Authentic Late 19th Century Chinese Blue & White 'Prunus' Ginger Jar
This exquisite porcelain ginger jar is a definitive example of late Qing Dynasty export ware, dating specifically to the Guangxu period (c. 1880–1900). Decorated in underglaze cobalt blue with the traditional 'Prunus' (Plum Blossom) motif against a vibrant ground, it represents the arrival of spring and resilience—a classic theme in Chinese iconography.
Technical Analysis & Authenticity:
This piece has undergone a rigorous physical examination to confirm its age and provenance. The authenticity is evidenced by several key period-specific characteristics:
Foot Rim & Firing Signs: The unglazed foot rim shows genuine iron spots (tiny black oxidised particles within the clay), a hallmark of historical kaolin processing. Trace remnants of firing sand and natural oxidation (patina) on the foot further verify traditional kiln production.
Glaze Texture: The surface exhibits the sought-after "orange peel" texture, a subtle undulation in the glaze caused by the cooling process in 19th-century wood-fired kilns, absent in modern industrial replicas.
Hand-Crafted Construction: Tactile examination of the interior reveals distinct irregularities and throwing ridges, confirming the jar was hand-formed on a potter's wheel. The glaze application inside is uneven and rich, consistent with period techniques.
Artistry: The underglaze blue decoration shows hand-painted variations in cobalt saturation, creating depth in the blossoms that cannot be replicated by modern printing.
The base features the traditional underglaze blue double rings, a respectful tribute to the Kangxi era, executed in the freehand style typical of the late 19th century.
Height: 8.5 cm | Width: 8 cm | Weight: 152 g
Provenance: Artistic Avenue Gallery Art and Museum Collection.
Please examine the photos carefully as they form an integral part of the description.