Ming Dynasty|The compressed globular body cast with four archaistic taotie masks each separated by a flange, the shoulders with two open-mouthed Buddhist lions and reticulated balls, all raised on a spreading foot, the tall slender neck with two cylinders attached above two applied writhing chilongs, all beneath a further two cylinders attached vertically at the mouth and cast with further taotie masks on a leiwen ground. 59.8cm (23 1/2in) high.|明 銅仿古饕餮紋投壺Vases such as the present lot were designed for the ancient Chinese game of touhu (投壺), 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.Whereas many examples exist of this form of vase, in porcelain and cloisonné enamel as well as bronze, the present lot appears to be unusually well-suited to the game, with the multiple targets elegantly spaced around the vase, including the two lions on the body angled to invite the shooting of an arrow.