Vietnamese Bleu de Hue Porcelain Rice Bowl W/Metal Rim & Nei Fu Mark (From a Vietnamese Royal Family) - This stunning piece is elaborately glazed in vivid cobalt blue on the exterior with a dragon and koi fish motif. The dragon is writhing among stylized clouds and smoke wisps at the rim of the bowl, and near the shallow ring foot is a band of waves from which two carps emerge, one of which is blowing water. The interior is left undecorated, and the bottom of the base bears the two character Nei Fu mark meaning "Inner Court". 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 is an absolutely stunning investment piece that truly belongs in a museum. 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). An similar bowl to this piece has been displayed at the Art Gallery of NewSouth Wales, which is the most important public gallery in Sydney and one of the largest in Australia. Measurements: 2"H x 4.25" diameter.