Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Moon Flask Vase Green Black Ground Floral Butterfly Three Feet
Cloisonné Enamel Moon Flask / Bianhu / Jingtailan / Green and Black Ground Floral Cartouche
China, late Qing–early Republic, 19th–early 20th century
A compressed globular moon flask (bianhu) form in cloisonné enamel, raised on three small bracket feet. The body is worked on a dark green ground with large shaped black cartouches on each face, outlined in white beaded wire and enclosing dense polychrome floral and butterfly compositions — blue, white, and lavender blossoms with butterflies and fine scrolling vine. A scalloped red and blue border runs along the lower edge of each cartouche; the shoulder carries a narrow green band with scattered small blossoms. Short cylindrical neck.
Dimensions: 5.5"H (14 cm) by 3.5" diameter; Weight: 10.3oz
The moon flask form, derived from earlier Chinese metalwork and ceramic traditions, is relatively uncommon in cloisonné and lends this piece an unusual silhouette among decorative enamelware.
Condition: Very good; no significant enamel losses noted.
#1016