This Chinese flask was originally made to be buried with a very important Chinese nobleman. It may have contained something that he would use in the afterlife. It is decorated with sections of bright colour. People in China at the time buried many items in tombs ranging from food to ceramic models of people and animals. These things show us a glimpse of life hundreds of years ago.

 

The designs on the moon flask are highlighted by a special enamel technique: cloisonné. A raised metal outline is added to the surface of the object, which creates sections into which molten enamel was poured to create designs. These patterns are in fact Buddhist emblems, each with a symbolic meaning. They range from a bell which represents respect, to a lotus flower which is a symbol of truth. What appears to us as a decorative item would have had a spiritual significance for its owner. The sequence in which these designs appear is very important. It was only after 1600 that they were placed in this particular order.

 

This object is not only skilfully made and decorated, but is also a spiritual work of art made to be taken to the afterlife.