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...'
Two Bronze Abstract Sculptures
These two substantial bronze sculptures stand as March's highlighted modern art lot. Both pieces are commanding images, whose impact is largely felt by simple forms and uncomplicated compositions. The larger sculpture is done in the style of Henry Moore and depicts one male and one female bust form gently cradling an infant. The accompanying sculpture depicts an interpretational image of an anonymous figure ascending a curving staircase. This piece bears an artisan signature and measures approximately 9 inches in height. Both sculptures will be offered as lot 579 at an auction estimate of $1,200-1,500.
Nine Small Wucai Wine Cups
This set of small wine cups is a beautifully classic example of late Ming dynasty enamel-porcelains. The ogee form cups are painted with red, green, blue and brownish red enamels upon a white background. Paintings of lotus flower sprigs, lanterns and Chinese figures adorn the exterior while each interior centers a front-facing dragon. The paintings bear differing levels of translucency that add a wonderful sense of depth and are finished by a lustrous, glassy overglaze. The Wanli marked wine cups will be sold in the Fine Asian Works of Art Auction on June 23rd at an estimate of $70,000-90,000.
William Keith Mountain Landscape Painting
Acclaimed landscape painter William Keith presents an evocative image of California in the August sale. This is a lovely example from the latter period of Keith's painting career. Known for his large scale, romanticized views of California, the piece titled "Mountain Landscape" is a small gem in contrast, measuring a mere 5 1/4 by 8 1/4 inches. His smaller works were greatly influenced by the Barbizon school, as is seen in this painting’s subdued tones and strong emphasis on mood. Just as in his larger works, Keith successfully conveys the magnificence of nature in "Mountain Landscape," to be auctioned at an estimate of $1,400-1,800.
Viennese Silver Enamel Tower Form Timepiece Clock
This decidedly ornate and detailed Royal Vienna clock is featured in the September auction. Vibrant enamel work is executed upon the entire tower of graduating levels, topped by a coy angel. The top tier contains four intricate enamel painted panels. The middle tier holds four clock faces surrounded by scrolled foliage decorations. The bottom tier features additional artworks upon a rectangular base. The attention to detail is quite impressive and the style reminiscent of prolific Viennese silversmiths of the 1870s and 1880s. This Royal Vienna enameled clock will be offered as lot 614 at an auction estimate of $18,000-24,000.
Victorian Hard Stone Cameo Jewelry Suite
This delightful Victorian suite listed as lot number 6 in the August sale seems certain to enchant numerous bidders. Both the earrings and pendant brooch in the set feature carved hard stone cameos depicting the profile of a lady. These miniature works of art are then set in 9 karat yellow and rose gold mountings, adorned by finely fashioned floral and leaf motifs. All of the pieces remain in wonderful condition and come complete with an original period box. The Victorian jewelry suite with period box will be sold on August the 3rd at an auction estimate of $600-800.
Zao Wou-Ki Color Etching
This fluid Zao Wou-Ki color etching acquired from a Bay Area corporate firm collection is bound to entice both Eastern and Western bidders alike. Praised by both Joan Miró and Picasso, his canvases of powerful modernist lines in harmony with a perspective that mirrors traditional Chinese landscape paintings made him one of the most commercially successful living artists during his career. Sales of his paintings have totaled approximately $90 million U.S. dollars since 2011 alone. The Zao Wou-Ki etching bearing an artist's intaglio will be offered as Michaan's May lot 090 at an estimate of $2,000-3,000.
Wu Hufan Landscape Scroll
Michaan's June Fine Asian Works of Art auction brings this prestigious landscape scroll by Shangainese artist and scholar Wu Hufan to the world marketplace. The piece is dated to 1938 and bears a dedication to Josefine Thunig, of relation to the consignor as well as the only child of Austrian architect Wratizlav Swoboda. Mr. and Mrs. Ernst Hermann Thunig were international collectors, with roots in Germany, Hong Kong, San Francisco and Shanghai. The ink on paper piece measures approximately 45 by 11 inches and is marked by dual seals. The Wu Hufan hanging scroll will be sold as lot 7342 at an auction estimate of $50,000-70,000.
Six Vintage Steiff Stuffed Bears
Arguably the finest teddy bear on the market, Steiff stuffed bears were born from a company unlike any other. German-born Margarete Steiff was diagnosed with polio in 1852. Despite her condition, she went on to establish a small sewing business. Margarete's nephew, Richard Steiff, joined the company and presented a bear design to a skeptical Margarete. The success of the Teddy bear brought the company to international heights and established Steiff as the inventor of the Teddy bear. This featured lot for sale includes an "Original Teddy," two "Zotty" bears, one "Cosy Orsi" bear and two "Teddy Baby" bears at an estimate of $300-400.
Victorian Pearl, Diamond, Enamel Locket Brooch
Highlighting period jewelry in Michaan's August Estate Auction is this lovely Victorian locket-brooch. Royal blue basse-taille enamel sets the stage for a dainty applied pearl, diamond and silver thistle decoration. Eighteen seed pearls are then perched upon delicate and simple scrollwork, framing the 12 karat yellow gold locket-brooch mounting. Locket-brooches were commonly used for adornment during the Victorian era, but they were also an expression of emotion as a lock of hair from a loved one could be held within the piece. The Victorian locket-brooch will be sold at an auction estimate of $1,200-1,500.
US Naval Portrait and Ceremonial Sword
Highlighting Michaan's Furniture and Decorative Arts Department's May sale are two lots of collectible U.S. Naval relics. The first is an oil portrait of a handsome young unidentified naval officer. The portrait measures approximately 27 by 20 inches and will be sold as lot 786 at an auction estimate of $500-700. This 1850s officer's dress sword and scabbard will also be a part of the May sale, listed as lot 787 at an estimate of $1,500-2,000. The sword is highly decorated throughout, reflecting naval and nature themes as well as a manufacturer mark of “W.S. Mancue & Co. San Francisco CA.”