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Undated James Lovera vase, est. $1,000-$1,500

Michaan’s reviews 200 Years of Decorative Arts in Oct. 15-16 auction series

Undated James Lovera vase, est. $1,000-$1,500
Undated James Lovera vase, est. $1,000-$1,500

ALAMEDA, Calif. – Michaan’s October auction calendar will meet the high demand for fine art and Asian art, estate furnishings and decorations, and fine jewelry. The auction house will hold a special event on October 15, dubbed Theme and Variations: 200 Years of Decorative Arts featuring Property from a Distinguished Alameda Estate. On October 16, it will conduct one of its beloved Gallery auctions. Absentee and Internet live bidding for both will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

In the mid- to late 19th century, long before the tech innovators and venture capitalists descended upon it, Menlo Park hosted a handful of vast country retreats on land acquired by frontier barons from the original Spanish and Mexican rancheros. Michaan’s October 15 sale will spotlight a marvelous bedroom suite made for Thurlow Lodge, a 40-room mansion that was the grandest of the Menlo Park estates.

 Circa-1873 Japonesque suite of furniture attributed to Maison Gueret Freres, Paris, est. $4,000-$6,000

Circa-1873 Japonesque suite of furniture attributed to Maison Gueret Freres, Paris, est. $4,000-$6,000

Attributed to Maison Gueret Freres, Paris, the design of the circa 1873 Japonesque suite likely came into being via a commission from Herter Brothers of New York, one of America’s first interior design firms. Herter’s client was Milton Slocum Latham, the second owner of the magnificent Menlo Park property; Latham’s name appears in pencil markings on various pieces. History aside, the furniture is amazing in its own right, with its fine carving in imitation of bamboo. The queen half tester bed, marble-topped dresser with large mirror and end table are crafted from maple and are graced with delicate marquetry and faux bamboo details. The suite is estimated at $4,000-$6,000.

Victorian suite of jewelry, est. $300-$500
Victorian suite of jewelry, est. $300-$500

On Saturday, October 16, Michaan’s Gallery Auction features French bronzes, the paintings of Mexican fine artists, and Chinese cloisonne. Fine jewelry is the heart of the auction. Highlights include antique emerald, diamond and pearl drop earrings; carved coral and jade jewelry; and high karat Chinese gold jewelry, which has been a top seller at Michaan’s this year. A Victorian jewelry suite that showcases onyx, seed pearls, enamel and yellow gold carries an estimate of $300-$500.

Ira Yeager, ‘Sophisticated Dachshund,’ est. $3,000-$5,000
Ira Yeager, ‘Sophisticated Dachshund,’ est. $3,000-$5,000

October’s fine art offerings at Michaan’s includes delightful American paintings, such as Ira Yeager’s Sophisticated Dachshund, estimated at $3,000-$5,000. Among the decorative arts selections is an undated vase by James Lovera that assumes the shape and color of an orange crowned by a narrow mouth. It is estimated at $1,000-$1,500.

Chinese cloisonne enamel piece, est. $800-$1,200
Chinese cloisonne enamel piece, est. $800-$1,200

Michaan’s Asian Art Department offers wonderful opportunities to October bidders. A notable Chinese cloisonne enamel piece, estimated at $800-$1,200, has three parts: a stem tray with cup and cover. It is beautifully decorated in brilliant colors and bears an incised four-character Qianlong mark.

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View top auction results on LiveAuctioneers here: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/pages/recent-auction-sales/