Auction Videos
Michaan's Video Archive contains hundreds of videos of items from past auctions. Use our Video Search form to search for items of interest, such as 'clock', 'emerald', 'Dali', etc. If a search returns more than ten (10) items a link will be provided to 'Show More Items...'
Fine Chinese Gilt Bronze Automaton Musical Clock
Collectible clocks are highly sought at auction, and Michaan's offers a truly spectacular opportunity for collectors in August with the pavilion style musical mechanical clock. Its design was inspired by the splendor of the Orient. Elephants in ceremonial dress form its feet. The housing for the clock face evokes a high temple or royal palace. Moving parts include eight twirling tropical trees, and the tune it plays echoes the delicate music of temple bells. This fascinating collectible is estimated at $80,000-$100,000. Come to Michaan's Auctions for a chance to buy Fine Chinese Gilt Bronze Automaton Musical Clock at auction!
Birger Kaipaipianen Bird Figure
“Bead Bird,” by Birger Kaipiainen, is an exuberant original by a master of modern Scandinavian art and design. Like his compatriots at Marimekko, Kaipiainen found inspiration in nature and in the folkloric traditions of his native Finland. His widely collected ceramic works feature decoration, whimsy and fantasy that challenge expectations of modernism. “Bead Bird” is made of ceramic beads with a wonderful tactile surface appeal. Its colors derive from fields and flowers, sand and sea. Its powerful charm is enhanced by a forthright pose. Estimated at $10,000 to $15,000, “Bead Bird” is an enchanting work by a unique and visionary artist. Come to Michaan's Auctions on June 9 for an opportunity to buy Birger Kaipaipianen Bird Figure at auction!
Andy Warhol “Liz” Color Offset Lithograph
“Liz” by Andy Warhol is one of the most widely recognized images in the history of modern art. The words “iconic” and “legendary” only begin to describe the artist and his subject, their fame and their influence. This signed and dated lithograph was created when Warhol emerged to personify the cutting edge of popular culture in America. Warhol defined pop art as Liz Taylor defined American screen stardom. Their enormous talent and impact are united in this unforgettable work, estimated at $25,000 to $35,000. Come to Michaan's Auctions on June 9 for an opportunity to buy Andy Warhol “Liz” Color Offset Lithograph at auction!
Agate Figa, Turquoise, Gold Pendant Necklace
The October 8th sale features a lovely and unusual pendant necklace of carved agate, accented by cabochons of turquoise and set in 18k gold. This intriguing piece is known as a figa and is an amulet of ancient origin, traditionally worn as a charm of protection against evil spirits. Michaan's offers a particularly fine example of this folkloric art form. The intricately detailed golden decoration extends to the fingernails on the tiny closed fist, and is completed by turquoise stones of the most desirable color and quality. The collectible appeal of this piece far surpasses its historical value as a good luck charm. Estimated at five hundred to seven hundred dollars. Join us on October 8 for a chance to buy Agate Figa, Turquoise, Gold Pendant Necklace at auction!
Late Qing Dynasty Zitan 'Hundred Antiques’ Panel
The inlaid decoration on this embellished Qing Dynasty panel is a wonder to behold. Jade and other gemstones were carved in great detail and expertly applied to the lustrous black lacquered panel, set within a frame of rare zitan wood. The design motif is known as the “hundred antiques” and celebrates the Chinese art objects most highly sought by collectors, such as a baluster vase, a brush pot, and a tripod censer. The elegant theme would make this panel the perfect centerpiece for a collection of fine Asian art. The piece measures approximately 26 x 20 inches and is estimated at $12,000-$16,000.
Celadon Jadeite Jade Bead Necklace
This long strand of old Chinese jade beads comes from the estate of San Francisco collector Naomi Lindstrom, who acquired a museum-quality collection of beads and ethnic jewelry during her travels around the world, primarily from the 1950s to the 1970s. The jade is a highly desirable pale celadon color and this strand is estimated at $400-600. Come to Michaan's Auctions for an opportunity to buy Celadon Jadeite Jade Bead Necklace at auction!
Berkey & Gay Eastlake Parcel Ebonized Dining Suite
Period furniture is often a best buy at Michaan's Estate Auctions. An excellent example is this 12-piece Eastlake dining suite by the prominent 19th Century American furniture maker, Berkey and Gay. The Eastlake style evolved in the late Victorian period when richly decorated furnishings began to fall out of favor, replaced by a newfound appreciation for what Charles Eastlake called “careful craftsmanship.” The high quality standards of a bygone era can be seen in the ebonized finish and rigorous design of this large suite. Estimated at $1,000-$1,500. Come to Michaan's Auctions for a chance to buy Berkey & Gay Eastlake Parcel Ebonized Dining Suite at auction!
Alphonse Mucha Chromolithographs
These exquisite chromolithographs are the work of Czech artist Alphonse Mucha, a renowned master of Art Nouveau. They display all the hallmarks of the movement: curving lines, intricate patterns, stylized floral motifs and idealized female subjects. Sensuality tempered by serenity is the mood projected by these iconic Art Nouveau full-color images. Titled “La Primavera” and “La Plume,” the two antique prints are offered together in one lot estimated at $1,500 to $2,000. Come to Michaan's Auctions for a chance to buy Alphonse Mucha Chromolithographs!
17th Century Montlyard Mythological Fables
A very special opportunity for book collectors is presented by this 16th century French retelling of the classical ancient myths by Jean de Montlyard. The author was a Protestant clergyman and scholar who also wrote about astrology and French history. Shakespeare lovers should take note 0of this volume, which likely influenced the work of the incomparable poet and playwright. The edition offered in this auction was printed in 1611, and is estimated at $800 to $1,200. Come to Michaan's Auctions on May 13 for an opportunity to buy 17th Century Montlyard Mythological Fables at auction!
Zhang Daqian Ink on Paper Scroll
Chinese painting master Zhang Daqian’s hanging scroll "Prunus and Bamboo" leads artworks in Michaan’s December Fine Asian Works of Art auction. Zhang Daqian remains one of the most celebrated Chinese artists of the 20th century. His introduction to Pablo Picasso in 1956 in Nice, France was publicly touted as an artistic meeting of east and west. This ink on paper scroll in the sale has remained for generations within the private family collection of a prominent Kuomintang government statesman. "Prunus and Bamboo" will be sold as lot 8400 on December the 15th, at an auction estimate of $100,000-150,000.