The box and cover are of compressed circular form, distinguished by a dignified and elegant profile. The glaze is lustrous and finely textured, while the body is smoothly potted. The underglaze blue exhibits a vivid and refined palette, complementing the dense, meticulously rendered decoration, which together convey a sense of classical opulence.

The center of the cover is painted with a butterfly motif, imbued with a sense of lively movement, its delicately rendered wings exquisitely detailed and vibrant. Surrounding it are four further groups of blossoms and butterflies, interconnected by scrolling foliage. The butterflies and flowers are precisely and elegantly rendered, with leaves curling in rhythmic, richly decorative patterns. This blue and white 'butterfly' box and cover is a work of exceptional craftsmanship and is exceedingly rare.

The crabapple (haitang) is traditionally used as a symbol for opulence and harmony, while the butterfly is a pun for elderly people from seventy to eighty years of age. The combination of crabapple and butterfly conveys the auspicious message of longevity and prosperity. Compare to a slightly smaller example of similar form and decoration in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Qing Imperial Porcelain from the Palace Museum Collection, vol. I, part I, pp. 88-91, pl. 16.