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...'
Italian Renaissance Revival Savonarola Chair
This Italian Renaissance Revival savonrola chair is a ferociously beautiful pick amongst the October sale’s European furniture lots. The vintage piece is fashioned with carved beast form figures, sitting on double form paw feet. Three mischievously cheerful carved faces also greet the viewer from the armrests and the top of the back support. The aforementioned carvings are then interspaced by various foliage motifs and scrollwork throughout, with the hardwood chair finished in a medium, chocolate brown color stain. The Italian Renaissance Revival savonrola chair will be sold on October the 5th as lot 518 at an auction estimate of $800-1,200.
An Exceptional and Rare Gilt-Bronze Archaistic Ritual Bell
Acquired in Hong Kong in the 1970s by a private Los Angeles collector, this exceptional gilt-bronze archaistic ritual bell displays a rare decorative scheme making it quite an unusual find. These bells were essential in conducting Confucian ritual ceremonies at Imperial altars, at formal banquets and during military processions. It appears that only two other comparable examples are known to have been offered and sold at auction; one was sold at Christie's, London and the other at Sotheby's, Paris. The bell will be offered in the June Fine Asian Works of Art Auction as lot 8136 with an estimate of $20,000 to 30,000.
Harvey Probber Rosewood Gentleman's Chest
This wonderful rosewood chest by Harvey Probber will be offered in Michaan's 20th Century Modern Design Auction. The piece is a prime example of his work, as it is very understated and modern with form and function taking precedence. The chest is quite practical as a storage unit, with numerous shelves and drawers condensed into its interior. The use of bookmatched Brazilian rosewood is another rare and noteworthy element of the piece. The harvesting of Brazilian rosewood has been extremely controlled for over a decade, making it a sought after material in today's market. The Harvey Probber chest will be up for sale on April the 6th at an auction estimate of $1,200-1,500.
Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair
A mid-century modern classic will be up for sale in this Hans Wegner original design Papa Bear Chair, listed as lot 425. Also known as the Teddy Bear Chair, this piece has frequently made lists of top designer lounge seating since its introduction in 1951. The Papa Bear Chair was also selected for the newly refurnished Marden House by Frank Lloyd Wright. The Marden House was purchased in the year 2000 by America Online founding chairman James V. Kimsey. The Papa Bear Chair and ottoman for sale are both authentic pieces, to be sold at an auction estimate of $3,500-4,500.
Hand Blown Glass Paperweights
A delightful San Anselmo estate collection of over seventy hand blown glass paperweights will be made available in 18 February auction lots. The assortment encompasses animal, novelty, foliage and floral motifs, with Scottish miniatures, marine imagery and abstract pieces also present from the collection. Of particular interest prior to Valentine’s Day may be lot 346, a grouping of five heart paperweights accompanied by a putto by St. Clair. Represented makers include Charles and David Kaziun, Baccarat, Lundberg Studios, Orient & Flume, Nourot and Murano. The paperweight collection will make its sale debut on February the 7th, in accordance with Michaan’s new Saturday monthly estate auction schedule.
Italian Marble Cistern
This masterfully carved Italian marble cistern stands as a highly anticipated star lot in Michaan's June Fine Auction. The rectangular form piece epitomizes many classical design elements, including a frieze depicting raised archetypal figures enjoying a variety of leisure activities. Carvings of the Three Graces are seen upon the center of the circa 1900 cistern, further adorned by miniature renditions of Italian theatre masks. The cistern stands upon raised corbel form supports and is beautifully finished by decorative acanthus carvings. The Italian marble cistern will be auctioned on Friday, June the 6th as lot 2089 at an estimate of $6,000-8,000.
"Le Frégate," Linocut by Henri Matisse
Henry Matisse's "Le Frégate" stands as one of the rarest works offered in the fine art portion of the June 7th sale. The piece is one of only twenty-five prints that were created. Matisse’s sense of modernity and uncomplicated composition are clearly seen in the linocut of the lounging nude. This master of the 20th century has created a body of work that has spanned over a half-century and cemented him as a leading figure in modern art. Matisse's "Le Frégate" will be sold at an auction estimate of $10,000-15,000.
Five Hardstone Archers' Rings
This featured Asian highlight is a collection of five jade and hardstone archers' rings, to be offered as lot 304 at an auction estimate of $400-600. The three pieces that do not bear any decorative carvings are a delicately veined jade, a semi-opaque jade and a mottled hardstone ring. Of the carved pieces are a richly toned, coffee brown jade ring that displays continuous studio marks and an agate piece of a dragon amongst swirling clouds. These collectible archers' rings have become popular with modern day buyers as relics of nobility, often sought after at auction
Hanging Panel of Chairman Mao
This embroidered hanging panel depicting an image of Chairman Mao will be sold in the September estate auction as lot 310 at an estimate of $300-500. The unusual, hand looped propaganda art dates to the mid-1960s and bears an approximate measurement of 28 inches in width to 44 inches in height. A profile of Mao resides above the declaration "Long live Chairman Mao!" as well as a rendition of the gates of Beijing's Forbidden City. The controversial figure's image has become increasingly popular in the modern art world, providing an evocative platform for social commentary.
Gloria Vanderbilt (American b.1924) "City View"
"City View" by Gloria Vanderbilt is a featured piece in Michaan's monthly estate sale. This original mixed media work is one of six by the artist to be sold in April. Vanderbilt, best known as a fashion pioneer and headline-making socialite, has successfully established herself as an acclaimed artist. Her keen sense for visual aesthetics has transcended the fashion world and has now garnered her praise from both art critics and collectors alike. Vanderbilt herself has expressed the notion that colors and patterns sustain her as an artist, which is clearly seen in this vibrant work. Vanderbilt's "City View" will be offered at an estimate of $3,000-5,000.