Auction Videos | Michaan's Auctions

19th Century Chinese Ink Stone

This classic, 19th century ink stone highlights Asian offerings for the month of July. The piece is traditionally shaped, decorated by carved ruyi clouds, lingzhi fungus and a single bat to symbolize longevity. The decorative carvings help form the well, an instrumental component in the production of the ink. An ink stick was ground upon the main platform, while fresh water was kept in the small area designated as the well. As water was combined with tiny soot particles fresh ink was made, with its intensity controlled by the user. This quintessential ink stone will be sold at an auction estimate of $300-500

Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, Platinum Necklace

From the Beaux Arts period is this beautiful Belle Époque aquamarine, diamond, pearl and platinum necklace. The necklace is dated to 1910-1920 and mirrors the grand tastes and values of the period. Fashioned in an elegant Festoon style, the piece features seven aquamarines of ideal color and brilliance in three different cuts, weighing a total of approximately 7.50 carats. The stones are then enhanced by nine round cut diamonds, further accented by several seed pearls. The necklace will be offered in Michaan's January estate sale at an estimate of $1,500-2,000.

Art Deco Style Bronze Nude with Ball

This statuesque Art Deco style bronze nude is highlighted amongst decorative items in the sale. The maiden depicted strikes an artful, elegant pose as she leans upon one knee while raising a small sphere in the palm of her hand. The young beauty holds a sideward gaze and serene smile, with her wavy hair adorned by an ornate headdress. The bronze is affixed to a green marble base that measures approximately 8 1/2 inches in width by 15 1/2 inches in length. This featured bronze will be offered in the July estate sale at an auction estimate of $800-1,200.

Arthur King Modernist Silver Bracelet

This modern bracelet of fluid forms will be sold in Michaan's 20th Century Design Auction on July the 6th. The piece is from master goldsmith Arthur King. King once had shops in New York, Miami, Paris, Havana and London, but his jewelry remains quite rare. His unique naturalistic styles are often emulated, but few have come close to replicating the genius of Arthur King. This bracelet for auction is designed with three connected segments and is verified with a stamp mark denoting "KING STERLING." The modernist silver bracelet will be auctioned at an estimate of $600-700.

August Gay painting, "Mission San Luis Rey de Francia"

Fine art's July highlight lies in August Gay's "Mission San Luis Rey de Francia." His signature use of a bright color palette brings life to the image, while conveying his innate sense of color. Gay was born in Rabou, France and immigrated to Alameda, California as a young boy. He helped form the painting group the "Society of Six" and his works have been exhibited at the San Francisco Art Association, the Beaux Arts Gallery and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. "Mission San Luis Rey de Francia" will be offered at an auction estimate of $8,000-12,000.

Brett Westin - Photograph Lots for Auction

Four period Brett Weston lots highlight an acclaimed selection of photography in Michaan's December Fine Works of Art Auction. All originate from the private collection of Weston's close friend and personal physician, Dr. Peter Strykers. Brett Weston personally printed and mounted the paintings in the late 1940s and early 1950s upon gifting them to Stryker. Available works include "Garrapata Beach" as lot 2111 at an estimate of $2,500-5,000, "White Sands" as lot 2112 at an estimate of $2,000-3,000, "Guatemala Hills" as lot 2113 at an estimate of $8,000-12,000 and "Window Display" as lot 2119 at an estimate of $4,000-6,000.

A Four-Color Overlay-Decorated Blue Glass Jar

This four-color overlay-decorated blue glass jar displays superb carving workmanship. The bulbous body is adorned with fine yellow, pink and red roses blossoming from lush, translucent green branches. Butterflies flutter amongst the blooms, set upon a backdrop of exquisite turquoise glass. The glasswork comes from the distinguished Gadient Collection, recognized as one of the finest Chinese glass groupings in existence. Gadient glass pieces have been exhibited nationally and internationally in some of the most prominent institutions in the world. The jar will be offered in the June Fine Asian Works of Art Auction as lot 8078 with an estimate of $13,000-18,000.

Alexander Gerhard Anton van Rappard (Dutch 1858-1892) "Cavaliers"

Dutch painter Alexander Gerhard Anton van Rappard’s oil "Cavaliers" highlights the July estate fine art offerings. The painting depicts a rural maiden and three of her admirers in a rustic dining area. Van Rappard’s paintings are quite rare due in part to his short life of only 33 years. During his brief painting career van Rappard studied under Lawrence Alma-Tadema and befriended Vincent van Gogh. The scarcity and quality of his works have lead them to be highly prized in the contemporary market. Van Rappard’s "Cavaliers" will be offered as lot 005 with an estimate of $8,000-12,000.

Antique Patent Models

This interesting grouping of lots originated from a private Bay Area collector and were selected for their quality and collectibility. Two patent model furniture lots are being offered in the July estate auction. The first is a walnut drop leaf table circa 1875 with an estimate of $700-900. The other is a mahogany convertible chair marked H. Braunfeld with an estimate of $600-800. Other patent model items are available from the estate as well, including a mechanical steam pressure regulator circa 1863, a metal furnace from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and a mahogany lard cooler circa 1880.

Au Ho'nien (Ou Haonian, b.1935) "Yosemite Mountain"

This wonderful watercolor on paper is being offered in August at an estimate of $10,000-12,000. Titled "Yosemite Mountain," Au Ho-nien depicts the grand rock formation in a beautiful wash of pale blue. Purchased directly from the artist in China in 1977, it also displays an inscription to the left side and the signature "Au Ho-nien." Au Ho-nien is recognized around the world as a leading contemporary artist in Chinese painting. He is also the Hwakang Professor of Art at the Chinese Culture University, Taipei, which is the highest accolade given to an artist in Taiwan.