Liddell Moonflask

Bidding commences on 30 November through Bonhams in Hong Kong

Few underglazed-blue and copper-red dragon moonflasks from the reign of the Qianlong emperor have survived the tumult of history, and fewer still of their colour-glazed counterparts. Only three examples of this moonflask – named for its flat-sided, full-bodied form resembling a full moon – are known to exist in such an arresting turquoise glaze. This specimen (with a top estimate of HK$25 million) was originally acquired by Captain Charles Oswald Liddell in China, where he resided between 1877 and 1913. It has a distinct lime-green underside and exhibits the technical perfection that characterises porcelain produced at the imperial kiln in Jingdezhen.