A RARE AND LARGE ARCHAISTIC BRONZE VASE, HU Ming Dynasty Of compressed form, with flaring neck and foot, the sides set with two stylised-dragon-head loop handles, the body finely cast with a broad band of taotie masks above descending formal leaf lappets with archaistic motifs on leiwen grounds, the neck and foot with panels of confronted phoenix. 48cm (18 7/8in) high. Footnotes: Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價 明 銅仿古饕餮紋大壺 Compare with a related bronze vase, but with tubular handles, and archaistic motifs, 12th-14th century, illustrated in The Second Bronze Age: Later Chinese Metalwork, London, 1991, no.72. See also an earlier bronze vase of similar shape, Song dynasty, illustrated by M.Goedhuis, Chinese and Japanese Bronzes, A.D. 1100-1900, London, 1989, no.41. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com