A Chinese bleu-de-Hue 'Dragon' blue and white export porcelain lidded jar for the Vietnamese market. China for Vietnam, 2nd half of the 19th century, Nguyễn dynasty (1802–1945), Thiệu Trị (1842–1847, 紹治帝) reign period; Chinese Qing dynasty, Daoguang (1820-50, 道光) period. Very rare item! โถอบมีฝาปิดกระเบื้องเคลือบน้ำเงินขาวเขียนลายมังกรดั้นเมฆ The jar painted to the exterior in strong cobalt blue with two four-clawed dragons in flight, chasing the sacred pearl amidst clouds and flames, all on cracked glaze. The domed cover with flattened finial has repeated dragons decoration. Jar inscribed to the base with underglaze blue four-character mark, most probably 'Thiêu Tri niên chê' (Made during the Thiêu Tri reign). Top edge, foot of the jar, edge of the cover and edge of the cover's finial with a brass rim typical for Bleu-de-Hue porcelain. Dimensions: height with cover - 12,7 cm; without cover - 7,9 cm; diameter - 10,2 cm. Weight - 399 g. 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. Bleu de Hue is a type of Chinese porcelain made for Vietnamese court known for its intricate designs and distinct blue color. It's called after 'Hue', 19th-century capital of Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945), last rulers in Vietnam. The history of this porcelain dates back to the early 18th century when kings of the Le-Trinh dynasty ordered porcelain from China. Each ruler ordered ceramics of his own taste for use in his court, as well as presentation pieces to give to members of royal families and mandarin officials. Bleu de hue ware designs were done by Vietnamese artists, but produced mostly in Jingdezhen, later also in other kilns in China. Domestic versions were also produced in Vietnam during the Minh Mang (1820-41) and Thieu Tri (1841-47) reigns, but they were not very popular. In the mid 19th century, metal rims became popular on bleu de hue wares to protect the rim from damages. Despite the popularity of these porcelains, the production of bleu de hue declined and finished in the early 20th century. Today bleu de hue porcelain is highly sought after by collectors. Its intricate designs and historical significance have made it a prized possession for many, and it continues to be admired for its beauty and elegance. Provenance: German private collection, Hamburg. Daylight pictures included. Conditions report: jar with a chip to the top-rim, fortunately from inside. Cover in excellent condition. Both - typical for period firing faults. Natural patina on unglazed rims and brass. Strong white light tested. Check pictures for details. Worldwide delivery with online tracking. We combine deliveries, but more, pay for the one delivery only.