There’s more to Chinese ginger jars than meets the eye!

Chinese ginger jars are instantly recognisable and thanks to their large size and distinctive shape, they make perfect statement pieces, ideal for creating an eye-catching focal point to almost any room.

Although ginger jars are, of course, associated with ginger, in the past they were actually used to store a wide range of different foods, including spices, oil and dried herbs. The association with ginger arose from the fact that these large vessels were utilised as storage containers for transporting valuable imports of ginger from China to Europe.

Not only do we associate ginger jars with the storage of ginger roots, we also tend to assume that they would have been decorated with ornate painted designs, gold decoration and ornate glazing. However, many antique ginger jars are simpler in design as they would have originally been intended for use as everyday objects with an entirely practical purpose. Nevertheless, ginger jars would be increasingly appreciated for their decorative style; ensuring that they would become sought after collectables from the 18^th century onwards.

Ginger jars are large in size and thanks to their unique high ‘shoulders’ and large size, they make wonderful decorative objects for display, or to use as statement vases for fresh or dried flowers. Furthermore, thanks to the timeless, classic quality of Chinese ginger jars, they look equally at home in contemporary or traditional interiors.

You’ll find that a huge and varied selection of designs are available. From iconic blue and white ginger jars, decorated with traditional Chinese landscapes, birds, fish or floral designs, through to jars in vibrant solid colours.

Buying antique ginger jars

Original antique ginger jars are available to buy in a huge range of colours, patterns and sizes. With such a range comes a big variation in price tags, making it possible to buy ginger jars costing anywhere from ten pounds up to several thousand!

Antique Chinese ginger jars are sometimes repurposed and transformed into stunning lamp bases. Their heavy weight and curved shape make them ideal holders for table lamp fittings and when teamed up with a statement shade, can be transformed into stylish, elegant lighting for a living room, dining room or bedroom.

Newly made ginger jars make a wonderful alternative to antique originals and can be purchased in a wide selection of beautiful hand-painted designs, colours and finishes, including unusual, crackled glazes. In addition, the designs of many reproduction pieces are taken from Chinese originals depicting scenes from literature, landscapes or animals and floral designs such as lotus blossom, lilies, or roses.

So, if you’re looking for a way to add a unique focal point to a room, why not consider displaying Chinese ginger jar or two? These wonderful objects are ideal for bringing a touch of oriental charm into your home, creating a stylish design feature that will never go out of fashion.