Ruth Asawa (American 1926-2013)
Lot 291: Ruth Asawa (American 1926-2013)
'Untitled' (S.391) Circa 1958
Hanging Six Interlocking Double Trumpets, brass wire. Retains copper tag S.391
14in. x 12 1/2in. x 13in. (35.5cm. x 30.5cm. x 13in. 33cm)
This Ruth Asawa sculpture has an interesting back story. This piece of art history was used as barter between Ruth and a Buena Vista Terrace Piano Teacher named Florence (Oertel) Hartford back in the 1960's.
Ruth wanted her children to learn to play piano, so she arranged to trade a few of her sculptures for piano lessons, so that her children could learn to play the piano. This sculpture hung in Florence's piano studio for decades. Who knows how many children learned to play piano from a gifted teacher within eyesight of a Ruth Asawa sculpture.
This sculpture has never been offered in a gallery, or auction, nor has it been publicly exhibited. It is a fresh to market sculpture by one of the most influential and important Bay Area Artist in this or any other time.
1946 Indian Chief Roadmaster Motorcycle
Lot 226: 1946 Indian Chief Roadmaster Motorcycle
Recently I was asked to visit a home in Novato CA. The client wanted my opinion on the marketability of the contents of her home. After looking through the entire home as well as the backyard I let her know, that while some of her items were sellable, that their value was not sufficient to engage our services, and I made ready to leave.
She saw me to the door, and walked me across the lawn alongside her home where I saw the garage for the first time; prompting me to ask her "You wouldn't' happen to have a vintage vehicle in there, would you?" to which she responded, as a matter of fact I have I have a 1946 Indian Chief in there."
This Indian is a showstopper with at least 95% all original parts. It was repainted sometime in its history, and as is typical for bikes from this era, it has low mileage.
This is a true American classic!
Diamond Rings
This sale features a fine selection of diamond rings, brooches, earrings, and bracelets. Lot 85 is by the important American jewelry designer, David Webb. Lot 102 is a beautiful platinum art deco bar pin with one transitional-cut diamond (1.20 cts) accented by eighty-seven transitional and single-cut diamonds as well as eighteen French-cut sapphires. Lot 100 is a Mid-Century pin featuring ninety one marquise, brilliant, baguette, and single-cut diamonds. Lot 149 is a Stephen Dweck black diamond ring in 18k and sterling. Lot 97 Is a pair of Tiffany & Co. brilliant-cut diamond earrings (1.2 tctw) in platinum.
Pictured Here:
Lot 98: Diamond, Platinum Dinner Ring. This ring is set in platinum and is accented by forty-three single-cut diamonds.
Lot 96: Tiffany & Co. Diamond, Platinum Wedding Set. Tiffany claims responsibility for reimaging the engagement ring into its current conception today. This wedding set is absolutely classic and set in platinum.
Lot 99: 2.25ct Diamond Ring. This massive diamond is set in 18k gold and is accented by twenty-four baguette and princess-cut diamonds. It is accompanied by a GIA report stating: "Cushion Modified Brilliant, Color Grade H, Clarity Grade VS2, Polish Very Good, Symmetry Very Good, Faint Fluorescence."
William Merritt Chase (American 1849-1916)
This fantastic early self portrait by William Merritt Chase has impeccable provenance. It was consigned to us by a wonderful client who lives in San Francisco, overlooking the bay at the top of Union Street. Interestingly, it came to our client by way of an in-law who struck it rich in Alaska.
Burma Ruby, Diamond, 18k White Gold Ring
This auction features colored gemstones adorning many figural and floral pieces. Lot 110 is a stunning butterfly pin featuring round-cut emeralds, rubies and sapphires as well as diamond accents set into 14k. Lot 101 is a stunning aquamarine pendant set in 18k featuring nine emerald-cut and two pear-cut aquamarines as well as fifty-four round brilliant-cut diamonds.
Lot 109 is an 18k gold necklace that highlights five flowers made of rubies, emeralds and diamonds. Lot 71 is a large amethyst ring set in 18k gold with twenty full-cut diamonds. Lot 79 is an opal fly pin with articulating wings and blue sapphire cabochon eyes. There are many more on offer however the crown of our collection is the Burma ruby below.
Lot 107 Burma Ruby, Diamond, 18k White Gold Ring. This is an 18k White Gold Ring Centering one oval-cut Burma ruby weighing 2.53 cts., accented by one hundred twenty-four round brilliant-cut, emerald-cut, princess-cut and pear-cut diamonds weighing a total of 2.06 cttw. This ring is accompanied by a Swiss lab report indicating that it is a natural non heated ruby.
Patek Philippe Calatrava Ultra-Thin
This auction features many classic and stylish timepieces. Lot 137 is a Ladies Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 18k Watch that is officially certified. Lot 136 is a Carrera Y Carrera Diamond and 18k watch boasting two elegant panthers surmounting the dial. Lot 139 is an Audemars Piquet 18k wrist watch with black lizard band. Lot 140 is a vintage Gent's IWC Schaffhausen 18k rose gold watch. Lot 142 Patek Philippe Calatrava 18k Yellow Gold Ultra-Thin Wristwatch, Ref 3498-2
Ferdinand Burgdorff (American 1881-1975)
After discovering art and the pleasures of collecting art from his son, a Berkeley, CA. man amassed a rather impressive collection of paintings of California Artists. We are pleased to offer you the chance to bid on over twenty works from this collection. There are several paintings by the artist Chen Yuan that you can read about here. These beautiful landscapes are Lot 238 and Lot 237. The one featured above is by Ferdinand Bergdorf and is my absolute favorite.
Alfredo Zalce (1906-2003 Mexico)
Simon Norfolk (British B. 1960)
Fine Estate, Inc. is a San Francisco Bay Area Company offering auction and consignment services.