#442 • Empress Duc Tu Cung's Vietnamese Offering Tea Tray

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

Starting at $1.00

Status: Sold

Est. $2,000-$3,000 Empress Duc Tu Cung's Vietnamese Hardwood Offering Tea Tray W/Engraved Auspicious Inlay (From a Vietnamese Royal Family) - This hardwood tea tray is of square form and according to our seller was kept in the personal collection of Empress Duc Tu Cung. This piece truly belongs in a museum, as Empress Dowager Doan Huy was the last queen of the Nguyen dynasty, and the mother of Emperor Bao Dai. The Empress Dowager was known for devoting herself to preserving the former capital of Hue after the fall of Nguyen Dynasty, and for sponsoring the restoration of Thai Temple and other war torn mausoleums of Nguyen royals. The tray is decorated on each side with exotic composition inlay engraved with multi-colored auspicious motifs including pomegranates, clouds, birds and bamboo. 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). Measurements: 3"H x 9.5"W.