Vietnamese 18th C. Bleu de Hue Porcelain Assiette Plate W/Imperial Dragon Motif & Thieu Tri Mark (From a Vietnamese Royal Family) - This exquisite porcelain large serving plate is elaborately decorated in vivid cobalt blue underglaze with an ornate scene of imperial five clawed dragons in pursuit of a flaming pearl, amid stylized clouds and smoke wisps. 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 bottom of the plate bears the four character "Thieu Tri Nien Che" marking signifying that the pieces were made during the reign of the Thieu Tri Emperor. 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. Measurements: 12.5"W x 1.75"H.