Chinese ginger jars in green, blue and white
Iconic Chinese ginger jars are instantly recognisable with their distinctive curved high shoulders, rounded shape and matching ceramic lids. Although they would have been seen as everyday household objects, traditional ginger jars are now sought-after decorative objects. As versatile as they are practical, ginger jars can be used for storage, but we think they look equally as lovely when filled with flowers and foliage or grouped together on a shelf or sideboard.
Here at Shimu our collection of oriental ceramics and decorative objects includes a wide range of Chinese ginger jars in green, blue and white or patterned finishes. From distinctive ‘double happiness’ ginger jars finished with an intricate blue and white design, through to pieces with simple rustic-style patterns, our range includes something to suit all interiors.
The history of ginger jars - Chinese interior style icon
Since becoming something of a Chinese interior style icon, these delightful objects are now often used in kitchens and living spaces to add a touch oriental elegance. Ginger jars in green, blue and white, or pale duck egg are amongst the easiest to find as these are colour combinations which would have been very popular in Chinese homes of the past.
The name ‘ginger jar’ is a little misleading though as they would have originally been used to store herbs and other spices. However, as ginger became a highly sought-after spice in the West, Chinese exports increased significantly. A practical way to send ginger roots across the oceans without them spoiling was required, and so the curved ceramic jars we’ve come to love were brought into use.
Ginger jars became European interior design objects during the 18th and 19th centuries when they were imported as luxury goods. Decorated with highly ornate painted designs featuring intricate patterns or motifs inspired by the natural world, ginger jars were produced in a wide-range of different qualities for different buyers' markets. This means that the higher the quality of the decoration, the more sought-after a particular ginger jar would have been.
Ginger jars decorated in blue and white patterns are the most traditional and examples have been found which date back as far as the 9th century. However, by the time of the Ming Dynasty in the early 15th century, Chinese blue and white porcelain had become incredibly popular with European buyers, making the Chinese export market an incredibly lucrative one! Blue and white ginger jars are decorated in varied designs including landscapes, dragons or cherry blossom, to name but a few.
Antique Chinese ginger jars in green are much harder to find. Green ginger jars are part of the ‘famille verte’ or ‘green family’ which originally dates back to the Ming Dynasty when a five-colour enamel colouring process was developed to create vibrant shades of rich green. As such antique ginger jars in shades of green are now incredibly sought after which means that they tend to come with a hefty price tag!
Buy Chinese ginger jars from Shimu
Here at Shimu we offer a wide range of newly made ginger jars which, although they are reproductions, are hand decorated and of superb quality Chinese porcelain. In addition, our range of antiques sometimes includes original antique ginger jars.
Our collection of ginger jars is available in a wide range of beautiful colour shades and patterns, ranging from jars finished in rich jade green, through to classic blue and white patterns. In addition, we also offer a range of elegant table lamps which have been made from ginger jars.
Our entire product range is available to order from our website for direct UK-wide delivery. Alternatively, why not visit us at our light and airy showroom located in Albion Mills, Greengates, West Yorkshire?
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