Gianguan Auctions will inaugurate its new Manhattan gallery at 39 W. 56th Street with a holiday sale of Chinese porcelains, Buddhist Art and fine Chinese paintings, ancient to modern. Collections of stone seals, teapots and carved jades also come to the podium on Sunday, December 19th, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The Chinese porcelains include Famille Rose, Caledon, Zisha, and Blanc de Chine from the Yuan Dynasty through the Ming, Glazes run from copper red and wood grain to flambé and purple splash, creating a compelling inventory for collectors.

The marquee item is Lot 138, a Yuan dynasty dragon jar with a rare copper red underglaze that depicts a three-clawed dragon among flames chasing a flaming pearl. Standing 12¾ inches tall, the pear-shaped vase is $200,000-$400,000.

Meanwhile, mid-level collectors will be well pleased with Lot 234, a Ming Dynasty bovine blood-red stem plate that carries the Xuande six-character mark and is of the period. It is $6,000-$10,000. Entry level collectors will appreciate Lot 236, a copper-red ewer sculpted with florals and insects, valued at $1,500-$3,000.

Another highlight is Lot 150, a Qing Dynasty famille-rose white enamel plate with brightly painted wasps and butterflies. Of the period, bearing the Qianlong four character mark inside a double blue square, the 7½ inch plate will go for $200,000 - $300,000. One of the day’s best values is Lot 237, an unusual famille rose ogee-form bowl decorated with flowers and a key fret border valued at $1,500-$4,000.

The blanc de chine highlight is Lot 144, a pair of Yuan Dynasty vases with fish handles, their bodies incised with dragons and cobalt blue inscriptions at the shoulders. The presale estimate is $80,000-$200,000. Blue and white collectors will find Lot 168, a large Yuan Dynasty yuhuchunping featuring plantain leaves on the pear shaped body worth their bid at $50,000-$80,000.

Celadon takes center stage at Lot 159 with a Northern Song Dynasty baluster form yuhuchunping in tones of sea green. Molded with peonies and plantain leaves, the vase is $20,000-$30,000. Purple splash celadon from the Song Dynasty makes a statement at Lot 250, a Junyao teabowl and stand. An unglazed foot rim exposes the buff gray ware. Price: $800-$2,000.

Showy tones of raspberry and moss green decorate Lot 165, an elephant-ear handle vase. It is $6,000-$8,000. A wood-grain glaze brings to life a small, round porcelain box with cover at Lot 225. With the Qianlong mark, it is just $800-$1,000.

Finally a collection of Zisha porcelain teapots (Lots 256- 259) and a cricket jar (Lot 258) add to the interest of unusual Chinese ceramics.

Additionally, Gianguan Auctions' December 19 sale puts a fine collection of stone and jade seals up front. The most sought after will be Lot 32, an olive green jade dragon seal of the Ming Dynasty. Surmounted on a rectangular base is a highly detailed, very scaly, recumbent dragon. The base has a six character intaglio: Zhengtong Huangdi Zhibao (Treasure of the Zhengtong Emperor.) The five pound seal is valued at $30,000-$50,000.

The mythological creatures that populate Chinese mythology also make a fine showing. Lot 93 a rare pair of rock crystal bixie from the Song Dynasty, predating the prevalence of Ming and Qing Dynasty crystal carvings, reflects the importance of the stone, known as “essence of water.” This crouching pair is very detailed and expected to find a buyer at $28,000-$40,000. Other bixie in the sale are represented in yellow jade (Lot 174), shoushan stone (Lot 12) and carved bamboo root (Lot 137).

For details on the Buddhist art, classical Chinese paintings, carved jade decorative items and the fine collection of zitan and burl wood collectibles, please visit www.gianguanauctions.com