Chinese Blue and White Moon Flask with Dragons Handles

• Chinese Cracked Ice Motif - The Chinese cracked ice decorative motif is a traditional design that was commonly used in Chinese art and architecture, particularly in the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1912). The motif is characterized by a pattern of small, irregular cracks or fissures that resemble broken ice.
  
  The cracked ice motif was often used in a variety of decorative arts, such as pottery, porcelain, lacquerware, and furniture. It was also used in architectural elements, such as floor tiles, roof tiles, and wall panels. The motif was typically created by carving or incising the surface of the material, and then filling the cracks with a contrasting color, such as black or gold.
  
  The cracked ice motif symbolizes the idea of "coolness" in Chinese culture, and was often used in architectural elements to create a sense of coolness and shade, especially in hot climates. In decorative arts, it is considered as an elegant and refined design that evokes the natural beauty of ice.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• Chinese ceramics, decoration - blue and white, other 760
• Chinese ceramics, dynasty mark or period
  • Kangxi mark 762
  • vases, Kangxi period (1661-1722) 762
• Chinese ceramics, export ware - export ware, other 222
• Chinese ceramics, item type
  • figurines 1,568
  • moon flasks 58