Chinese Stone Overlay Cabinet, Qing dynasty. Estimate $700 - $1000. Lot sold $233,000. Photo courtesy Clars

OAKLAND, CA.- At the conclusion of Clars April 25 & 26, 2015 Fine Art, Decoratives, Jewelry and Asian Antiques Auction, it was clear that Asian commanded the weekend achieving remarkable prices. The sale generated $1.1 million once again confirming the high demand for fine Asian offerings and the ability of Clars to represent this market. This was Clars largest April auction in their history. 

The star of the weekend was a Chinese stone inlaid cabinet from the Qing dynasty. The upper section featured openwork panels and doors carved with gui-dragons. The lower doors featured a garden scene of scholars in elegant pursuit composed of mother-of-pearl inlay and stones including lapis lazuli, carnelian and soapstones. Due to conditions issues, the cabinet was estimated to bring $700 to $1,000. That quickly changed when an online bidder opened at $13,000. Immediately several phone bidders jumped in the game and intense competition quickly escalated the increments landing at the final astonishing sale price of $233,000.

Chinese Stone Overlay Cabinet, Qing dynasty. Estimate $700 - $1000. Lot sold $233,000. Photo courtesy Clars

Chinese stone overlay hardwood cabinet, upper section with reticulated doors and side panels pierced with gui-dragons, above double hinged doors overlaid with a scene of scholars in a landscape executed in mixed stones and mother-of-pearl, the supports carved with lotus sprays (repairs and lacking some overlay), 58.5"h × 30"w × 16.25"d.

Highly competitive bidding was also seen on a Chinese Ge-type ceramic brush washer, base bearing label ‘Bluett & Son, London.’ Estimated to sell for $800 to $1,200, this piece commanded a remarkable $32,725. 

Chinese Ge-type ceramic brush washer. Estimate $800 - $1200. Lot sold $32,725. Photo courtesy Clars

Chinese Ge-type ceramic brush washer, the sides molded in the form of a blossom with ten petals, with a network of dark crackles, the base bearing label 'Bluett & Son, London', with wood stand, washer: 4.75"w

Clars Auction Gallery’s next Fine Art, Decoratives, Jewelry and Asian Art Auction will be held Saturday and Sunday , May 30th and 31st , 2015.. The sales will begin promptly at 9:30am on Saturday and Sunday. Previews for this sale will be held Friday, May 29th from 1pm to 6pm and 9am, Saturday and Sunday beginning at 9:30 am and by appointment. A complete catalog will be available online one and one-half weeks prior to the sale.