Lot 135. A pair of unusual Transitional doucai dishes, circa 1640; 8 3/8 in. (21.3 cm.) diam. Estimate GBP 1,000 - GBP 1,500. Price realised GBP 2,988. © Christie's Images Ltd 2003.

Each painted and enamelled with a central hydrangea spray surrounded by azalea, camellia, peony and chrysanthemum sprays reserved on a latticework ground of emanating iron-red petals, the reverse similarly decorated with flower sprays, short hairline crack, minor frit-chips.

Provenance: 7th Earl Castle-Stewart, who in 1920 married Eleanor, daughter of Solomon R Guggenheim of New York, and thence by descent.

Note: A related dish of similar date and with the unusual iron-red latticework background is illustrated in colour by Michel Beurdeley and Guy Raindre, Qing Porcelain, London, 1987, p.25. Compare also the two dishes with a similar iron-red ground from the Peony Pavilion Collection, sold in these Rooms, 12 June 1989, lots 313 and 314.

Christie's. Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, including Export Art, London, 11 November 2003