Vietnamese Imperial Bleu de Hue Porcelain Plate & Saucer of Octagonal Form W/Nine Rolling Dragons Motif (Has Thieu Tri Nien Tao Mark) - These pieces are of octagonal form, a form favored by the Thieu Tri King, and depict a nine rolling dragons motif. The motif depicts a large dragon in the center, surrounded by eight smaller roundels. The number 9 is of extreme significance in Southeast Asian culture, and represents the number of heaven and is often associated with dragons. Because nine was considered the number of the emperor, only the most senior officials were allowed to wear nine dragons on their robes, and then only with the robe completely covered with surcoats. Lower-ranking officials had eight or five dragons on their robes, again covered with surcoats, and even the emperor himself wore his dragon robe with one of its nine dragons hidden from view. The pieces depict the nine sons of the dragon who are the mythological sons of the Dragon King. They are then finished with the four character "Thieu Tri nien tao" marking circling the center dragon, meaning "Made during the Thieu Tri reign". Measurements: plate-5.5" in diameter, saucer-4.25" in diameter.