Vietnamese 18th C. Imperial Bleu de Hue Plate Commissioned for Lord Trinh Cuong W/"Khanh Xuan Thi Ta" Mark (From a Vietnamese Royal Family) - This stunning piece is elaborately glazed on both the front and back in vivid cobalt blue with a five-claw dragon and Qilin amid clouds, centered around a longevity character. The dragon is depicted with five claws because the piece was made for an emperor, 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 Qilin is a good omen, and is also thought to occasion prosperity, serenity and fertility. The plate is also decorated with a sea of stylized waves at the base of the piece and a background of scrolling clouds. The base bears the four imperial character mark reading "Khanh Xuan Thi Ta" (Made for the Principal Palace Shrine). 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 is a prized possession of the family, and is one of the nicest Bleu de Hue pieces we have seen from the collection so far. 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: 12" diameter x 1.5"H.