A LARGE BRONZE 'ARROW' VASE, TOUHU Ming DynastyA LARGE BRONZE 'ARROW' VASE, TOUHUMing DynastyThe compressed globular body cast with four archaistic taotie masks each separated by a flange, the shoulder with two open-mouthed Buddhist lions, all raised on a spreading foot, the tall slender neck with two applied writhing chilong beneath the mouth with two cylinders attached joint with the same band decoration of taotie masks on a leiwen ground. 50.8cm (20in) highProvenance: An English private collection acquired in the early 20th century and thence by descent.This type of vases were designed for the ancient Chinese game of touhu, or 'arrow throwing', which would form part of the entertainment at banquets and is mentioned in early classical texts such as the Chunqiu Zuo Zhuan. Contestants would aim feathered arrows at the various cylinders applied to the vase, with higher points awarded for the less accessible openings. The loser was made to drink wine, leading to increased inebriation and diminished throwing accuracy.