Rare Chinese moon flask goes for €610,000 at Sheppards in Durrow

A round of applause greeted the sale of a rare Chinese moon flask discovered at a routine valuation at Blarney Castle for a hammer price of 610,000 at Sheppards in Durrow today. It had been estimated at 80,000-120,000.

Unusually Sheppards had imposed a special condition of no internet bidding on the piece and registered bidders were required to pay a deposit and attend in person at the Co. Laois saleroom.

The blue and white flask, Bianhu, from a Co. Cork collection was discovered at a valuation by Sheppards at Blarney Castle in September.

Lot 134 was described as a rare and important Chinese blue and white flask. This particular type of moon flask is also known as a bianhu or pot. The flask is unglazed and a central raised roundel depicts an arabesque Islamic star with flower head. There is leaf scroll and flower head decoration and a painted outer border in cobalt blue.