Blue and White Eight-treasure Moon Flask/Qianlong Period
$50000.00 | 1 pkg. (Min.Order)
Form & Era:Baoyue Ping (“Embracing Moon Vase”), Qing Dynasty Qianlong Imperial
Dimensions & Weight:Height: 24 cm, Width: 16 cm, Weight: ~1300 g
Primary Motif:Buddhist Eight Auspicious Symbols (Wheel, Conch, Umbrella, Canopy, Lotus, Vase, Fish, Endless Knot)
Decorative Design:Double-Layered Lobed Medallions with Central Treasure Flower, Scroll & Key-Fret Borders
Handles:Ruyi-Shaped (“As You Wish”), Symbolizing Heaven-Earth Harmony
Cobalt Technique:Brilliant Intense Blue with Crisp Fenshui (Water-Division) Brushwork
Primary Function:Imperial Ceremonial Display, Supreme Collectible
Status:High Qing Official Kiln Masterpiece
Product Introduction
Verity Antique is honored to present this Qianlong Blue and White Eight-Treasure Moon Flask, a genuine artifact from the golden age of Qing imperial porcelain. This flask is not a style or a reproduction-it is a survivor, a tangible fragment of the 18th-century court that has crossed centuries to rest before you. Its flattened, moon-round body once graced a palace hall, a Buddhist altar, or the private chambers of a noble household. The Eight Auspicious Symbols painted across its surface were not merely decorative; they were prayers for cosmic harmony, imperial longevity, and the flourishing of the Dharma. The brilliant cobalt, the flawless glaze, the delicate ruyi handles-all speak to the unmatched standards of the imperial kilns at Jingdezhen. This is a piece for the serious collector, a museum-quality antique that carries within it the weight of history, the blessing of Buddhist iconography, and the enduring beauty of Qing court art.
Product Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Period | Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Reign (1736-1795) |
| Material | Porcelain with Underglaze Cobalt Blue |
| Category | Flask / Moonflask (Baoyue Ping) |
| Kiln Type | Official / Imperial Kiln Style |
| Dimensions | Height: 24 cm; Mouth Diameter: 4 cm; Body Width: 16 cm; Base Diameter: 9 cm |
| Weight | Approx. 1300 g |
| Primary Motif | Eight Buddhist Treasures (Ba Jixiang) in Lobed Panels |
| Handle Form | Ruyi (Scepter) Shape |
| Condition | Excellent; intact with no cracks, chips, or restoration; glaze and decoration well-preserved |
| Primary Function | Collectible Antique; Museum-Quality Display Piece |
Aesthetic & Symbolism
This flask is a product of the Qianlong Emperor's profound engagement with Tibetan Buddhism and his patronage of the imperial kilns. The Eight Treasures (Ashtamangala) are rendered here with precision and reverence: the Wheel symbolizes the Buddha's teachings and the eternal cycle of rebirth; the Conch proclaims the Dharma across all directions; the Umbrella and Canopy offer protection and royal dignity; the Lotus represents purity emerging from suffering; the Vase holds the treasure of wisdom; the Fish swim freely in happiness and abundance; and the Endless Knot weaves together all phenomena in perfect interdependence. Together, they form a complete visual sutra, blessing the vessel and its owner with spiritual and material well-being.
The moonflask form-flattened, circular, and held by ruyi handles-was a shape of great prestige. The full-moon circle represents enlightenment and clarity. The ruyi handles, shaped like the wish-granting scepter, add the blessing of "may all your desires be fulfilled." The layered composition-lobed panels, central treasure flower, key-fret and scroll borders-demonstrates the meticulous planning and technical mastery of the official kiln painters.
Use & Ambiance
As the Centerpiece of a Serious Collection: This antique deserves a place of honour: a secure, well-lit display cabinet with climate control, where its full 360-degree beauty can be appreciated without risk.
Creating a Sacred or Meditative Atmosphere: Ideal for a home altar, a collector's study, or a serene tea room. Its Buddhist symbolism and serene blue palette invite contemplation and spiritual reflection.
An Investment in Cultural Heritage: For the discerning collector, this is not merely a decorative object but a tangible asset-a piece of Qing imperial history with enduring scholarly, cultural, and market value.
Handled with Museum-Level Care: This is an antique of significant age and value. It should be moved only with extreme care, supported fully from underneath, and treated as the irreplaceable artifact it is.
Care Instructions
Ultra-Gentle Handling:
At 1300g, this flask is heavy. Always use both hands, supporting the body from underneath. Never lift by the neck or the delicate ruyi handles, which are primarily decorative.
Cleaning:
Dust only with a very soft, dry brush. Use gentle, sweeping motions. Do not use water, cloths, or any cleaning agents. Unnecessary moisture can seep into microscopic pores and affect the glaze.
Display:
Must be kept in a stable, climate-controlled, vibration-free environment. Avoid all direct sunlight, which can subtly affect the cobalt over extremely long periods. A locking display case is strongly recommended.
Preservation:
This is a non-utilitarian object of the highest artistic and historical significance. It must never be used to hold liquids or flowers.
FAQ
Q: How can I be sure this is a genuine Qianlong antique?
A: Verity Antique stands behind the authenticity of this piece. It has been examined for period-typical characteristics: the refined porcelain body, the precise potting of the complex moonflask form, the specific hue and brushwork of the cobalt, the design and layout of the Eight Treasures motif, the presence of appropriate age-related patina, and the overall condition consistent with a well-preserved 18th-century object. Serious collectors are always encouraged to conduct their own due diligence.
Q: Is this from the imperial kilns or a private kiln?
A: The quality of potting, the complexity of the form (moonflask with ruyi handles), the precision of the painted decoration, and the richness of the cobalt all point to official kiln production or the highest echelon of private kiln work serving the court or nobility. It is certainly not a common folk piece.
Q: What is the condition exactly?
A: The flask is intact with no cracks, chips, hairlines, or visible restoration. The glaze is bright with a natural, age-appropriate patina and some very minor, expected surface wear. The cobalt decoration is complete and clear. It is in remarkably good condition for its age.
Q: What is its value?
A: As an antique, its value is determined by its period, quality, condition, rarity, and provenance. This piece-a Qianlong-period, official-kiln-style moonflask with a complete and well-painted Eight Treasures motif, in excellent condition-represents a significant collectible. Please contact Verity Antique directly for valuation and acquisition discussions.
Provenance
Verity Antique is dedicated to the ethical and knowledgeable curation of genuine Chinese antiques. We do not deal in reproductions or "in the style of" pieces without clear disclosure. This Qianlong Blue and White Moon Flask has been selected for its exceptional quality, its remarkable state of preservation, its rich iconographic content, and its value as a genuine artifact of the Qing imperial tradition. When you acquire an antique through Verity Antique, you gain not only a beautiful object but a partnership with our expertise-including our commitment to authenticity, our scholarly approach to documentation, and our passion for connecting discerning collectors with the enduring legacy of Chinese material culture.
Hot Tags: Blue and White Eight-treasure Moon Flask/Qianlong Period, China Blue and White Eight-treasure Moon Flask/Qianlong Period
Send Inquiry
