Blue-and-White Precious Moon Flask

Also known as a "Moon Embracing Flask," this vessel form was first created during the Yongle reign (1403–1424) of the Ming dynasty. The Qianlong Emperor later revived it, admiring its noble and dignified shape.

This blue-and-white moon flask features a long neck with a small mouth, a flattened circular body, and a ring foot. The shoulder is adorned with a pair of dragon-shaped handles, and the base bears the six-character seal mark "Made in the Qianlong reign of the Great Qing". The neck is decorated with "waves and riverbanks" motifs—commonly seen in Ming and Qing imperial wares—symbolizing the wish for the empire's eternal stability.

The body is finely painted with bats (symbols of blessing) and entwined lotus blossoms, classic motifs of official kilns. At the center of the raised medallion is the character "Shou" (longevity). The craftsmanship is exceptionally refined: the cobalt-blue pigment was applied in thick washes to emulate the deep speckled tones of early Ming Xuande blue-and-white ware.

Elegant in proportion and harmonious in form, the flask's translucent glaze and graceful blue patterns radiate a serene luster, exuding the majestic splendor of imperial artistry.