With Strength in Diversity, Michaan's February Sale Builds Momentum For Growth in 2017

Alameda, California (beforeitsnews) February 25, 2017 – Michaan’s monthly Estate Auction on February 11 saw excellent prices and sell-through for a wide range of distinctive lots. “The new year has already brought in a number of exciting estates, and our bidders are responding with enthusiasm,” says Michaan’s Vice President Scott Bradley. “Confidence in our team of specialists is high among consignors as well as buyers.” Online bidding continues to grow, yet a number of February’s winning bids came from the floor, and from absentee bids left by visitors to Preview events held the weekend before the auction. “We are seeing increased activity at our weekly Wednesday appraisal events,” adds Bradley, “and are poised to meet the demands of our buyers for fine property throughout 2017.”

The diversity of February’s lots was especially striking in the Jewelry department, where high prices were realized for yellow gold, fine diamonds, period estate pieces, and the large selection of Native American silver. Unique gold jewelry brought robust results, led by $5,900 for the sculptural retro-inspired link bracelet (Lot 62) and $5,015 for the 14k gold fancy barrel and ball bead necklace (Lot 29). Fine diamonds, set in gold bracelets and rings and also unmounted, exceeded their estimates; the Art Deco gent’s diamond ring in white gold (Lot 152) sold for $8,850. The chic gold and diamond horse head necklace (Lot 34, sold for $2,655) was one of many hot sellers among the animal-themed fine jewelry pieces, including the whimsical giraffe suite of enamel, diamonds, and 18k yellow gold (Lot 101, $2,360). Buyers flocked to the vintage South American 18k gold and emerald jewelry pieces, some featuring Mayan motifs, several of which sold above their estimates. Native American silver jewelry continued the winning streak established in 2016, with outstanding results for a wide range of styles including those by unknown artisans as well as signed pieces by Bob Stringer and Thomas Singer; the latter’s sterling and gold-filled suite (Lot 17) sold for $1,416 on estimates of $300-500. Another jewelry highlight was the fabulous Mughal necklace of bejeweled rosettes (Lot 126), estimated at $3,000-5,000, sold for $7,080. The March Estate Auction will feature more Native American pieces, Art Deco and Victorian treasures from distinguished estates, and ladies’ wristwatches by Bulgari, Rolex, Longines, Chopard, and Tiffany & Co.

Collectable objects from outside the fine art realm, such as the Tibetan ceremonial sword (Lot 228, $1,062), are continually sought by Asian art buyers. February also brought strong sell-through of Japanese pieces with excellent prices realized such as $5,310 for the pair of Meiji Period Satsuma vases signed Ryozan (Lot 277, estimated at $1,500-2,000) and $2,006 for Lot 289, the Edo Period Maki-e Karabitsu (lacquered box). Edo Period Tanto daggers and Yari spears were also sold, as were small bronzes and Meiji Period cloisonné enamel items. Chinese highlights were led by Lot 231, the Warring States bronze ding (cauldron) which brought $7,670 (estimated at $2,000-3,000). Also outstanding were two lovely lots of carved pink coral, prized not only for the rarity of the material but also for the formal elegance of the traditional design. The pair of spherical dragon-and-phoenix coral pendants, Lot 202, sold for $2,124, and the coral figure of a maiden, Lot 203, brought $2,655. Japanese oil paintings from the late 20th Century were sold in February, as were older woodblock prints and several woodcuts by Joichi Hoshi. Asian Art highlights in March will include an elaborate brocade dragon robe, collectable Chinese and Tibetan silver pieces, and a Lingbi scholar’s rock.

February’s top lot, a model ship, was previewed by many visitors to Michaan’s auction gallery on Todd St. in Alameda, where Furniture and Decorative Arts Specialist Elizabeth Dalton offers free appraisals each Wednesday. The tin model of a German ocean liner, Lot 555, measures 40″ in length and was estimated at $500-700; it brought $11,800. Other collectable best sellers included sterling silver table articles, Royal Danish sterling flatware (Lot 408, $2,360), a Gorham octagonal form sterling tea service (Lot 424, $1,298), and several lots of Wallace sterling. Sales of fine silver will continue in March with early American sterling from James Black and E. Stebbins & Co. among the diverse decorative arts lots.

Another top seller in February’s auction was the Thebes stool by Liberty & Co. This Arts & Crafts piece from the legendary English design house caught the attention of collectors near and far. Despite its diminutive proportions (measuring approximately 12″ square), the Thebes stool brought an impressive $4,130. Its success is a testament to the enduring appeal of Arts & Crafts furniture to collectors, who will find a generously proportioned Stickley refectory table offered in the March Estate Auction.

American and European paintings continued their strong performance at Michaan’s in February. The cotton kingdom genre painting, “Cabin Scene” by William Aiken Walker (1838-1921) realized $4,130. French, Italian and German works were sold, as were numerous fine California landscapes including views of Gilroy and Mt. Tamalpais. March Fine Art highlights include a California landscape by John Muir contemporary William Keith, an oil on board by trompe l’oeil master Gayle Blair Tate (b. 1944), an abstract Mid-century Modern tempera painting by Jean Deyrolle (1911-1967), and a captivating female portrait from the early 20th Century by celebrated illustrator Harrison Fisher. For more details visit http://www.michaans.com/.

Michaan’s next monthly Estate Auction will be held on Saturday, March 11 at 10:00 AM, PST.

Press Office Contact!
Talesa Eugenio
(510) 740 – 0220 x116

Auction:
Estate Auction
featuring, fine art, decorative arts, Asian art and jewelry
February 11, 10am

Previews:
February 4, 5, 10 and day of sale

Location:
Michaan’s Auctions
2751 Todd Street
Alameda, CA 94501

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