Description: Ming Dynasty Blue Underglazed Porcelain Baoyueping "Moonflask" W/Imperial Dragon Motif (Has Six Character Xuande Reign Mark) - This piece porcelain baoyueping vase or moon flask is of typical form with a circular body (representing the moon), a flat base, narrow cylindrical neck and arched side handles which create an "embrace" between the neck and the body, as Baoyue means "embracing the moon." The vessel is elaborately decorated in underglaze blue with a writhing imperial dragon among smoke wisps and stylized waves. The dragon has five claws, suggesting that this piece was made for imperial use, as pieces made for nobility depict dragons with five claws (while pieces made for the public use three or four claws). The base of the moon flask bears a six character Xuande reign mark in blue underglaze. This piece comes from the estate of a Vietnamese Royal Family (the family now lives in the United States, and wishes to remain private as they still have relatives living in Vietnam). Measurements: 15"H x 10"W.