Moon flask
Date1426–1435
PeriodMing dynasty (1368–1644), Xuande period
MediumPorcelain painted with cobalt blue under transparent glaze (Jingdezhen ware)
Dimensions12 3/4 × 8 3/4 × 5 5/8 in. (32.4 × 22.2 × 14.3 cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Ira and Nancy Koger, 2001
Object numberSN11122.64
In terms of sophisticated design and fluid execution, the decoration of porcelain with cobalt blue underglaze reached its apogee in the Yongle (1403–1425) and Xuande periods (1426–1435). Increased trade and exchange with western Asia during the early 15th century inspired a fashion in China for porcelains that imitated metal, glass, and ceramic objects from the Islamic world. Cobalt for the underglaze, referred to as "Muslim blue," was imported from Persia. The form of this flask is probably modelled after a Middle Eastern prototype made of metal. The geometric and floral patterns are also Islamic in origin, while the yin-yang motif at the center of the 8-pointed starburst design is more familiar to east Asian visual culture and thought.
On View
On viewLocation
- Center for Asian Art, 2nd floor, Chao Gallery, Case C
late 17th-18th century
16th century
16th century
late 16th–early 17th century
18th century
1488-1504
1522-1566