When Gianguan Auctions presents its March 19th auction, the words of Michelangelo - within every stone their is a sculpture - will resonate throughout a superb collection of jade, amber and shoushan carvings. Natural quartz formations, scholars rocks, reed baskets, ancient glass beads and carved cinnebar boxes comprise lots that offer personal gratification at values within reach.

The star item is a dramatic chao zhu (court necklace) fashioned of large amber beads, bits of coral, Tibetan dzi beads, painted Han glass and meticulously carved walnuts. The re-strung necklace is defined by five pendants radiating from a collar of amber beads. The center axis is comprised of graduated rounds of amber that culminate in a large stone offset by smaller ones. Mask-like paintings resembling those found in African and Oceanic art adorn the ovoid Han glass beads. The carved walnut shells are precise and highly polished. The Tibetan dzi, eye stones, are believed to hold mystical properties. As a wearable piece of art, the necklace is stunning. As an investment piece, the value is in the stones. As an amulet, its protective qualities are compounded through many sources. At Lot 162, the chao zhu is expected to go for as much as $15,000.  

Movng on to carvings, Lot 222 is a rare and diminuitve five-piece tea service fashioned of natural amber. The ewer is of phoenix form surmounted with a Buddhist mandorla and sporting a tail shaped handle. The cups are carved as phoenix with ruyi tails. All rest on lobed saucers. The low estimate is $8,000.

Natural quartz formations in the shape of chrysanthemum highlight two scholars rocks. Lot 52, features a brilliant, crystalized burst of calcite. Mounted on a wooden base, the 8-inch stone is $2,000-$3,000. Lot 55 is double calcite chrysanthemum formation in a stone that has been carved to enhance its beauty. It is similar to a stone flower screen in the Hunan Provincial Museum. Bidding starts at $2,000.

Lot 194, a root stand of highly polished boxwood, is an organic treasure. An intertwined and irregular top stands on a gnarled base. Highly polished, the root stand is 33-inches tall and weighs about 32 pounds. The stand will go for more than $3,000. 

Hetian white jade is the medium for a collection of snuff bottles and small figural carvings that come up early in the sale. Lot 50 is a white jade carving of three rams, an auspicious sign. Its estimate is upwards of $4,000.  Contrasting this is Lot 51, a deep spinach green recumbent horse with monkey signifying prosperity. Bidding here begins at $2,000.

To fully appreciate the natural history formations that have become art in the hands of China's remarkable craftsmen, please visit www.gianguanauctions.com. Previews of Gianguan Auctions Asia Week sale begin Friday, March 11 and continue through Friday, March 18. The auction takes place at the gallery, 39 W. 56th Street, NYC and online at invaluable.com.