Bleu de Hue is a type of Vietnamese porcelain known for its intricate designs and distinct blue color. The history of this porcelain dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries when it was commissioned by the Vietnamese court through diplomatic missions to China. Most of the bleu de hue porcelain was produced in Jingdezhen, a city in China known for its fine ceramics, with special designs and marks.
The name “Hue” comes from the old city where the Vietnamese King resided at the time, and the porcelain has a slight characteristic of Japanese porcelains. Some pieces of bleu de hue have poems painted on them, adding to their beauty and uniqueness. One common two-character mark found on these porcelains reads “Nei Fu,” which can be translated as “Inner Court.”
Although most of the court bleu de hue ware designs were done by Vietnamese artists, the production was commissioned in Jingdezhen. However, in the 19th century, as the middle-class increased in size and economic power, more Chinese manufacturers, not just at Jingdezhen but also at other Jiangxi kilns, saw the potential market and produced pieces independently for it.
Domestic versions of bleu de hue were also produced locally in Vietnam during the Minh Mang (1820-1841) and Thieu Tri (1841-1847) reigns, but they did not seem to have been very popular.
At the end of the 19th century, metal rims became popular on bleu de hue wares, as they were seen as a way to protect the rim from damages. Despite the popularity of these porcelains, the production of bleu de hue eventually declined and came to an end in the early 20th century.
Today, bleu de hue porcelain is highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts. 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.
