Vietnamese Tu Duc Dynasty Bleu de Hue Imperial Dragon & Fenghuang Bowl (From a Vietnamese Royal Family) - This stunning piece is elaborately glazed in vivid cobalt blue on the exterior with a five-clawed dragon and a fenghuang (phoenix) amid clouds, attending to the flaming pearl. 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 flaming pearl is associated with spiritual energy, wisdom, prosperity, power or immortality, and the Fenghuang is a symbol of high virtue and grace, and is said to represent power sent from the heavens to the Empress. 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 e. Although Chinese artisans executed the painting, Vietnamese rulers dictated the designs. Each ruler ordered ceramics of his own liking for e in his court, as well as presentation pieces to give to members of royal families and mandarin officials. This piecees 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). Measurements: 3"H x 5.25"D.