PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION A fine and rare grey Jade archaistic quatrefoil-lobed two-handled CupMing Dynasty The thick-walled vessel supported on a waisted quatrefoil foot bordered in key pattern, below a band of taotie-masks on the lobed body below chevron lappets at the waisted shoulder and further key-pattern at the rim, horned animal-head masks forming the handles at the sides. 4 7/8in (12.3cm) across the handles, box 明 仿古灰玉四棱雙耳杯 The archaistic motif on the present lot reflects the scholarly trend of the 'search for evidence' ( kaozheng 考證) movement beginning 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. Several jade c with chilong or animal-form handles and archaistic designs dating to the Ming dynasty are illustrated in the pendium of Collections in the Palace Museum: Jade, 7 , Beijing, 2011, nos.138, 148. See also , London, 5 November 2020, lot 135, also carved with an archaistic design based on archaic bronze sources; and Sotheby's, New York, 21 September 2021, lot 51, for a more thinly-cut eight-lobed jade cup with T-shape handles of similar size.