Page 47 - Bonhams FINE CHINESE ART London November 2 2021

233 *
A LARGE BRONZE ARCHAISTIC VASE,
HU
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.

£8,000 - 12,000
CNY71,000 - 110,000

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.

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue. FINE CHINESE ART | 45