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Arrow vase (touhu) with dragons amid clouds

15th to 16th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 216
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.
This finely cast vase was used in a traditional game known as touhu, or pitch-pot, in which players throw arrows or sticks into the vessel from a distance during banquets or drinking games. The lively, meticulously cast dragons and other patterns that ornament its surface in high relief make it one of the most outstanding examples of this vessel type from the Ming dynasty.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 明中期 雲龍紋銅投壺
  • Title: Arrow vase (touhu) with dragons amid clouds
  • Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
  • Date: 15th to 16th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Copper alloy
  • Dimensions: H. 9 3/8 in. (23.8 cm); W. 4 1/2 in. (11.5 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Lent by Saint Louis Art Museum
  • Rights and Reproduction: Photograph courtesy of Saint Louis Art Museum
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art