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...'
German Mechanical Christmas Tree Stand with Regina Music Box
This mechanical German Christmas tree stand with Regina music box and eleven player discs will be offered to bidders in October. The stand is presented just in time for the holidays and remains in wonderful working condition. The crank serves the musical function, while the tree, once screwed into the stand, spins continuously. A small number of Regina music boxes have survived, with their elimination attributed to such events as World War I and World War II scrap metal drives. The musical tree stand will be sold as lot 224 at an auction estimate of $1,500-2,500.
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.
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.
Jade, White Stone, Black Stone, Sterling Silver Ring
Highlighting the sale is this gorgeous jade ring fashionably set in an Art Deco inspired mounting. The jade cabochon measures a substantial 11.7 by 18.1 by 8.1 millimeters and displays an ideal clover green hue with a lovely translucency. The stone is certified by a Mason-Kay Jadeite Authenticity Report that concludes, "natural jadeite jade - no dye or polymer detected - 'A' jade." The simplicity of the jade is wonderfully complimented by the clean, angular lines of the mounting; a beautiful marriage of East and West. The ring will be offered at an auction estimate of $7,000-8,000.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Four Jade Decorations
This collection of four celadon jade decorations consists of a bookmark and three hairpins. The bookmark is of simple design, as the polished jade displays a lone carved curl at the top. A streamlined hairpin accompanies the bookmark, along with a pair of decoratively carved hairpins. Traditionally, these types of hairpins made from jade were reserved for women of a high stature. Ancient women often wore multiple hairpins to secure their hairstyle, as well as to produce a beautiful, decorative effect. The jade collection will be offered in the February estate sale at an estimate of $400-600.
"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.