A large bronze archaistic vase, hu

Ming Dynasty

Ming Dynasty
Expertly cast with flaring neck and stepped foot, the pear-shaped vase of square section and with strapwork dividing the body into four sections on each face with archaistic C-scrolls, all beneath a broad band of waves and further pommel and C-scrolls, the neck flanked by a pair of stylised-mythical-beast handles. 60cm (23 5/8in) high.

明 仿古羽翅紋雙耳大壺

The archaistic design on the present lot reflects the archaistic scholarly trends of the late Ming dynasty which continued into the Qing dynasty. The academic trend known as the 'search for evidence' (kaozheng 考證) movement began in the early 17th century. Although this movement originated in a renewed scholarly interest in ancient texts and inscriptions on archaic bronzes, as literati sought a more empirical approach to understanding their ancient heritage, it led to a greater fascination for decorative designs adopted from ancient bronzes too. The present lot is based on ancient bronzes from the Spring and Autumn period, such as one archaic vase with related dragon handles and strapwork, illustrated in Bronzes in the Palace Museum, Beijing, 1999, p.246.