Vietnamese Bleu de Hue Porcelain Plate W/Scholar Landscape Scene & Metal Rim (Has Four Character Marking) - This porcelain plate is elaborately decorated in a vivid blue underglaze with an ornate landscape scene. The scene depicts a bridge over a river, with scholars on the bridge and seated playing checkers. The plate is also finished with a metal rim, as selected vessels were finished with rims of silver as early as the Han dynasty to set them apart from the ordinary and to make them suitable for high class clients. The base of the plate bears a four character archaic marking in a double square in vibrant underglazed blue. 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: 7.25" in diameter.