A Chinese famille verte sleeve vase. Late 19th-early 20th century. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2010

Enamelled with rectangular panels enclosing a pheasant and peony on one side and birds and a dragonfly with bamboo and gourds on the other, reserved on a brick-red ground with dragons and scrolling foliage, the neck with stiff leaves, 17½ in. (44.5 cm.) high - Estimate £500 - £800 Price Realized £3,000

Notes: Photographed in the Ante Room at Spencer House, circa 1926, as one of a pair of sleeve vases, prior to being moved to Althorp that year by Albert Edward John, 7th Earl Spencer (1892-1975).

A Chinese famille verte punch bowl. Kangxi period (1662-1722). Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2010

The exterior boldly enamelled with flowers within eight petal-shaped panels, the interior with tree peony in a medallion below fruit cartouches on cell-pattern grounds, 12 in. (30.5 cm.) diameter. Estimate £500 - £800 Price Realized £3,000

A pair of Chinese famille verte saucer-shaped dishes. Kangxi period (1662-1722). Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2010

Each painted in underglaze blue with a central chrysanthemum within a border of enamelled leaves and a chevron band, the reverse with similar leaves on a café-au-lait ground, underglaze blue flower-head marks on the underside, 8 7/8 in. (22.8 cm.) diameter (2). Estimate £800 - £1,200 Price Realized £2,250

An unusual Chinese famille verte square shallow dish. Kangxi period (1662-1722). Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2010

With canted foliate corners, brightly enamelled with two butterflies in flight above chrysanthemum and rockwork, further butterflies at the corners dividing flowering foliage, 9 1/8 in. (23.2 cm. ) wide. Estimate £800 - £1,200 Price Realized £1,375

Christie's. The Althorp Attic Sale - Including the Spencer Carriages. 7 - 8 July 2010. London, South Kensington www.christies.com