If you’re strolling through antique shops or attending the auction circuit, there’s a good chance that the charming ginger jars are now within your reach. Besides their rich colors, lithe curves and hypnotic designs are often all too much to resist for antique collectors. But what if this captivating piece in front of you is all an illusion? It’s a bit like peeling an onion, all the layers but no tears… Simply speaking, how are you to winnow the grain from the chaff and tell whether an antique ginger jar is truly genuine?
The spell cast by ginger jars goes back to ancient China; they were originally just another type of stoneware used for storing things. These vessels used to store herbs, spices and oils underwent a remarkable transformation on their road of development. How do you know whether it is a jewel or nothing more than a pebble? A touch of the eyes and a keen ear for detail are needed.
First we look at the clay. Genuine antique ginger jars are made from particular clays found at the sites where they were created. Differences in quality of clay could point to either time or betrayal. So imagine you’re a detective with a magnifying glass, feeling down through the centuries the texture and glaze of a piece of pottery. True aging will be smooth yet variegated like a classic movie scene.
Design analysis takes one onh a fun little trip next. A dragon motif or elaborately designed flowers on the jar invite you too come closer, but where do these motifs come from and what are the patterns? The art of the Orient changed along distinct lines with each dynasty, like a fashion parade, so you should try to figure out just where your ginger jar fits into this scheme of things.
Here’s a nice little point–the color blue often plays a part in them. The blues themselves are another representation. That cobalt blue should be something like a profound ocean, at once inviting and a little mysterious. See if the color is properly fixed down into the glaze, much as a good dye job should be not too light or too dark. Then pay a little attention to the paintwork. The brushwork of the artist tells all: if it is rough, unrefined or else suspiciously smooth–watch out!
For history buffs and ginger jar enthusiasts alike, complete investigation of ginger jars is incomplete without this ritual: site appreciation. Original pieces, especially the old ones, may show remnants of their nature, bearing kiln marks or having bits of foot ring which give place and date like a little passport stamp on each piece If these marks appear too fresh or too modern, be cautious.
Finally, consider the provenance or previous owner. It’s like the Google maps of old, in jar form. Knowing who had the jar, tracing its lineage back through the years and documentary evidence attesting to age, these can often be worth telling a great deal. It’s a treasure map for your ginger jar treasure hunt. Who wants something modern made when they can have that lovely echo of by gone days?
How to Determine What an Actual Ginger Jar Is Worth
Congratulations, you own one! Perhaps there are some on the mantelpiece of your grandmother, and you stumble on them strang close to midnight in a thrift shop. But just exactly what is it worth? Given the round, bulbous shape and range, sometimes these jars can cost a pretty penny. Now, let’s look at the nuts and bolts. Find out how you can assess the worth of ginger jars while feeling like you’re not chasing your tail.
First, let’s put on our detective hat and examine old historical accounts. Our ginger jars, originating mostly from China, functioned as holders for you got it ginger! It was, however, not just the ginger itself that ranked as a treasure. Quite often the jars were finely made and showed artistic designs. So, look under the bottom for some sort of mark or stamp. If your jar goes back to the Qing Dynasty, you might really have hit the jackpot of porcelain in this case.
That takes us to condition–consider this: You are about to purchase a used car. Scratches and dents, the lingering smell of mystery meat from last year’s cookout, all these lower a car’s value. Like in life, chips and cracks alike may cause substantial harm to a jar’s worth. If you find such defects, do not be discouraged; think about how they affect the overall look.
Now let’s talk about design and decoration. Whether it’s vivid blues against soothing whites, or subtle phoenix graphic abilities curling around its perimeter, design counts. Generally speaking, more complicated patterns denote higher craftsmanship. Run your finger gingerly across the surface (pun intended!). Even some surface details may be hand painted, adding that much more worth to the ginger jar of yours.
Provenance is where we need to stop now. If your jar has a story, chances are it’s more valuable. Even if at some point in its existence this jar was owned by an aristocrat. Or for a short while found itself on display in a museum. Having some documentation of the past not only satisfies your inherent snoopy nature a little, but may also prove helpful when finally one day you want to offload it.
Let s talk about rarity! Often scarcity means value. Scarcity also creates value. Hunt online for comparison sales, such as auctions, to see just how many ginger jars like yours there are out there. Discover that yours is unique? Then you may want to hang on to it like a winning lottery ticket.
Another aspect worth considering is artistic style. Get a second pair of expert eyes, at least, to look closely at your finds. A gallery or antique shop visit for comparison notes can help. Getting someone trained to know these pieces inside out also seems like a good bet, especially for beginners who are new collectors of antiques.
Then rotate to market demand. Think in terms of fashion trends it may have been your ancestors most satisfying piece of china, but if no one s actually interested in their period, that doesn’t help either weight or quality stand up. Antique shows or else nowadays online forums can tell you what s hot or not today! In plain language: what kind of jar styles make collectors more willing to open their wallets?
