Famille Rose Ginger Jar with 'Hundred Antiques' Motif
Decorative Art, Ceramic, Ginger Jar with Lid • Chinese School, likely Jingdezhen production
Style & Movement
Chinoiserie / Late Qing Dynasty Revival Style
Medium & Technique
Porcelain with polychrome enamels and crackle-glaze finish. The 'Famille Rose' palette is achieved through lead-based enamels featuring opaque white and pink. The crazing/crackle effect is intentional, typical of 'Ge-ware' style revival.
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (Post-Republic Era, c. 1950-1970)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8 to 10 inches in height; globular format with a matching domed lid and pointed finial.
Subject Description
The jar features the 'Bogu' or 'Hundred Antiques' motif, symbolizing cultural refinement and scholarship. Notable motifs include a purple cracked-ice baluster vase on a wooden stand holding cherry blossoms, floral planters, a yellow teapot, and auspicious symbols like the endless knot and butterflies.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The intentional crackle glaze is stable, but there appears to be some minor surface grime and potential wear to the enamel gilding on the finial.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Likely produced for the export market in the mid-century period. No visible collector stamps; typical of decorative household items from the mid-20th century.
Art Historical Significance
While a secondary market revival piece, it represents the enduring legacy of the Kangxi and Qianlong periods' design aesthetics. It serves as a study in how 20th-century artisans adapted traditional Taoist and scholarly symbols for modern interior decoration.
Notable Features
Distinguished by the deliberate 'cracked ice' background glaze which contrasts with the smooth, colorful floral and antique enamels. The use of a purple 'crackle' texture within the depicted vase (a meta-reference) is quite unique.
Condition Issues
Visible heavy crazing (though mostly decorative), potential minor scuffs on the base, and slight fading of the lime-green and pink pigments in high-contact areas.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle dusting with a soft brush; avoid harsh chemicals that could seep into the crackle glaze. Keep out of direct UV light to prevent further fading of enamels.