Arrow Vase with Design of Dragons amidst Clouds

Culture: Chinese
Dynasty: Ming dynasty, 1368–1644
Period: possibly Zhengde period, 1506–1521
Period: possibly Jiajing period, 1522–1566
Period: possibly Longqing period, 1567–1572
Period: possibly Wanli period, 1573–1620
Date: 16th century
Material: Bronze
from: China, Asia
Classification: Containers, metalwork
Collection: Asian Art
Current Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 23 7/8 x 11 1/2 in. (60.6 x 29.2 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Robert E. Kresko
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 15:2005

NOTES

The especially long neck of this unusual vase is decorated with two sinuous dragons chasing a flaming jewel above mountains and waves. The elongated neck and the triple openings identify this vessel as an arrow vase, a vessel that served as the target in an ancient Chinese drinking game. The goal was to get a short, feathered arrow into one of the three openings at the top of the vase. The loser was required to drink a cup of wine.

Back to search

We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.