Blue and White Cherry Blossom Ginger Jar Lamp
Decorative art, ceramic lighting fixture • Mass-produced decorative arts; likely manufactured in China for the international home decor market (e.g., in the style of Wildwood Lamps or similar high-end retailers).
Style & Movement
Chinoiserie / Traditional Neoclassical revival; inspired by Chinese Qing Dynasty (Kangxi period) prunus blossom patterns.
Medium & Technique
Transferware or hand-painted porcelain with cobalt blue underglaze and a clear protective glaze; mounted on a tiered wooden base with brass hardware.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century (modern revival of classic Chinoiserie styles).
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24-28 inches in total height (including shade); cylindrical format mounted on a circular base.
Subject Description
The ceramic body features an all-over 'hawthorn' or 'cracked ice' pattern with white prunus (cherry or plum) blossoms against a vibrant cobalt blue ground, symbolizing the arrival of spring. The cylindrical jar is capped with a ceramic lid and integrated into a functional lamp.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the ceramic body appears intact with a high gloss. The lampshade shows minor signs of age and typical dust accumulation.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$75 - $150 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a fine home furnishings retailer or interior design firm; typical of American high-traditional domestic interiors of the last 30 years.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the enduring Western fascination with Chinese porcelain motifs. While modern, it continues a 300-year-old tradition of adapting Asian ceramic forms for European and American utilitarian domestic use.
Notable Features
Features the classic 'Prunus on Cracked Ice' motif, historically one of the most popular Export porcelain designs. The use of a tiered black wooden plinth is a traditional mounting technique for converting jars into lamps.
Condition Issues
Potential micro-crazing in glaze (common in ceramics); slight oxidation of the brass finial and neck; minor textile wear on the pleated bell shade.
Conservation Recommendations
Dust with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners on the ceramic. Check electrical wiring for safety if over 20 years old. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent shade yellowing.