Vietnamese Imperial Bleu de Hue Porcelain Plate Commissioned for Trinh Lord W/Metal Rim (Has 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 flaming pearl is associated with spiritual energy, wisdom, prosperity, power, or immortality, and the dragons have five claws, as pieces made for nobility depict dragons with five claws (while pieces made for the public use three or four claws). The plate is also finished with a metal rim, as selected vessels were finished with rims of silver as early as the Han dynasty to set them apart from the ordinary and to make them suitable for high class clients. 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 a true modern day treasure, and a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a piece of Vietnamese history. This piece has excellent investment potential, as it is thought by experts around the world and avid collectors that due to the rapid modernization of Vietnam, Vietnamese antiques will within the next ten years be more valuable than Chinese antiques. According to some of the most expert collectors in the world, what used to sell for hundreds are now selling for tens of thousands. Measurements: 8.25" in diameter.