ALAMEDA, Calif. – Michaan’s Auctions held two successful sales in December, capping a fourth quarter of highly anticipated events with phenomenal results. “These are exciting times in the auction business,” said founder and CEO, Allen Michaan. “We are reaching more buyers than ever before, and our team is bringing fantastic property to them, from distinguished clients we are so proud to represent.” Banksy’s Girl with Balloon was the top lot in Michaan’s Winter Fine Sale on December 17. Purchased in the early 2000s at a flash warehouse sale held in London by Banksy, the screenprint  realized $174,000. Girl with Balloon was accompanied by a new certificate of authenticity from Banksy’s Pest Control Office.

An especially thrilling moment at Michaan’s December 17 Winter Fine Sale was the world auction record set for a work on paper by the artist Ernie Barnes. His mixed media study sketch of a couple dancing with tremendous verve and dynamism was estimated at $1,500-$2,500 and sold for $24,000. Several works by Ira Yeager were sold, with his Chicken Lady oil on canvas reaching $18,000, the second highest price achieved by the artist at auction.

Henrietta Berk, whose paintings have soared this year at Michaan’s, was featured in the Winter Fine Sale as well. Her bold, brilliantly colorful oil painting of two figures sold for $16,800.

Alphonse Mucha was a sensation at Michaan’s during the course of several auctions in 2021. On December 17 a lot of four original Mucha posters, The Times of the Day, sold for $17,220, and a 72-plate Mucha portfolio realized $15,600. Fine paintings of iconic European cityscapes continue to sell briskly at Michaan’s, and The Grand Canal, Venice, by a follower of Canaletto, brought $39,000 in the Winter Fine Sale.

Tiffany glass has long held sway at Michaan’s, a trusted resource for collectors. In the December 17 Winter Fine Sale, a banded dogwood glass lamp shade by Tiffany Studios brought $21,600.

Another art glass lot drew the interest of San Francisco history buffs: the Peacock window from the legendary Bardelli’s restaurant, a local favorite for much of the 20th century. Comprising three glass panels, this beautiful and nostalgic lot sold for $19,200 on December 17.

Michaan’s December auctions showcased the world’s great luxury brands. A leather bench designed by Jean-Michel Frank for Hermes sold for $15,600 in the December 17 Winter Fine Sale.

Tiffany & Co. was featured in the Winter Fine Sale jewelry selection, with Tiffany’s exceptional Art Deco sugarloaf cabochon emerald ring realizing $10,200. Period jewels – Victorian, Art Deco, retro – never fail to attract collectors in search of unique pieces and fine quality. At Michaan’s Gallery Auction on December 18, an exquisite Edwardian pendant of cultured pearls and diamonds set in platinum sold for $1,800, more than twice its estimate.

Carved jade, fine porcelains and embroidered Chinese textiles have seen stellar results at Michaan’s this year, as has nearly every kind of Asian art treasure offered at auction. In the Winter Fine Sale, a Chinese bronze alloy statue of Bhaisajyaguru Buddha soared to $42,000, and a famille rose enameled Buddha statue in a carved shrine blew past estimates to realize $18,000.

In addition, a massive eight-panel carved wood screen, set with blue-and-white porcelain plaques, brought $16,800.