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Blue and White Bianhu Moon Flask

Large Chinese blue and white porcelain moon flask with phoenix and qilin motifs and dragon handles. - view 1
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Estimated value

$150 - $450

Rarity

Average(4/10)

Era

Late 20th Century (post-1970)

Origin

🇨🇳 China

Authenticity

Low(15%)
13

BLUE AND WHITE BIANHU MOON FLASK: IDENTIFICATION

A flat-bodied moon flask (bianhu) featuring underglaze cobalt blue decoration on a white porcelain ground. The central motifs depict a Qilin and a Phoenix (Fenghuang) amidst a dense ground of scrolling lotus blossoms and foliate elements. The vessel is constructed with applied chilong dragon handles at the shoulders and a short, straight neck. Visual examination of the base reveals an unglazed, buff-colored paste that lacks the refinement and 'oily' texture of 15th-century imperial porcelain.

Compare with other ceramic pieces in the archive: Alabaster Urn-Shaped Vase, Han Dynasty Style Glazed Ceramic Boar Figurine, Chinese Blue and White 'Three Friends of Winter' Stem Cup, Ming Style.

PRODUCTION & FIRING

The bianhu form originated from Middle Eastern metal and leather water bottles and was adapted into Chinese porcelain primarily during the Yuan and early Ming dynasties. While this piece references the stylistic hallmarks of the Yongle (1403–1424) and Xuande (1425–1435) periods, particularly in ...
The bianhu form originated from Middle Eastern metal and leather water bottles and was adapted into Chinese porcelain primarily during the Yuan and early Ming dynasties. While this piece references the stylistic hallmarks of the Yongle (1403–1424) and Xuande (1425–1435) periods, particularly in the use of the Qilin and Phoenix motifs, certain manufacturing details suggest a much later production. Sotheby's and Christie's catalogs consistently differentiate between genuine 15th-century examples, which exhibit a 'heaping and piling' effect from high-manganese cobalt, and 20th-century reproductions that use modern refined pigments.

SCARCITY

Average55-70%
CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Rarity 4/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 101 ceramics items at rarity 4 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

  • Standard antique shop items
  • Regularly available
  • Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

  • The paste on the base lacks the iron-rich 'oatmeal' spots or 'muscovado' sugar texture typical of Ming dynasty porcelain.
  • The cobalt painting quality is stiff and lacks the fluid calligraphic brushwork of imperial palace workshops.
  • Artificial aging/staining on the unglazed footrim is inconsistent with natural oxidation over 500+ years.

Expert review recommended. Consider consulting a specialist before making purchasing decisions.

How does authenticity detection work?

CERAMICIST'S ASSESSMENT

Ceramics Historian & Kiln Specialist

Ceramics Expert

Confidence is high that this is a 20th-century decorative piece because the base construction and pigment behavior do not align with any known Ming or Qing imperial standards in the PCGS or Sotheby's archives.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Homogeneous cobalt blue pigment lacks the 'iron spots' associated with early Ming cobalt.
  • 2Exaggerated 'dragon' handles show sharp, mold-made definition rather than hand-sculpted fluidity.
  • 3The base paste is too white and smooth for a 15th-century attribution.
  • 4Density of the lotus scroll motif is overly mechanical.

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •The staining on the base is yellow-orange and circular, suggesting tea or chemical immersion rather than natural age.
  • •The lack of any surface scratches or wear despite the large, flat, vulnerable surface area.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Macro photo of the base grain to check for modern sanding marks.
  • →Long-wave UV check for any hidden repairs or recent overpainting.
  • →Close-up of the blue pigments to check for modern 'dot-matrix' or excessive uniformity.

CONDITION & GRADE

Grading breakdown

Standardized grading is not used for Chinese ceramics; however, the piece appears to be in 'Excellent' decorative condition with no visible chips or hairlines.

Condition

The surface appears remarkably pristine with no visible crazing, kiln grit, or age-related abrasions. The base shows artificial staining intended to mimic several centuries of shelf wear, yet the 'dirt' appears topical rather than embedded in the paste pores.

Weight & feel

Based on the thick walls and large flat surface area, this vessel likely weighs between 3.5 kg and 5.0 kg, feeling substantially dense and bottom-heavy.

CERAMICS MARKET VALUE

$150 - $450

Updated: May 11, 2026

Who buys this

Primarily sought by interior decorators and casual collectors looking for a high-impact Asian-style statement piece at a non-investment price point.

What increases value

  • •Large scale (significant presence)
  • •Popularity of the moon flask form
  • •Intact handles without breaks

What lowers value

  • •Low authenticity potential significantly caps market value
  • •Large size makes shipping costs high, reducing liquidity

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Genuine 15th-century examples would feature a more 'waxy' glaze and natural iron spotting in the cobalt.
  • •Early Ming moon flasks exhibit a unique 'joining seam' visible inside the neck.

Grade & condition

Condition of the applied handles and the quality/saturation of the blue underglaze decoration.

Rarity & demand

AverageModerate demandModerate liquidity
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For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

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