An archaistic bronze ritual food vessel (Dou), Ming Dynasty

The archaism on this finely vase ritual bronze vessel is restrained and subtle, a common feature of the many archaistic bronze pieces of the mid Ming period. Another rare documentary bronze ritual vessel of dou form from the collection of Ulrich Hausman, dated to 1492, was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 8th October 2014, lot 3330. See also another vessel of archaistic dou form, dated with an incised inscription to 1485, sold at Christie's London, 22nd July 1981, lot 16.  

Width 6⅞ in., 17.5 cm