The Gianguan Aucitons New York sale of antiques and decorative art slated for June 8th reflects the recent interest in exhibitons at the Metropolitan and Rubin Museums of Art in New York City,  the Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City and the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. The works of art range from Chinese ceramics and Tibetan deities to luxury brand wristwatches and diamond jewelry.

The marquee item of the day is Lot 213, is a large gilt bronze figure of Vajrabhairava Yamantaka with Consort, one of eight Tibetan Buddhist protectors. Known as  Manjshuri, the God of Wisdom, the frightful mythological figure is known for taking-on Yama, the god of death, thus preserving the triumph of knowledge and wisdom over death, also known as ignorance in Buddhism. Concurrently, in his form as Vajrabhairava, the deity is also associated with  Bhairava, a form of Shiva who destroys the universe at the end of each Hindu epoch. In this duality, he is one of the most powerful gods of Tibetan lore. This sculpture presents Vajrabhairava with thirty-four arms, each holding a different implement, standing warrior-like atop a lotus base that supports a variety of prostrate figures. The deity’s primary arms, which are moveable, grasp his consort while holding a curved knife and skull cup. The highly articulated sculpture is clad in a belt of bones, skulls, snakes. Its wrathful face is surmounted by hair that rises into a flaming chignon of skulls.  A remarkable example of bronze casting, the sculpture is comprised of separately formed and moveable parts. Vajrabhairava Yamantaka with Consort is expected to fetch $40,000 - $60,000.

Other deities in the sale include Lot 212, a silver figure of Vajrasattva. She stands on a double lotus blossom, hands holding varja and wearing a robe with delineated pattern adorned with gems. The bands on her arms are also set with gems as is the tiara that is topped with a varja finial. Weighing 1,278 grams (about 42 ounces) the silver deity is expected to reach as much as $10,000. Another deity is lot 211, a Qing Dynasty gilt bronze figure of Bodhisattva atop a plinth decorated with mythical beasts.The estimate is $3,000 - $5,000. 

Carved jades get off to a strong start with Lot 289, an unusual pair of Song Dynasty white jade dragons with fairies atop their backs. The powerfully carved beasts with bulging eyes, flared nostrils and barred teeth are captured mid-flight with their manes and tails flying. Each has a medallion on its shoulder and haunch. Placed nose to nose they appear to be combative. The stunningly handsome pair is of translucent jade with opaque buff inclusions.Three and one-half inches high by 7 inches long, the pair carries a pre-auction value of $80,000 - $100,000.

Moderately valued jade carvings include Lot 270, a set of seven carved jade bi plaques; Lot 264, a fine white jade carving of Hehe Exrian - two laughing boys seated on a lotus pond;  Lot 266, a Neolithic Oijia-culture recumbent sphinx with hair in a bun, and Lot 267, an Archaistic carving of Bixie. All are all valued at well under $10,000.

As the market for fine Chinese ceramics continues to swell, buyers will consider the merits of Lot 203, a masterfully potted five-spout Famille Rose Lime-Turquoise bottle vase. Of the Qing Dynasty and featuring stylized lotus blossoms amid dense scrolling foliage and intertwined vines, the vase is 6 1/2 inches high. Is of the period and has the six-character Qianlong mark. The catalog estimate is $30,000 - $50,000.

The counterpoint is Lot 202, a Qing Dynasty lavender glazed quatrefoil vase delicately incised with a roundel of dragons and phoenix among a Shou character. At 6 3/4 inches tall, of the period and bearing the Qianlong six character mark, the vase will command between $3,000 - $6,000.

Lovers of scholars objects will find Lot 188, a Famille Rose double peach brush washer, to their liking. Growing out of a gnarled branch base, the finely enameled vessel is adorned with dense scrolling bats and vines, double symbols of longevity.  Of the Qing Dynasty and market with the Yongzheng four-character mark, it carries an evaluation of $6,000 - $8,000. Of the same genre, Lot 192, A Ming Doucai brush washer with  phoenix and peonies, is affordable at $1,000 - $2,000. 

Mid-level collectors will appreciate Lot  291, a 1928 Famille-Rose porcelain plaque depiction the God of Longevity and a young boy. Inscribed with a poem and a long calligraphy inscription, the artist’s signature. a wuchen date (1928) and two seals reading Tao and Zhai, the nearly 14-inch tall plaque (16 inches, with frame) is expected to bring $6,000 - $10,000.

As expected in all Gianguan auctions, the highlights are merely the tips of deep collections that will appeal to entry level collectors as well as seasoned collectors. Specialty collections such as  teapots and scholar items and gilt vessels are too numerous to mention here. For details please visit the online catalog at www.gianguanauctions.com. 

Chinese snuff bottles also command a presence in the auction. Lots 161, 162, 163 & 164, rare examples that range in value up to about $4,000, must been viewed for their unique beauty, coloration and craftsmanship. 

Finally, the Gianguan Auctions June sale also features a collection of fine wrist watches and jewelry. Among the top lots are Lot 175, a diamond encircled Piaget yellow gold and diamond Polo ladies wristwatch, valued at $10,000 - $15,000. Lot 176, a ladies Rolex gold DateJust wristwatch with diamonds in place of numbers carries a value of $,500 - $8,000.  Two mens wristwatches - Lot 177, an AMG Ingenieur Special Edition and Lot 178, a Panerai Ferrari Guaranturismo Chronograph in a limited edition of 80 - are both excellent values at between $13,000 and $20,000.

Several ladies diamond rings, including Lots 172 and 174, are sparkling values at $3,500 to $9,000.

The live auction preview begins May 31 and runs through June 7 at the Gianguan Auctions New York gallery, 295 Madison Avenue. You can view the more than 300 properties on-line now at www.gianguanauctions.com. To follow-up with condition reports and detailed information, please contact the Gallery Director at 212-867-7288 or email info@gianguanauctions.com  The June 8th auction will be held live beginning at 9:30 a.m.  Buyers may also advance- bid via the Gianguan Auctions website now.