Vietnamese Bleu de Hue Porcelain Bowl W/Prunus Mume Motif, Poem & Metal Rim (Marked "Jade Trinket") - This porcelain bowl is elaborately decorated in vivid cobalt blue underglaze, and depicts a Prunus Mume (plum blossom) motif. The plum blossom represents the value of endurance, and the five-petaled flower also symbolizes the five blessings: longevity, prosperity, health, virtue and good living. The bowl is also decorated with a poem on the back side, and is 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 "Ngoan ngoc" marking meaning "jade trinket". 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 a true modern day treasure, and a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a piece of Vietnamese history. 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: 3.5"H x 7.25" in diameter.