Live Auction 5467The Althorp Attic Sale - Including the Spencer Carriages
A LARGE CHINESE BLANC-DE-CHINE FIGURE OF GUANYIN
Lot 550

A LARGE CHINESE BLANC-DE-CHINE FIGURE OF GUANYIN

18TH CENTURY

Closed8 July 2010

Price Realised

GBP 6,875

Considering selling a similar item?

Discover its value with a complimentary estimate from our specialists.

More Information

How to sell

A LARGE CHINESE BLANC-DE-CHINE FIGURE OF GUANYIN
18TH CENTURY
With detachable head, modelled holding a young boy in her right arm, wearing loose robes and standing on a rockwork mound
25½ in. (65 cm.) high

Probably Sarah, 1st Duchess of Marlborough (1660-1744) at Holywell House, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, and thence by descent through her daughter Anne (1683-1716), wife of Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland (1675-1722) to her favourite grandson Hon. John Spencer (1708-1746), father of John, 1st Earl Spencer (1734-1783), and by descent to George John, 2nd Earl Spencer (1758-1834) by whom removed to Althorp circa 1827 when Holywell was demolished.

Specialist note

W. B. Honey in his catalogue refers to this figures as "Kuan-yin and child, 18th century, H. 25¼ in. Probably the figure mentioned in his description of Holywell House, St. Albans by William, 6th Duke of Devonshire as follows:- " I remember an apartment where stood a wonderful white china figure - a tall Madonna and child but Chinese notwithstanding. Oh, I wonder what Fritz has done with that; I should love to have it. "