Relevant categories: Chinese Porcelain,Porcelain
(Above photo - Pair Chinese porcelain ginger jars )
Chinese porcelain ginger jars are often used for storage purposes, even though they may also act as decorations. These pieces of art have domed lids sitting above high shoulders. They are made in a wide range of dimensions, patterns, and colours. Collectors looking exquisite antiques often pick Chinese porcelain ginger jars and their first choice. As such, these jars can be as expensive as $40,000 if they have spectacular decorations and colour or if they are particularly older. The most affordable pieces go for anything from $500, which is affordable for most people.
(Above photo - Blue and white Chinese porcelain ginger jars )
When classifying Chinese porcelain ginger jars, references are made to the motifs they display. For example, you are likely to come across the following type of jars.
• Blue & white ginger lars • Imari ginger jars • Familie Verte ginger jars • Familie rose ginger jars
However, it is not just the motifs that define the type of jars you can buy. When classifying the jars, reference may also be made to the time period, when they were created.
What Is A Chinese Porcelain Ginger Jar?
(Above photo - Pair large Qianlong porcelain ginger jars)
A ginger jar often features a rounded oval shape as well as high shoulders. It is in the west that it is known as a “ginger jar”. In China, it is simply referred to as “guan” which means “jar”. The purpose of these jars mainly served as storage vessels for herbs. Today, it is difficult to find a Chinese porcelain ginger jar with an original lid. Most have had their lids replaced by carved wooden ones of matching porcelain.
Where Did the Ginger Jar Originate?
The first ginger jars were made during the Qin dynasty between 221 BCE and 207 BCE. They were used to store ginger, salt, and other devices. Soon, the Chinese began to export ginger to the west. It is at that time that the vessels acquired the name “ginger jars”.
What Was The Purpose Of Chinese Ginger Jars?
The original ginger jars were created to store herbs and other spices. However, because of their vibrant patterns and rich colours, they started being used more as decorative items. By the 19 century, people collected ginger jars for their aesthetic appeal and not functionality. In Europe, they were viewed as luxurious import goods. Thanks to their artistic appeal, they were mainly used to spice up the interior design of homes across the continent.
Today, collectors can’t have enough of Chinese porcelain ginger jars. They may feature the traditional white & blue patterns or motifs in a variety of colours. It is not uncommon for them to appear in modern living rooms or museum collections. They serve well as accent pieces and can be displayed in a variety of ways. In fact, interior decorators just don’t seem to have enough of these artistic pieces.
If you are looking for the best Chinese porcelain ginger jars, make a visit to the nearest antique auction. As stated earlier, you will have to pay anything between $500 and $40,000. All that will depend on the quality and period when the piece of art was produced.
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