A strong collection of colorful Chinese porcelains, many of them of the esteemed Qing Dynasty, will come to the podium at Gianguan Auctions on June 25th. Chief among these is the catalog cover lot, a bold, evenly colored and incised yellow vase valued at $300,000-$500,000.

The 18th century Qing masterwork is unlike any that has come to the podium in recent times. Experts at China Institute in New York have stated that porcelains of the period are notable for the perfection of their bodies and the opaque overglaze enamels that embellished them. Lot 190 is a prime example. The graceful globular form with slender neck is glazed in a vibrant yellow. It is further decorated with carvings of two dragons contesting a pearl among ruyi clouds and flames. A key-fret border encircles the mouth and a turbulent wave encircles the foot. Of the Imperial kiln, it is of period and bears the Qianlong four character relief mark. Standing 13-inches tall, the vase is valued at $300,000-$500,000. 

Subtle and stunning, Lot 194 is a numbered Junyao rose-red basin with boss reliefs made exclusively for use of the Southern Song Royal court and similar to one collected by the Shanghai Museum. The inner surface is of signature sky-blue earth worm motifs running freely. The brown glazed bottom has the Chinese numeral Wu (five).The basin is expected to hit $200,000.

Lot 174, also of the Southern Song, is a rare Guanyao bottle vase with a crackle glaze of golden beige in a web of translucent threads below the surface. Its opening bid is $150,000. At a more modest level is Lot 231, a blue and white ewer painted with phoenix and topped with lid in the shape of phoenix head. It will reach $30,000 or more.

Lot 203 is a reverse painted, copper-red brush washer with ten lobes outlined in white. The white five-clawed dragon at the washer’s center chases flaming pearl amidst clouds.  Of the Ming Dynasty, it has the Xuande six-character, double circles mark. Of the period it will go for between $80,000 and $150,000.

Featured among the famille-rose items is Lot 136, a Qing Dynasty 9-peach vase. Its globular body is decorated with peaches on leafy gnarled branches, all on a white ground. Of the period and bearing the Qianlong Six Character mark, its hammer price will exceed $30,000. An excellent entry level famille-rose set is Lot 107, a a pair of Qing bowls painted with birds among flowering branches. Of the period and bearing the Yongzheng Six-Character mark, the pair will go off at $3,000 or more. 

The porcelains run deep with excellent values from entry level to top tier. For a comprehensive look at all the items in Gianguan Auctions June 25th sale, please visit www.gianguanauction.com and download the catalog.  

Previews begin on Friday, June 17 and extend through Friday, June 24. The auction on Saturday, June 25 begins at 10:00 a.m. It will be conducted live at Gianguan Auctions, 39 W. 56th Street, NYC and on the internet. For condition reports, please contact the Gallery Director at 212-867-7288 or email info@gianguanauctions.com.