Chinese Blue and White Moon Flask Vase Value Guide

The Chinese Blue and White Moon Flask, or 'bianhu', is a highly coveted porcelain form inspired by Middle Eastern metalwork and popularized during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. This specific 18th-19th century example is prized for its flattened circular body and elegant strap handles, representing a peak in underglaze cobalt craftsmanship.

What Is Chinese Blue and White Moon Flask Vase Worth?

The typical price range for Chinese Blue and White Moon Flask Vase is $5,000 - $5,500 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The precision and artistry of the hand-painted bat and floral motifs significantly impact the $5,000-$5,500 valuation.
• Overall condition, specifically the absence of hairline fractures or chips on the delicate strap handles and rim.
• The clarity and vibrancy of the blue underglaze against the white porcelain ground.
• Historical provenance and evidence of manufacture during the high-demand periods of the 18th or 19th centuries.

How to Identify Chinese Blue and White Moon Flask Vase?

• Examine the underglaze blue for depth and variation, characteristic of 18th and 19th-century cobalt application.
• Verify the presence of two symmetrical strap handles connecting the neck to the flattened circular shoulder.
• Look for specific symbolic motifs including bats (representing good fortune) and intricate floral patterns.
• Inspect the foot rim for signs of hand-finishing and the specific paste quality associated with Qing Dynasty porcelain production.

History of Chinese Blue and White Moon Flask Vase

Moon flask vases, known as 'bianhu' in Chinese, originated during the Ming Dynasty and were inspired by Middle Eastern pottery forms. They gained significant popularity during the Yongle and Xuande periods, and later during the Qing Dynasty, particularly in the Qianlong reign. These flasks were often used to hold wine or water and were prized for their elegant shape and intricate blue and white underglaze decoration, which became a hallmark of Chinese porcelain. The motifs, such as bats and peaches, often carry symbolic meanings of good fortune and longevity.