Vietnamese Imperial Bleu de Hue Porcelain Single Gourd Vase W/Fenghuang & Dragon Motif (From a Vietnamese Royal Family) - This porcelain vase has a single gourd form, and is elaborately decorated in a vibrant cobalt blue underglaze with an Imperial five-clawed dragon and a fenghuang (phoenix) amid stylized clouds and smoke wisps, attending to the flaming pearl. According to legend, the Fenghuang only appears in areas or places that are blessed with utmost peace and prosperity or happiness. It is a symbol of high virtue and grace, and is said to represent power sent from the heavens to the Empress. The flaming pearl is associated with spiritual energy, wisdom, prosperity, power or immortality. The dragon is depicted with five claws, 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 bottom of the piece bears the "Tho" (longevity) character in underglazed blue. 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: 16"H x 9"W.