A collection of precious jade jewelry and ceremonial items in hues as varied as the colors of a spring forest lead Gianguan Auctions’ June 25th sale. 

Certificates of Gem Identification authenticating natural color accompany many of the jade items.  Among these is a peapod pendant adorned with a praying mantis to symbolize hard work and good luck. It is Lot 64, valued at $1,500-$2,000. Also vetted is the apple-green jadeite pendant depicting an elder scholar under pine tree with fowl, both symbols of long life and prosperity. It is Lot 37, valued at $6,000-$15,000. The GIA has authenticated a natural, uncarved jade boulder at Lot 193. Two inches tall and weighing 278 grams, it is set to go off at $1,000-$2,000.  

The day’s marquee item is a pair of white jade quail boxes just two inches tall and of the Qing Dynasty. Symbols of harmony and peace, the figures display distinctive beaks, highly articulated wings and webbed feet. The box cover is formed of the upper part of the birds; the bottom by their lower bodies. The pair is Lot 122 and has a pre-sale estimate of $40,000-$60,000.   

Also Qing is a rare pair of celadon green jade Mughal style vases with covers. The tall baluster form vessels with ruyi handles are carved in low relief with dragon and phoenix amid scroll sprays. The pair is Lot 109 and will command as much as $30,000. Meanwhile, Lot 90, a greenish-white jade vase with cover, also Mughal style, and hexagonal in form and featuring scrolling handles, takes the podium at Lot 90. The pair is valued at $6,000-$8,000.

An extensive collection of jade jewelry - bracelets, necklaces, pendants and earrings - opens the sale. Highlights include Lot 1, a shell shaped pendant of icy white estimated at $600-$800. Lot 20 is a 17th century rope-twist bangle of hetian white jade valued at $1,500-$2,000. Lot 26 is a jadeite ring with a saddle top of vivid emerald green color and high translucency. It is $800-$1,500. 

Several items couple jadeite with precious stones and metals. Jadeite earrings in the shape of leaves with rose-cut diamonds mounted in 14 carat gold, positioned at Lot 29, is an exceptional buy at about $3,000.  

Meanwhile, the shades of jade stone add drama to several important dragon seals. Black jade is used for a Ming seal surmounted by crouching dragons. The surface of its square base is inscribed Longqin Huangdi Zhibao. It is Lot 191, weighing five pounds and valued at upwards of $20,000. Spinach green jade enlivens an Imperial seal with recumbent coiled dragons. Its base is carved with the Xiaozhuan and Manchu script, and four Zhuawen characters: Wei Yao Ze Zhi. This is Lot 210, expected to make $30,000. Also, an archaistic seal of celadon jade with brown inclusions is topped by a single coiled dragon. Weighing two-and-half pounds, it is Lot 172, valued at $6,000-$10,000. 

Mindful of China’s long pre-occupation with jade, two archaistic properties need mentioning.  The first is a Western Zhou dragon carrying a mythical beast as a libation zun. Of mottled yellowish and brown jade, it is Lot 123, valued at $6,000-$8,000. A Large neolithic ceremonial jade blade with green jade punctuated by black areas presents a stirring image. It is Lot 254, $5,000 or more.  

The auction also includes an exceptional collection of Chinese ceramics with glazes of Famille-rose, copper-red, cobalt and celadon. Classic scroll paintings, both muted and bold, by ancient and modern market leaders wrap up the annual summer auction.

Previews begin on Friday, June 17 and run through Friday, June 24, 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. The auction will be conducted live at Gianguan Auctions, 39 W. 56th Street, on Saturday, June 25, starting at 10:00 a.m. Internet bidding is also enabled. For the complete catalog, please visit www.gianguanauctions.com.