I found these two Ginger Jars last week in an exibition of art in Paris and I would like to know if you could help me with some information on them?

Late 19th century

This "Ginger Jar" is from the latter half of the 19th century. They are most often attributed to the Tongzhi (1862 - 1874) period of the Qing dynasty.

The big character that embellishes both the body of the Jar and its interesting and unusual lid, is called a "double happiness mark" referring to the "wedded bliss".

In Chinese art "vines" are symbolizing "forever" and through the connection to fruits like melons and pumpkins growing on vines, also the idea of "many children". These Jars are not that unusual and are normally supposed to have been made to contain preserved Ginger. It is also told that these jars were used as a wedding gift where it was generally understood that the gift only consisted of the content, so, when the fruits or gingers were consumed, the Jars were to be brought back. If this was really the case, I have personally no idea.

Your second Jar I think we should just refer to as a "Lidded Jar", since there is no tradition connected to it ever to have been made specifically to contain Ginger, as is the case with the one above.

Regarding the age, this kind of Jars is actually still made and there is not much I can see on the picture that would distinguish this Jar from any other made during the last century. I would therefore recommend that you consider it more or less "modern". Considering the gilded lid, which I assume might be made of wood, it might have some age though, so as for a more specific date I would suggest mid 20th century.

Jan-Erik Nilsson

Back to Chinese Porcelain Collectors Page