NEW YORK.- Christie’s spring season will present the collection of Mrs. Charles W. Engelhard, a consummate collector, tastemaker and philanthropist, on March 18 at Christie’s Rockefeller Center. The collection, which comprises English and Continental furniture, decorative objects, porcelain, silver and fine art from Cragwood, their spectacular New Jersey estate, reflects Mrs. Charles W. Engelhard’s captivating style, refinery and opulent entertaining whose social gatherings often included royalty, celebrities and political figures.

Mrs. Engelhard, who was born in China and educated in Paris, was a fixture of international society holding positions as a Trustee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Trustee of the Pierpont Morgan Library, member of the Trust Fund Board of The Library of Congress, and founding member of Jacqueline Kennedy’s committee to restore the White House. She led a glamorous life with husband Charles W. Engelhard who was a powerful figure in the international financial and business community. Together they entertained around the world with homes in New York, Florida, England, Canada and South Africa. They also shared a great love for animals and were breeders of champion golden retrievers and racehorses such as the legendary Nijinsky II, winner of the English Triple Crown.

The interiors of these prestigious estates were decorated by celebrated interior designer Sister Parish, who grew up next door to Mr. Engelhard. A devoted and loyal friend, Sister Parish, traveled the world to furnish the Engelhard’s homes with only the most sumptuous, stylish and important furniture and works of art, including an unusual Régence bois satiné and Chinese and European lacquer armoire, signed by Louis Guignard and dated 1723 (estimate: $120,000-180,000). This spectacular armoire is signed twice and is a rare example of ébénisterie that incorporates Chinese lacquer on a large scale. Also noteworthy is an Italian empire giltwood and porphyry center table, circa 1803-06 (estimate: $120,000-180,000), which was almost certainly created for Cardinal Fesch, Napoleon’s uncle, and a Louis XV ormolu-mounted tulipwood, amaranth and floral marquetry bureau plat, by Christophe Wolfe, circa 1760 (estimate: $100,000-150,000). An extraordinary pair of George III Anglo-Indian ivory candlesticks, circa 1790 (estimate: $10,000-20,000), probably from Murshidabad in the northeastern corner of India, are also offered. The works produced from this Mughal capitol, which was well positioned between European trading posts and settlements, produced small scale, highly detailed and expertly carved objects that reflected European taste and style.

The Engelhard’s love of animals is reflected in their exceptional porcelain collection, which boasts a menagerie of rare English and German examples, including a charming pair of ormolu-mounted Meissen cockatoos, circa 1745-50 (estimate: $30,000-50,000); a pair of charismatic ormolu-mounted Höchst parrots, circa 1752 (estimate: $60,000-80,000) and a Höchst horse, circa 1755, the only known example of its kind (estimate: $15,000-30,000); and an exceptional pair of ormolu-mounted Bow tawny owls, circa 1755-60 (estimate: $40,000-60,000). The sale will also offer an exquisite pair of Chinese export porcelain cranes from the Qianlong period (estimate: $30,000-50,000) and a wonderful early Louis XV ormolu-mounted Meissen chinoiserie group of a bearded Chinaman and a bird, attributed to Georg Fritzsche, one of the first modelers to work at Meissen (estimate: $50,000-80,000).

Magnificent Jewels - Exquisite jewelry from the collection will be offered in Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale on April 12. The selection includes classic examples of important 20th century jewelry of exceptional quality and workmanship. Leading the group is an exceptional rectangular-cut 34.15 diamond ring by Van Cleef & Arpels (estimate: $600,000-800,000), which exhibits elegant proportions and an exquisite shape. Other highlights include two necklaces by Bulgari: an emerald, diamond and ruby necklace (estimate: $70,000-100,000) and a coral, onyx, diamond and mother-of-pearl pendant necklace (estimate: $20,000-25,000).

Fine Printed Books and Manuscripts - A selection of American and English literature from the Library of Mrs. Charles W. Engelhard will be offered in Christie’s June 14 sale of Fine Printed Books and Manuscripts. The collection includes 20th century literature, inscribed books and fine bindings and sets.