Description: Vietnamese Nguyen Dynasty Minh Mang Period Imperial Lacquered Nine-Dragon Wall - This incredible piece of imperial Vietnamese history is a carved Nine-Dragon Wall from the Minh Mang period of Vietnam. The number 9 is of extreme significance in Southeast Asian culture, and represents the number of heaven and is often associated with dragons. The Nine-Dragon Wall is a spirit wall with images of nine different dragons, and is found in imperial palaces and gardens. Because nine was considered the number of the emperor, only the most senior officials were allowed to wear nine dragons on their robes, and then only with the robe completely covered with surcoats. Lower-ranking officials had eight or five dragons on their robes, again covered with surcoats, and even the emperor himself wore his dragon robe with one of its nine dragons hidden from view. The wall depicts the nine sons of the dragon who are the mythological sons of the Dragon King. This magnificent piece is elaborately carved with nine dragons against a background of scrolling clouds, with the flaming pearl in the center of the piece. The piece is then finished with vibrant red lacquer and a foliate border. This 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: 39"H x 84"W.