A BLUE AND WHITE ARCHAISTIC VASE, HU MING DYNASTY, EARLY 17TH CENTURY

the pear-shaped body rising to a tall cylindrical neck flanked by a pair of tubular lug handles, resting on a tall splayed foot, the body painted on either side with a single prunus tree issuing blooms from a bending, twisting trunk, the neck with a wide band of archaistic scrolls and pendent leaves on a leiwen ground, Japanese wood box

Christie's London, 19th June 2001, lot 47.

The vase is in good condition. There are two tiny glaze frits to the top of one handle and a small dark spot under the glaze along the rim.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The form of this vase is inspired by archaic bronze vessels used for touhu, a 'pitch-pot' game. Touhu was usually a contest between players, who had to throw arrows into the mouth or tubular handles of the vase, which was placed at an equal distance between two mats on which the players knelt. Touhu or 'arrow-form' vases continued to be produced in the Song dynasty and later, through the Ming and Qing dynasties, made in a number of materials including bronze, cloisonné and ceramic.