Moon Flask Decorated with Insects Among Plants on a Chinese Meander Background

The cloisonné technique arrived in China from West Asia during the reign of the Mongolian Yuan dynasty (1279–1368), at a time when various cultures mixed within the great empire. In China, cloisonné works had reached a high artistic level already by the 15th century, with Beijing becoming the centre of manufacture. The technique was improved in the Manchurian Qing (1644–1911) era, introducing a broad array of decorations, which included extensive gilding. Starting from the second half of the 19th century, such objects were also sought after on European markets.
The moon flask vase is decorated with a composition showing insects among plants. This refers to the “birds and flowers” motif, a popular subject in Chinese scroll painting, which featured flowers, blooms, birds, and sometimes also insects.