Vietnamese 18th C. Bleu de Hue Porcelain Rolling Dragon Rice Bowl Marked "Jade" (From a Vietnamese Royal Family) - This porcelain rice bowl is elaborately decorated in vivid underglazed blue with a four rolling dragons with flaming pearls, among stylized smoke wisps. The interior of the bowl is left undecorated, and the base 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: 2.25"H x 4.75" diameter.