Description: Vietnamese 18th C. Bleu de Hue Porcelain Wine Bottle W/Metal Tip & Base (Has Neifu Mark/Commissioned for Inner Court) - This stunning piece is elaborately glazed in blue underglaze with an imperial five-clawed dragon and fenghuang (phoenix) amid smoke wisps and clouds, chasing a flaming pearl. Most "Bleu de Hue" porcelain was ordered by the Vietnamese court by way of diplomatic missions to China, and most was produced in Jingdezhen with special designs and marks. This very high quality porcelain was ordered from China for the court use. 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. The bottle is finished with a protective metal topper and base, 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, and to also protect them from damage. The base of the bottle bears the two character "Neifu" mark, denoting that the piece was commissioned for the Inner Court. This is a true modern day treasure, and a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a piece of Vietnamese history. The piece comes from the estate of a Vietnamese Royal Family (the family now lives in the United States, and wishes to remain private as they still have relatives living in Vietnam). 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: 10"H x 5"W.