Vietnamese Nguyen Dynasty Tu Duc Period Bleu de Hue Imperial Porcelain Lidded Palace Vase W/Cinnabar Lacquer Tops & Hoang De Chi Bao Mark - This stunning vase was created for the Imperial courts during the Tu Duc period of the Nguyen Dynasty of Vietnam. This monumental palace vase is elaborately glazed in vivid cobalt blue underglaze with multiple Imperial motifs on both the body and the lids. The body of the vase is decorated with large roundels created by scrolling dragons among clouds and waves, chasing flaming pearls. The dragons are depicted with five claws because the piece was made for the royal court, as pieces made for nobility were depicted with five claws while pieces made for the public depicted the dragons with four claws or less. The dragon is grasping a flaming pearl, which is associated with spiritual energy, wisdom, prosperity, power, or immortality. Near the base of the vase is a second, smaller roundel created in the same style but with both a fenghuang and a five claw dragon with the flaming pearl, as the Fenghuang is said to only appear in areas or places that are blessed with utmost peace and prosperity or happiness. It is a symbol of high virtue and grace, and is said to represent power sent from the heavens to the Empress. The lid is also decorated with roundels to match the body of the vase, along with a Qilin and dragon with the longevity character in the center. The Qilin is a good omen, and is also thought to occasion prosperity, serenity and fertility. The lid is then finished with a cinnabar lacquer and gilt gold finial top. The vase bears the seal of the emperor at the top of the piece near the lid, which reads "Hoang De Chi Bao" (Emperor chi said), symbolizing the empire of the Nguyen dynasty. This very high quality porcelain was ordered from China for the court use. Although Chinese artisans executed the painting, Vietnamese rulers dictated the designs. Each ruler ordered ceramics of his own liking for use in his court, as well as presentation pieces to give to members of royal families and mandarin officials. This piece comes from the estate of a Vietnamese Royal Family (the family now lives in the United States, and wishes to remain private as they still have relatives living in Vietnam). This is a true modern day treasure, and a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a piece of Vietnamese history. This piece has excellent investment potential, as it is thought by experts around the world and avid collectors that due to the rapid modernization of Vietnam, Vietnamese antiques will within the next ten years be more valuable than Chinese antiques. According to some of the most expert collectors in the world, what used to sell for hundreds are now selling for tens of thousands. Measurements: 62"H x 23" in diameter.