A 19th Century Qing Dynasty Blue and White Glazed Porcelain Jar

A mid-19th century blue and white glazed porcelain jar of bulbous form, the body decorated with stylised peonies.

The original use for ginger jars, such as this one, was to transport spices, tea and food. However, since the 19th century, ginger jars have mainly been used for decorative purposes; not least due to their aesthetically pleasing form. They typically have a small mouth which immediately flares out to form wide shoulders; the short, bulbous body becoming smaller again towards the base. They often have domed lids, but most commonly lack handles.

Made for the European Export Market.

Qing Dynasty, Daoguang Period (1821 – 1850)