NEW YORK, NY.- The words attributed to Michelangelo - within every stone there is a sculpture - will resonate throughout a superb collection of jade, amber and shoushan carvings in Gianguan Auctions March 19th sale. Natural quartz formations, scholars rocks, reed baskets, ancient glass beads and carved cinnabar boxes put China’s natural history on display.

The star item is a dramatic chao zhu (court necklace) fashioned of large amber beads, bits of coral, Tibetan dzi beads, ancient, 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. Long held to have protective and medicinal powers, amber is also believed to imbue its wearer with the "courage of a tiger." Mask-like paintings resembling those found in African and Oceanic art adorn the ovoid Han glass beads. The carved walnut shells are precise are highly polished. The Tibetan dzi, eye stones, are also 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.

Among the carved collectibles, Lot 222 is a rare and diminutive five-piece tea set fashioned solely of natural amber. The ewer is of phoenix form surmounted with a Buddhist mandorla and sporting a tail shaped handle. It sits on an eight-lobed saucer. The cups are carved as phoenix with ruyi tails. 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 to entrance and focus the mind. Mounted on a wooden base, the 8 inch stone is $2,000-$3,000. Lot 55 is double calcite chrysanthemum formation with quartz in a carved stone. 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 will enliven any collection with its naturalistic beauty. An intertwined and irregular top stands on a gnarled base, Thirty-three inches tall and weighing thirty pounds, the stand will go for more than $3,000.

Hetian white jade defines a collection of snuff bottles and small figural carvings 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. It starts at $2,000.

To fully appreciate the natural history formations that 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.