Chinese Blue and White Prunus Ginger Jar Converted Table Lamp
Decorative art, ceramic vase/ginger jar converted into an electric table lamp • Chinese export workshop or commercial kiln production, in the manner of 17th/18th-century Qing dynasty porcelain
Style & Movement
Chinoiserie / Traditional Chinese Export Porcelain Revival
Medium & Technique
Underglaze cobalt blue on porcelain, hand-painted 'cracked ice and prunus blossom' (Kangxi style) motif
Creation Period
Mid to late 20th century
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 14 to 18 inches in total height including the lamp base and hardware, cylindrical vessel format
Subject Description
Cylindrical lidded ginger jar featuring a classic 'cracked ice and prunus blossom' pattern in cobalt blue against a mottled blue-and-white ice-crackle ground, bordered by stylized heart-shaped ruyi or pendant motifs near the shoulder and an architectural arcade border at the base
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good condition; porcelain body appears intact with glossy glaze, though conversion to a lamp typically involves drilling the base or mounting through the lid, which affects original structural integrity
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $300
Auction Estimate
$100 - $200
Provenance History
Likely acquired through mid-century interior design import markets, department stores, or Asian art export shops catering to Western home decor trends
Art Historical Significance
Reflects the enduring Western fascination with Chinese blue-and-white porcelain, specifically the popularization of Kangxi-period revival ginger jars repurposed for domestic interior lighting during the 20th century
Notable Features
Classic cracked ice and blossoming plum branch iconography symbolizing resilience and spring, paired with a fitted dark wooden base and a brass lamp fixture fitting snugly over the jar's domed lid
Condition Issues
Potential drilling hole at the base for electrical wiring, minor wear to the brass hardware components, and possible adhesive residue or fitting marks around the lid and neck
Conservation Recommendations
Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth; check electrical wiring periodically for safety; ensure stable placement on a level surface to prevent tipping