18th C. Imperial Bleu de Hue Porcelain Bowl Commissioned for Trinh Lord (W/Noi phu thi Trung Mark) - This stunning piece is elaborately glazed in vivid cobalt blue on both the exterior and interior with five-claws dragons amid clouds, chasing a flaming pearl. The base bears the four imperial character mark reading "Noi phu thi trung" (as commissioned for the central court of Trinh Lord). 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 is an absolutely stunning investment piece that truly belongs in a museum. The bowl measures 12" in diameter x 5"H. A similar (much smaller) piece was on view at the South and Southeast Asian Art Gallery of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts: http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/dish-noi-phu-thi-trung-158662