Blue and White Prunus Blossom Ginger Jar Converted Lamp
Decorative art, ceramic vessel converted to lighting • Anonymous Asian Ceramic Workshop / Export Ware Manufacturer
Style & Movement
Traditional Chinese Revival / Chinoiserie Decorative Arts
Medium & Technique
Underglaze blue porcelain with hand-painted prunus (plum blossom) motif and crackle glaze effect, mounted with a custom wooden base and brass lamp hardware
Creation Period
Mid to late 20th Century
Dimensions & Format
Height approximately 16 to 20 inches including base and hardware, cylindrical vertical format
Subject Description
Cylindrical lidded ginger jar featuring a classic blue and white design depicting blossoming plum branches against a mottled blue ground, bordered by stylized repeating geometric and heart-shaped motifs at the rim and base. Converted into a functional table lamp.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The porcelain body appears intact with glossy glaze, though the piece has been permanently altered for electrical conversion.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $300
Auction Estimate
$100 - $200
Provenance History
Likely acquired as a decorative export piece during the mid-to-late 20th century, subsequently converted into a household lamp by an American or European decorator.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the enduring Western fascination with Asian blue-and-white porcelain, illustrating the common 20th-century practice of repurposing decorative export wares into functional domestic furnishings.
Notable Features
Distinctive overall pattern resembling 'cracked ice and prunus' design with unique dome-shaped matching lid integrated into the lamp structure, mounted securely on a shaped dark wood base.
Condition Issues
Drilled base or modified interior wiring apparatus typical of lamp conversions; potential minor surface scuffs or wear to the wooden base and brass components.
Conservation Recommendations
Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth. Inspect electrical wiring periodically for safety. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners on the porcelain surface and brass hardware.