A pair of large Chinese celadon-glazed double-gourd vases, 18th century. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2010

Each with globular lower section and pear-shaped upper section, moulded and carved all over with peony blooms amongst scrolling foliage, all under an even pale celadon glaze pooling to a slightly darker tone in the recesses to enhance the design, the interiors and undersides white, one vase repaired, 17¾ in. (45 cm.) high (2). Estimate £5,000 - £7,000  Price Realized £20,000

Provenance: Possibly Sarah, 1st Duchess of Marlborough (1660-1744) and thence by descent to her favourite grandson Hon. John Spencer (1708-46), father of John, 1st Earl Spencer (1734-1783).
Thence by descent to John Poyntz, 5th Earl Spencer (1835-1910) at Althorp, where photographed in the Domenichino Room in 1892 and the Billiard Room in 1909.

Literature: W.B. Honey, Catalogue of the Porcelain and Pottery both Oriental and European in the Collection of the Earl Spencer at Althorp, 1937, no. 65

Christie's. The Spencer House Sale. 8 July 2010. London, King Street www.christies.com