Gianguan Auctions sets the tone for March's round of Asian art auctions with a Qing Dynasty famille rose vase valued at $15,000,000. It comes to the podium on Saturday, March 19th. 

According to Mary Ann Lum, Gallery Director, the estimate reflects the sophisticated use of enamelling and sgraffito, which literally means scratching the hard fired surface to tap the hue of a glaze or slip beneath. The vase has a yellow ground and is decorated with an abundance of precisely executed peonies and butterflies, all beneath ruyi heads, floral scrolls and a gilt rim. The elaborate decoration belies masterful craftsmanship, time and effort. Standing just 9-inches tall, the petite vase bears the Qianlong six-character mark and is of the period. It is Lot 144.

The day's next ceramic highlight is a Qing Tibetan style Benbahu. The floral-decorated ewer with canted sides rolling inward and a canopy style mouth has a thoroughly modernist look to it. Of the period and bearing the Qing six-character seal, it is expected to reach as much as $150,000.

When it comes to famille rose ceramics, the finest date from the Yongzheng period (1723-1735) of the Qing Dynasty and the majority are florals. Pictorial stories such as the one on Lot 193, a diminuitive wine cup, are atypical. Painted on a ground of white, Luohans ride on undulating clouds with bats in flight above them. The gold rim and blue interior add interest. The Yongzheng four-character mark with double circles in blue completes it. The 2 1/4 inch cup is $50,000-$80,000.  

Subsequent collections of ceramics are decorated in precious metal glazes. Outstanding among these is Lot 151, a pair of red glazed vases decorated with gold moulded birds. Of the Qing period and engraved with the Qianlong six-character mark, the long necked pair will fetch upwards of $60,000. 

At Lot 175, incised silver overlays a twin-linked jar. Of the Qing Dynasty, the Qianlong six-character mark supports its $3,000-$4,000 estimate.

Pewter is used to enhance three zisha clay teapots at Lots 238,239,and 340. From the 19th century potter Yang Pengnian, they are further enhanced with jade spouts, handles and finials. Valued at $3,000-$4,000, they lead a collection of teapots.

A collection of Korean ceramics is a triumph of form. Lot 168 is Qing and has the Kangxi six-character mark but it imparts a minimalist feel characteristic of mid-20th century. Tubular handles flank a slender neck, providing an inventive threesome. Bidding on the crackle glaze vase starts at $6,000.  

A group of 18th century Korean ceramics, Lots 225-228, also provide insight into design perspectives of the past. Three vases, spare of line, and a teapot decorated with abstract flower pods are highly collectible at $300-$500 each. 

For details on the Chinese ceramics in the Gianguan Auctions sale on Saturday, March 19, please see the catalog atwww.gianguanauctions.com. The gallery preview of Gianguan Auctions March 19th sale of Chinese ceramics, scroll paintings, bronzes and work of art begins on Friday, March 11th at 39 W. 56th Street, New York City. Interested collectors and curators may also access the Gianguan Auctions catalog on-line. For condition reports, please contact the gallery at 212-867-7288.