Arrow vase with decoration of Arabic inscription and blocks in relief, China, Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Inventory number: NO 00016 © Princessehof Ceramics Museum

The pear-shaped vase has a cylindrical neck and a sturdy, flared foot. Six tubes are attached around the neck, and two sets of six rectangular projections are placed around the shoulders and body. The ruyi-shaped clouds on the jug are filled with green and red enamel and have a cobalt blue outline; this decorative technique is known as doucai (complementing colors). The medallions contain inscriptions in Arabic letters, however, without meaning or relation to the object. This type of decoration originated in the Xuande period and reached its peak during the Chenghua period (1465-87). This is a later example, but very beautifully executed. The shape of the arrow vase can be traced back to the bronze vases used for the traditional Chinese game of touho, a game in which one attempted to aim arrows with one's hand into the necks of large vases. This game originated in the Zhou Dynasty, in the first millennium BC. In this period, archery was one of the Six Arts of the Learned Gentleman.