Vietnamese Bleu de Hue Porcelain Bowl W/Landscape Scene & Metal Rim (Marked "Elegant Jade") - This porcelain bowl is elaborately decorated in vivid blue underglaze with an ornate landscape. The bowl 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 bottom of the bowl bears the two character "Nha ngoc" marking meaning "elegant jade". 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 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. Please note: this piece has been repaired due to surviving several wars in Vietnam. Please see all photos for complete condition. Measurements: 3.75"H x 7.5" in diameter.