Vietnamese 18th C. Bleu de Hue Porcelain Dragon Rice Bowl Marked "Jade" W/Metal Rim (From a Vietnamese Royal Family) - This porcelain rice bowl is elaborately decorated in underglazed blue with a writhing dragon among stylized clouds. The bowl is finished with a metal rim, as selected vessels were finished with rims of silver as early as the Han dynasty to set them apart from the ordinary and to make them suitable for high class clients. The bottom of the dish is left undecorated, and bears the character "Ngoc" marking meaning "jade", which was a mark used for the princes, princesses and other with lower ranks who lived inside the palace. 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). Measurements: 2"H x 4.75" diameter.