A large Chinese famille verte 'mythical beast' dish. Kangxi period (1662-1722). Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2010

Of saucer shape, similarly decorated to the preceding lots, the underside with four lotus clusters above alternating iron-red and green triangular petals radiating from the unglazed grooved foot rim, the base with an underglaze blue hua mark within double circles
15 3/8 in. (39 cm.) diam. Estimate £5,000 - £7,000  Price Realized £15,000

Provenance: Possibly Sarah, 1st Duchess of Marlborough (1660-1744) and thence by descent through her daughter Anne (1683-1716), wife of Charles, 3rd Earl of Sunderland (1675-1722) to her favourite grandson Hon. John Spencer (1708-46), father of John, 1st Earl Spencer (1734-1783).

A large Chinese famille verte 'mythical beast' dish. Kangxi period (1662-1722). Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2010

Of saucer shape, enamelled with a phoenix in flight swooping towards a mythical beast on a terrace beside rockwork, pawlonia trees and clusters of flowers, a gilt moon appearing from behind delicately enamelled cloud scrolls, the base with an underglaze blue leaf mark within double circles, 15¼ in. (38.9 cm.) diam. Estimate £7,000 - £10,000 Price Realized £15,000

Provenance: Possibly Sarah, 1st Duchess of Marlborough (1660-1744) and thence by descent through her daughter Anne (1683-1716), wife of Charles, 3rd Earl of Sunderland (1675-1722) to her favourite grandson Hon. John Spencer (1708-46), father of John, 1st Earl Spencer (1734-1783).

A large Chinese famille verte 'mythical beast' dish. Kangxi period (1662-1722). Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2010

Of saucer shape, similarly decorated to the preceding lot, 15 3/8 in. (38.5 cm.) diam. Estimate £7,000 - £9,000 Price Realized £15,000

Provenance: Possibly Sarah, 1st Duchess of Marlborough (1660-1744) and thence by descent through her daughter Anne (1683-1716), wife of Charles, 3rd Earl of Sunderland (1675-1722) to her favourite grandson Hon. John Spencer (1708-46), father of John, 1st Earl Spencer (1734-1783).

A large Chinese famille verte 'mythical beast' dish. Kangxi period (1662-1722). Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2010

Of saucer shape, similarly decorated to the preceding lots, 15¼ in. (38.8 cm.) diam. Estimate £5,000 - £7,000 Price Realized £8,750

Provenance: Possibly Sarah, 1st Duchess of Marlborough (1660-1744) and thence by descent through her daughter Anne (1683-1716), wife of Charles, 3rd Earl of Sunderland (1675-1722) to her favourite grandson Hon. John Spencer (1708-46), father of John, 1st Earl Spencer (1734-1783).

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