Qing Period Vietnamese Bleu de Hue Porcelain "Qilin & Five Claw Dragon" Vase - This piece is a Vietnamese bleu de hue porcelain plate. Most "Bleu de Hue" porcelain was ordered by the Vietnamese court by way of diplomatic missions to China, and most was produced in Jingdezhen with special designs and marks. 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 is elaborately decorated on both the front and back in cobalt blue underglaze, and depicts a Qilin and Dragon chasing the flaming pearl. The dragons have five claws, which suggests that the piece was made for an emperor or someone of nobility. The dragon is grasping a flaming pearl, which is associated with spiritual energy, wisdom, prosperity, power, or immortality. The Qilin is a good omen, and thought to occasion prosperity or serenity. The piece is in excellent, museum quality condition and measures 24.5"H x 9.5" in diameter (across the top of the piece) x 56" in circumference.