It is extremely rare to find doucai moonflaskS of this size and shape decorated with two dragons to each face; this example appears to be unique in design. It is unusual to encounter excellent quality in pieces of such large size. Of particular note is the qulaity of definition and details of the cloud design which are particulary well executed on this moonflask, being denser and more complex in configuration than on the well known group of doucai guans with cloud and bat design. Cf. the example from the Tianminlou Foundation Collection included in the Inaugural Exhibition Ming and Qing Polychrome Wares, Christie's Shanghai, 1994, Catalogue, no. 11; and also more elaborate in treatment than the other moonflasks with single dragons cited below. The two dragons represent the Emperor instructing the Crown Prince and is a very rare subject found only on a small group of such moonflasks probably made to commemorate an auspcious event in the reign of Qianlong. Two other moonflasks of related design but with single dragons are recorded, one from the Victoria Dreyfus Collection sold in New York, 23 October 1976, lot 316; another sold in London, 20 June 1986, lot 278.

Cf. a Qianlong moonflask of this size decorated in doucai and famille rose enamels but with floral decoration, sold in our New York Rooms, 1 June 1990, lot 330.

Blue and white moonflasks of this date, pattern and size are recorded. Cf. the example included in Selected Masterpieces of Oriental Ceramics, The Matsuoka Museum of Art, Catalogue, fig. 136 and again in Sekai Toji Zenshu, Shogakukan Series, vol. 15, pl. 152 where the parent dragon is painted with head turned in three-quarter view, and which is is most probably the pair to another moonflask painted in mirror-image from the collection of Mrs. E. Wright, sold in our London Rooms, 16 December 1981, lot 36