Vietnamese Tu Duc Dynasty Bleu de Hue Longevity Smoking Gourd W/Engraved Metal Handle (From a Vietnamese Royal Family) - This bleu de hue smoking gourd from the Tu Duc reign of the Nguyen Dynasty of Vietnam is elaborately decorated in vivid underglazed blue with flowering branches amongst a longevity character. The gourd has a floral engraved metal handle which also wraps around the edges of the piece to protect from damage. The bottom bears a "Tho" (longevity) seal in underglazed blue. Most "Bleu de Hue" porcelain was ordered by the Vietnamese court by way of diplomatic missions to China, and most was produced in Jingdezhen with special designs and marks. 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: 5.5"H x 4.5"W.