Vietnamese Imperial Bleu de Hue Porcelain Qilin Plate Commissioned for Inner Court (Has Noi phu thi Huu Mark) - This porcelain plate is elaborately decorated in underglazed blue with a scene of two Qilin among smoke wisps and stylized waves. The Qilin is a good omen, and is also thought to occasion prosperity, serenity and fertility. The base bears the four imperial character mark reading "Noi phu thi Huu" (as commissioned for the right royal palace) suggesting that the piece was commissioned for the Queen. 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 an absolutely stunning investment piece that truly belongs in a museum. 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: 7.75" in diameter.