Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a handsome, hexagonal-bodied arrow vase (touhu) featuring a pale sage-green celadon glaze with a bold, dark crackle pattern. It is modeled after the classic bronze and ceramic vessels of the Song and Ming dynasties, complete with tubular 'arrow' handles at the neck and a dark, unglazed foot rim mimicking ancient 'iron-foot' clay.
Story
During the ancient Han and Tang dynasties, Chinese nobles played a popular drinking game called Touhu, where they threw arrows into the narrow necks of bronze or ceramic vases. This elegant vessel keeps that playful, aristocratic tradition alive in its form.
Maker / Origin
While bearing an impressed seal mark on the base, this vase was produced in a 20th-century Chinese art pottery workshop specializing in reviving classic imperial glazes. These workshops kept centuries-old ceramic recipes alive, supplying both domestic collectors and the global export market with traditional designs.
Condition & Value
The vase appears to be in very good condition with no visible chips, cracks, or structural damage. The crackle pattern is intentional and part of the glaze design. Excellent condition preserves the maximum decorative value. Value is driven by the decorative appeal of the classic Song-style form and the quality of the crackle glaze.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.