Bleu de Huê bowl with dragon decoration, Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Export ware for Viet Nam, circa 19th century-20th century, porcelain with underglaze decoration, 5.1 x 10.9 cm. Gift of Dr John Yu & Dr George Soutter 2002, 168.2002. Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney (C) Art Gallery of NewSouth Wales, Sydney
Along the rim of the bowl is a dragon with bulging eyes spitting fire. Near the shallow ring foot is a band of waves from which two carps emerge, one of which is blowing a huge gourd-shaped bubble.
From the 1700s onwards, kings of the Le-Trinh dynasty in Vietnam ordered porcelain pieces from China for their court. This type is named after Hue, the 19th-century capital of the last royal dynasty in Vietnam, the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945). 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.
Asian Art Department, AGNSW, January 2012
Bleu de Hue dish decorated with cranes and pine trees, Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Export ware for Viet Nam, circa 19th century-20th century, porcelain with underglaze decoration and metal rim, 1.9 x 16.4 cm. Gift of Dr John Yu & Dr George Soutter 2002, 169.2002. Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney (C) Art Gallery of NewSouth Wales, Sydney
A lesser known Chinese export ware is 'bleu de Hue', blue-and-white porcelain made for the Vietnamese market from the 1700s, when kings of the Le-Trinh dynasty ordered wares from China for their court. The type is named after Hue, the 19th-century capital of the last royal dynasty in Vietnam, the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945). Although Chinese artisans executed the painting, the 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 the royal families and mandarins.
The Asian Collections, AGNSW, 2003, pg.145.