Early 20th Century Imperial Yellow Hand Painted Ginger Jars - A Pair

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Description

Offering a pair of imperial yellow "Famille Jaune" Chinese hand painted porcelain ginger jars, circa Early 20th Century. The design … Read more Offering a pair of imperial yellow "Famille Jaune" Chinese hand painted porcelain ginger jars, circa Early 20th Century. The design depicts pink and teal blue floral elements on three sides of the jars over a yellow background. There is an intricate network of light green scrolling vines and tendrils connecting the floral elements. There are also faded pink Chinese "Shou" symbols located in between the floral elements. Given the imperial yellow glaze and the presence of the "Shou" (longevity) character amidst detailed floral designs, these jars most likely originate from the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) or the Republic Period (1912-1949) in China.

Please Note: The bottom of one of the jars is a heavy turquoise glaze indicative of the Qianlong Dynasty, and both jars show antique aging to the glaze. Most likely these jars were manufactured together.

VERY GOOD CONDITION. No chips, no cracks. Some of the glaze is missing due to handling over the last Century and can be seen mostly on the lids of the jars as shown in the photos.

SIZE:
6" high
5.25" wide
5.25" deep


THIS ITEM WILL BE DOUBLE BOXED TO ENSURE SAFE ARRIVAL.

In conclusion, these ginger jars are beautiful examples of Chinese porcelain likely crafted in the late Qing Dynasty or the Republic Period. They embody traditional auspicious symbolism and decorative artistry, making them both aesthetically pleasing and culturally significant. The "Shou" character is the most prominent symbol, clearly visible on the top of the lids and in between the floral arrangements.

The "Shou" character is a fundamental symbol in Chinese culture, representing longevity and good health. Its presence makes these jars auspicious and often given as gifts to wish someone a long lifespan.  In summary, the primary and most obvious symbol is the "Shou" character, signifying longevity. This is complemented by the floral motifs, representing beauty and prosperity, and the scrolling foliate designs, suggesting continuity and vitality. Together, these symbols create a harmonious and auspicious decorative theme for the ginger jars. See less