Vietnamese Bleu de Hue Porcelain Dish W/Dragon Motif & Thieu Tri Mark - This bleu de hue porcelain 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, 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. Measurements: 5.5" diameter x 1.25" high.