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...'
Pennsylvania Dutch Tole Painted Coffee Pot
Highlighting the Furniture and Decorative Art Department's lot selection is this fine Pennsylvania Dutch tole painted coffee pot. The 19th century piece is fashioned with a crook spout and cheerful paintings of yellow fruit, alongside borders of berries and red and green leaves. The pot bears its original patina and is topped by a fitted, hinged, painted lid. The traditional colors and style of the Pennsylvania Dutch folk-art tradition of tole painting are clearly evident in this pot; a highly collectible and sought after piece for its rustic, whimsical appeal. The coffee pot will be auctioned in the June estate sale at an estimate of $1,000-1,500.
Portrait Miniatures
From a Bay Area estate collection are 14 portrait miniatures in the April sale. Highlighted depictions include collectible images such as a military serviceman, a gentleman at his writing desk and lady at her tea table sold as one lot, a man of period styling and a folk oil on board portrait of a lady. These miniatures were used to express sentiments and keep memories of loved ones near. For example, they often served as a snapshot of the time, as soldiers and sailors kept portraits close by while they were on duty. For all collectors, this is a great opportunity to buy portrait miniatures.
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.
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.
PIERRE-AUGUSTE RENOIR - "Jeune Femme nue aux bras levés" Sanguine on paper
A true gem is found in lot 2014 in the Michaan's December Fine Works of Art Auction. This small red conte drawing of a nude female by renowned French Impressionist Pierre Renoir will be offered at an auction estimate of $25,000-50,000. Measuring approximately 21 by 16 centimeters, the sanguine on paper sketch depicts a woman delicately tending to her hair. The piece is from the once personal collection of prominent San Francisco philanthropist Caroline "Betty" Howard Hume. Hume was named Philanthropist of the Year in 2001 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, honored for her support of the San Francisco Symphony, Conservatory of Music and the Museum of Modern Art.
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.
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.
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.
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!