One might think that a ginger jar is used to hold ginger. That is true, but, throughout history, ginger jars have been used the way people in modern society use canisters. They were used to hold spices, salt and oils. Some ginger jars were designated as gifts for the emperor, and some were used as urns.
History
Ginger jars originated in China; it is not known in exactly what century, but it is known that the popular covered ginger jar that we see most now gained its popularity in the Quin Dynasty. You can still find century-old ginger jars in antique stores, but because of their use, it is not often that you will find one with its original lid intact.
Modern Use
Today, we often see ginger jars used in their traditional roles of holding spices, but mostly ginger jars are used in decorating. Small ginger jars are often set around for accent, while larger jars are used as a main centerpiece of the décor. Often, large ginger jars without the lids are used to hold umbrellas or even an arrangement of flowers. Ginger jars traditionally have a cap-type lid that fits down over the neck of the jar. They usually have a rotund shape, but larger modern ginger jars may have more of an elongated vase shape.
Colors
Porcelain ginger jars are a traditional part of Chinese culture and history. The color of the ginger jars is steeped in symbolism. For example, yellow ginger jars were a traditional gift to China's emperor. Yellow was both the color of ginger, a precious spice, and the emperor's color. A red colored ginger jar symbolized a wish for happiness and prosperity for the owner. A white ginger jar is the traditional Chinese wedding gift.
Inscriptions
The yellow ginger jar was always inscribed with the symbol for health and long life and was a gift meant to last a lifetime. It was never appropriate for the receiver to give away a yellow ginger jar that was received as a gift. The red ginger jar was often inscribed with the symbol for happiness and prosperity. The white wedding ginger jar was inscribed with symbols for happiness, prosperity and fertility.
Symbols
Certain distinct symbols were often painted on the ginger jars. The symbols most commonly seen on the white ginger jars were the dragon, which represents the groom, and the phoenix, which represents the bride. Other symbols commonly painted on ginger jars include the crane, which represents and wishes long life; the peacock, which represents bounty; the butterfly, which represents happiness, the elephant, which represents and wishes good fortune; and the warrior, which represents safety and protection.
Warnings
If you are fortunate enough to acquire an antique ginger jar, be aware that the porcelain may be very fragile because of its age. Clean it gently with a damp cloth, and whatever you do, never, never wash it in a dishwasher.
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