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...'
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.
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.
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.
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.
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Klismos Chairs
Sure to be a coveted lot is this pair of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis of Athens walnut and leather Klismos chairs. In the late 1930s and into the 1940s Robsjohn-Gibbings was one of the most important decorators in America. In 1960 he met Greek designers Susan and Eleftherios Saridis and their collaborations came to create the Klismos line of furniture. Robsjohn-Gibbings eventually moved to Athens, where he became a personal designer to Aristotle Onassis. The Klismos chairs will be offered in Michaan's 20th Century Design Auction on July the 6th at an auction estimate of $4,000-6,000.