Relevant categories: Porcelain,Chinese Porcelain
(Above photo - Pair Chinese Famille Vert Porcelain Ginger Jars Temple Urns Vases )
Porcelain ginger jars are beautiful art pieces that have mesmerized western porcelain collectors since they first appeared in the Chinese Qin Dynasty. The jars have made part of the exports from China to Europe since the 19th century and continue to attract a considerable following. Many people still use them to decorate their homes, thanks to the blue, flowery patterns on the surface.
Initially, ginger jars were used by ancient Chinese to store and transport spices. Of course, the “ginger” in its name comes from being used to store ginger and other spices. They would also hold oil, salt, and other items needed in the kitchen. With time, they turned into decorative objects, having lost their functional roles. Today, people buy ginger jars to display on shelves.
(Above photo - Pair Chinese Porcelain Dragon Urns - Famille Noire Vases Temple Jar )
Porcelain ginger jars have a distinctive blue and white design even though they may look different sometimes. People think they are only produced in the blue and white design, thanks to their popularity in Europe. However, avid porcelain collectors are always on the lookout for the more colorful versions of the jars.
The decorations on ginger jars are usually hand-painted, even though many are now mass-produced. Comparing the two, hand-painted porcelain ginger jars are more valuable than their mass-produced counterparts.
Even though ginger jars were initially used as storage and transportation vessels for spices, they have since been converted into decorative art pieces. Some people even repurpose them as flower vases or display them as centerpieces. It is not uncommon to find ginger jars on shelves or fireplace mantels.
(Above photo - Pair Qianlong Porcelain Vases - Chinese Dragon Urns Ginger Jars )
As we observed earlier, porcelain ginger jars are decorated by hand. Some of the items adorning these beautiful pieces of art include Chinese carps, floral designs, landscapes, dragons, and so on. In short, all the decorations have a connection to the Chinese origin of these jars.
The first noticeable characteristic of these jars is that they are made from porcelain. They have blue and white decorative motifs that could be hand-painted or mass-produced. Porcelain ginger jars tend to have domed lids, small mouths, rounded shapes, and high shoulders. Unlike other vessels like the urns, they do not have any handles.
(Above photo - Famille Jaune Porcelain Urns - Large Chinese Ceramic Ginger Jars )
To create a more significant artistic effect, you should always display your ginger jars in at least a pair. The best spots to put the jars include shelves, tabletops, fireplace mantels, and so on. If you are a collector, then you may need substantial space to store the porcelain jars. The jars can also be displayed together with decorative Chinese bowls and plates, which tend to have the same patterns. Jars with lids can also serve as vases for further decorating your home.
If you are looking for porcelain ginger jars to buy, we have some of the best in our shop. You can find us online, or it comes in-store for a bargain price.
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