A Chinese openwork bronze arrow vase, Yuan/Ming dynasty

A Chinese openwork bronze arrow vase

Yuan/Ming dynasty

This faceted, hexagonal vase features a mixture of techniques, including well-formed three-dimensional chilong and characters to the neck and lug handles. In the sections decorated in relief, there are a variety of geometric patterns and archaistic taotie masks.

H: 19 7/8, Dia: 9 in. (H: 50.48, Dia: 22.86 cm.)

Weight: 7050 g (approximately)

Provenance: Private collection, Pennsylvania.

Click here for high resolution images.

“Arrow vase” is a traditional Chinese ritual and banquet game that involves a group of people attempting to pitch arrows into an arrow-form vase from a distance. Arrow vases and its associated game have been continually used from the pre-Qin period to the end of the Qing dynasty. This game, also known as pitch-pot, originated from archery rituals, a composed and courteous activity that suited the ceremonial needs of the nobility. After the Qin and Han dynasties, archery rituals were abolished, and pitch-pot became a new form of entertainment for hosting guests. During the Song and Yuan dynasties, pitch-pot maintained its popularity amongst scholars and officials. In the early Ming dynasty, pitch-pot became increasingly common and widespread among the public. However, by the Qing dynasty, the practice of pitch-pot had gradually declined.
This particular arrow vase was created using the lost-wax casting method. Its large and imposing presence, with its rough edges yet exquisitely detailed registers render it full of lively charm. It features double handles, a slender neck, a bulging shoulder, and a tall foot ring, which altogether create a unique and striking silhouette. From top to bottom, the body is covered with chi and sea wave patterns, and halberd-form protrusions divide the belly into different sections. The entire body is coated with a thick, tasteful patina as dense as paste, lustrous and full of ancient charm. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, pitch-pot is often the subject matter of paintings, and arrow vases were used as decorative objects in well-off homes. However practical arrow vases that have survived to this day are rare. This arrow vase has a unique style and complex craftsmanship, making it quite unique.

See below references for similar items: Palace Museum, No. 00006247; Beijing Chengxuan, 2009 Autumn Sale, Lot 059.

投壺是從先秦延續至清末的中國傳統禮儀和宴飲遊戲。投壺禮來源於射禮，這種從容安詳、講究禮節的活動，正適合貴族們的禮儀需求。《左傳》曾記載過晉昭公大宴諸國君主，舉行投壺之戲的事。秦漢以後廢除了射禮，投壺便成爲一種宴賓的娛樂。宋元時期，投壺仍在士大夫中盛行。入明之後，投壺隨着社會發展日益繁盛，普及到大衆。到了清朝，投壺日趨衰落。
此件投壺以範鑄法成型，規格碩大，氣勢磅礴，粗獷中不失精美，酣暢生動。雙耳製，細長頸，豐肩，高圈足。由上至下，紋飾分層，雕以螭龍紋和海水壽紋，腹部間隔出戟，通體包漿厚潤，黑漆古色皮殼密融如膏，潤澤古意，爲好古者最喜之色。明清時期的繪畫作品中常見投壺活動，還有將投壺放置於室內作爲陳設器，但實用投壺傳世並不多見，材質通常爲陶瓷和銅。此件拍品風格獨特，工藝繁複，較爲少見。故宮博物院館藏件《明人朱瞻基行樂圖捲》（編號-故00006247）描繪的投壺器與本品造型極爲相似，可資參考。

相似藏品可參閱：故宮博物院館藏，編號故00006247；北京誠軒2009年秋拍，編號059
Condition Report: With wear commensurate with age, denting to rim and one handle, and crack to foot. Generally good condition.