Author Topic: Blue Willow Chinese Ginger Jars  (Read 1455 times)

GreenhornGirl

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Blue Willow Chinese Ginger Jars
« on: September 03, 2011, 11:49:54 am »
I bought these two pieces which I initially thought were vases, but upon research it seems they are Chinese ginger jars, with a plum blossom or cherry blossom design.  I have looked online and the majority of similar pieces I've found are called 19th century pieces.  Do you think this is accurate?  The prices range from $50-2000 and the age seems to play a large factor, so I'm really trying to date these at least generally.

One of the lids broke and someone took a lot of care to glue at least 5-6 pieces together, which makes me think it's not just any old item and has at least some value or importance.

The bottom stamp is faded but I think it said "CHINA" in red letters, only on the smaller one (although both have the double blue rim on bottom).  One is 6" H with lid and the other is 5" H with lid.  Without lid they are 5" & 4.5".

Here are the "leads" I've come up with:
Very similar:
Called early 19th century http://www.eldreds.com/sales/detail.php?itemID=116509
Called from the Kangxi period / 1860s http://cgi.ebay.com/Prunus-Blue-and-White-Ginger-Jar-Kangxi-period-/180625172504
Same lid design, called 19th century http://www.artfact.com/auction-lot/blue-white-porcelain-ginger-jar-cover-76-c-7ce65cda95

Similar but different neck color, also called from the Kangxi period, sold for >$2000 http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=5341346

May be exact:
Third item on the page with double-blue rim bottom like mine, called 1912-1949 http://www.arteorientalis.com/Cinporselenleri_ikincisayfa.htm
#1162 on this page, called 19th century http://www.artibet.net/ceramics.htm

ironlord1963

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Re: Blue Willow Chinese Ginger Jars
« Reply #1 on: September 03, 2011, 11:55:34 am »
    I would say these appear to be mid century in age at the oldest, and was made for export, if they were old most likely they would have a maker stamp on them.

mart

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Re: Blue Willow Chinese Ginger Jars
« Reply #2 on: September 03, 2011, 01:50:05 pm »
I agree with Ironlord !! They are not Blue Willow pattern !! Since it says China rather than "Made in China" that would date it from approx the 50`s when so much was exported for sale here as part of the recovery after the war !!

GreenhornGirl

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Re: Blue Willow Chinese Ginger Jars
« Reply #3 on: September 03, 2011, 02:55:31 pm »
Thanks!  Unbelievable how other people just call something 19th century if it's not and then sell it for a few hundred more...when the rest of us work so hard to do the research on our pieces and probably end up taking less for being honest!

mart

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Re: Blue Willow Chinese Ginger Jars
« Reply #4 on: September 03, 2011, 04:14:20 pm »
Yes and some people do try to put items like these over on the new collectors !! But ask yourself "does this make sense according to what I am seeing" when judging a piece !! This was a pattern that was so simple, easy to make by the hundreds, and could be done and on its way in a short time !!  There are similar old pieces but you need to judge for yourself and whatever they tell you,, look it up and know the differences in new and old !! Don`t take the sellers word for it !!