Moon flask 1873 - 1887

Henry Slater's "Moon Flask" (1873-1887), a porcelain vase in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases a unique blend of Japanese and European aesthetics. The rounded shape and three-footed base are reminiscent of traditional Japanese ceramics, while the intricate blue and gold floral pattern echoes the ornate style of Victorian decorative arts. This piece embodies the fascination with Japanese art that swept through Europe during the 19th century, known as Japonisme, and reflects the era's penchant for exoticism and decorative opulence.