The Bay Area auction house Clars Auction Gallery is a favorite of dealers and collectors in the know. Since its opening in 1972, the business has honed its expertise in fine art, antiques, jewelry, and decorative art. Now, it’s about to stage a weekend full of some of its most important annual sales, including “Important European and American Fine Art and Furniture” (Friday, November 19), followed by two more auctions encompassing Modern art, jewelry, decorative art, design, and Asian art (Saturday, November 20, and Sunday, November 21). 

Several auction highlights come from the estate of David Pleydell-Bouverie (1911–1994) of Glen Ellen, California. Born in Surrey, England, Bouverie was the grandson of the 5th Earl of Radnor and began collecting soon after moving to Glen Ellen with his then-wife Alice Astor.

Proceeds of works sold from the estate of David Pleydell-Bouverie will benefit the Bouverie Preserve of Audobon Canyon Ranch in Glen Ellen.

From the sprawling sales, we’ve picked five works collectors won’t want to miss. 

Studio of Francisco Goya
Francisco Antonio de Leon y Roldan (circa 1788)
Estimate: $60,000-$90,000

Francisco Antonio de Leon y Roldan (circa 1788), by the studio of Francisco Goya.

From the esteemed estate of David Pleydell-Bouverie comes the portrait Francisco Antonio de Leon y Roldan (circa 1788). The painting was purchased in 1955 as a work by Francisco Goya from Parke-Bernet Galleries. Completed shortly after Goya was appointed court painter by Charles III of Spain, the full-length portrait depicts the “oldest senior officer of the secretary of state and office of grace and justice of the Indies,” a member of the Order of Charles III. 

Roldan’s position is marked by the Grand Cross of the Order on his right lapel. The portrait was originally authenticated by then leading expert Valerian von Loga in 1912, but with Goya attribution’s hotly debated, it will be offered as “studio of Francisco Goya.”

The Descent from the Cross
Estimate: $3,000–$5,000

The Descent from the Cross (18th century).

Another highlight from the Bouverie estate is an 18th-century Italian work on paper depicting The Descent from the Cross. This work is nearly identical in composition to The Deposition in Washington D.C.’s National Gallery by a follower of Francesco Fontebasso. The drawing’s distinctive focus on the removal of the nails from the top of the cross has led scholars to believe the work on paper may be linked to a possible relic—a nail from the True Cross. 

Persian Qum Tree of Life Silk Carpet
Estimate: $2,000–$4,000

Persian Qum Tree of Life Silk Carpet.

A selection of fine antique carpets are coming under the hammer next weekend. Included among them is this stunning Qum Tree of Life silk carpet, which features rich botanical motifs, including lavish burgundy roses and scattered jasmine flowers. 

Eight-Armed Guanyin
Early Qing Dynasty
Estimate: $7,000–$10,000

Eight-Armed Guanyin (Early Qing Dynasty).

One of the premier lots of Asian art in Sunday’s Modern Art and Design, furniture, decorative arts, jewelry, and Asian art sale is a Chinese gilt-lacquered eight-armed Guanyin. The multi-armed Guanyin figure originated from China shortly after the introduction of Buddhism during the Tang dynasty—the many arms represent his benevolence and power of kindness. Devout worshippers believe that the multi-armed Guanyin will bring them luck health and fortune to all beings. 

A French Louis XIV bed
attributed to Thomas Hache
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000

A French Louis XIV bed attributed to Thomas Hache.

This remarkable French Louis XIV bed is attributed to Thomas Hache. The bed—comprised of headboard crown, footboard, and side rails—is inlaid with flowers, birds, and butterflies. The date of the bed’s completion, 1690, is inlaid at top of the crown. The Hache bed was purchased by the seller in Lausanne, Switzerland, where it hung for many years in the lobby of the famous Royal Savoy Hotel as cherished work of art. 

Dale Chihuly
Untitled (pink and white glass chandelier)
Estimate: $60,000–$90,000 

Dale Chihuly, Untitled (pink and white glass chandelier).

A highlight of Sunday’s sale will be a massive pink-and-white chandelier by American artist Dale Chihuly. Measuring approximately 72 by 96 inches, the chandelier is composed of hand-blown glass and steel. The circular composition of spiral twist reeded glass tubes in pink and white are interspersed with darker toned bulb-like forms at the center.