Vietnamese 18th C. Imperial Bleu de Hue Tea Service for Four Marked Noi Phu Thi Huu W/Teakwood Tray (From a Vietnamese Royal Family) - This stunning Imperial Bleu de Hue tea service for four includes a large plate, small plate, large service cup and four small cups. The tea service is elaborately decorated in a vivid cobalt blue underglaze with a five-clawed dragon and a fenghuang (phoenix) amid stylized clouds, attending to the Longevity wish symbol along with a flaming pearl. Each piece bears the four imperial character mark reading "Noi phu thi Huu" (as commissioned for the right royal palace) suggesting that the piece was commissioned for the Queen. 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. The tea service will come with a carved teakwood tea tray with decorative inlay creating an auspicious garden scene with birds among bamboo and chrysanthemum flowers. 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). Measurements: large plate-1.25"H x 7.25"W, small plate-1"H x 5.25"W, large service cup-2.5"H x 2.75"W, small cups-2.25"H x 2.25"W, teakwood tea tray-4"H x 14"L x 9"W.