an Asian scholar, who comes to life when the clock strikes 12, cleverly parts this scene. The clock is accompanied by a revolving mother-of-pearl inlaid stand as well as an original key. It stands approximately 28 1⁄2 inches high by14 inches wide.
For general information call 510-740-0220 ext. 0 or e-mail info@michaans.com.
Michaan’s Auctions is located at 2751 Todd Street, Alameda, CA 94501.
[button color=”black” size=”big” alignment=”center” rel=”follow” openin=”samewindow” url=”https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/69181_estate-auction-april-11/page1″]Click here to view this catalog at LiveAuctioneers[/button]
