#439 • Vietnamese Bleu de Hue Bowl Marked "Jade Trinket"

Part of Lunar New Year Royal Family Auction (timed auction by GWS Auctions)

Starting at $1.00

Status: No sale

Est. $22,000-$23,000 Vietnamese 18th C. Bleu de Hue Porcelain Bowl W/Fenghuang Motif Marked "Jade Trinket" (From a Vietnamese Royal Family) - This impressive piece is elaborately decorated in a vivid blue underglaze with a pair of flying Fenghuang (phoenix) carrying bells. It is believed that the Fenghuang only appears in areas or places that are blessed with utmost peace and prosperity or happiness. It is a symbol of high virtue and grace, and is said to represent power sent from the heavens to the Empress. The interior rim has a double ring in underglazed blue, and the bottom 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 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: 3.75"H x 8" diameter.