Photography
Stitt Gallery · SG-CN-005 · China
Republic Period, Jingdezhen c.1930–1950
The Piece
This exceptional pair of hand-decorated porcelain ginger jars represents the finest traditions of mid-20th-century Chinese export ceramics. Crafted in the renowned kilns of Jingdezhen during the Republic Period, these jars embody the seamless fusion of classical Chinese aesthetic with Western commercial taste.
Standing at 30 centimeters tall, these pieces command attention through both scale and artistry. Their generous proportions, originally intended for display in European and American homes, make them equally at home in contemporary interiors seeking authentic vintage character.
Each jar is fitted with its original lid and finial, completing the silhouette. The underglaze blue botanical decoration — chrysanthemums, peonies, and foliate scrolls — provides a rich ground for the famille rose cartouche scenes.
Specifications
| Height | 30 cm (with lid & finial) |
| Body Width | 22–24 cm |
| Weight | ~2.6 kg (per pair) |
| Period | 1930s–1950s Republic Period |
| Origin | Jingdezhen or Canton export workshop |
| Material | Hard-paste porcelain (cream-white body) |
| Quantity | 2 jars + 2 fitted lids (pair) |
| Decoration | Underglaze blue florals + famille rose enamels |
| Base Mark | Red seal (workshop identifier, authentic) |
| Quality Grade | B+ Professional Export Ware |
| Condition | Excellent (9/10) | Unrestored |
| UV Tested | Yes — confirmed original underglaze & enamels |
| Gallery Ref | SG-CN-005 |
| Country | China |
Photography
About Chinese Export Porcelain
Jingdezhen in Jiangxi province has been the centre of Chinese porcelain production for over a thousand years. During the Republic Period (1912–1949) and into the 1950s, the kilns continued to produce high-quality export ware for the European and American markets. These ginger jars represent the B+ professional grade — carefully hand-decorated with genuine underglaze cobalt and famille rose overglaze enamels, not later reproduction.
The famille rose palette — soft pinks, apple greens, ochres, and touches of blue — was developed in the 18th century and perfected for export markets. Its characteristic soft, opaque quality distinguishes genuine Republic Period work from later mass-produced copies.
Materials & Decoration
Primary Decoration
Cobalt oxide hand-painted directly onto the unfired porcelain body, then covered with a transparent glaze and fired at c. 1300°C. The chrysanthemums, peonies and foliate scrolls demonstrate sophisticated composition.
Overglaze Enamels
Soft opaque enamels applied over the fired glaze and re-fired at a lower temperature. The characteristic palette — pink, green, ochre, blue — creates the garden scenes with elegantly robed figures in the cartouches.
The Porcelain Body
True hard-paste porcelain from Jingdezhen: kaolin, quartz and feldspar fired to vitrification. Cream-white tone, resonant ring when tapped, fine translucency at the rim.
The Lids
Each jar retains its original domed lid with matching underglaze blue decoration and a small finial. The fit is precise — evidence that lid and jar were paired in the workshop.
Condition Assessment
Each component has been assessed individually. Overall condition: Excellent (9/10) — unrestored, original condition.
| Component | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain body | Excellent | No chips, cracks, or hairline fractures. Cream-white body clean. |
| Decoration | Excellent | Underglaze blue and famille rose enamels fully intact. No wear or rubbing. |
| Lids & finials | Excellent | Original fitted lids, fully functional. Matching decoration. |
| Glaze | Very Good | Smooth surface; micro-crazing appropriate to 75+ year aging. |
| Base marks | Excellent | Red seal clearly visible, consistent with period workshop practice. |
| UV test result | Excellent | No synthetic pigments detected. Original underglaze and enamels confirmed. |
Provenance & Documentation
Stitt Gallery maintains full transparency regarding the provenance and documentation status of every piece. The following represents our complete knowledge record for SG-CN-005.
Authentication
SG-CN-005 carries six independent markers confirming its authentic Republic Period manufacture.
Indicator 1
Professional UV lamp examination confirms original underglaze blue and famille rose enamels. No synthetic overpainting, modern pigments, or restoration fluorescence detected.
Indicator 2
Authentic red seal mark on the base, consistent with Jingdezhen workshop practice of the Republic Period. Not a later addition.
Indicator 3
Visible brushwork variation confirms hand-painting, not transfer-printed or decal decoration. Each floral element shows individual artistic handling.
Indicator 4
Domed lids with matching decoration and precise workshop fit. The presence of original lids on export ginger jars is a significant quality indicator.
Authentication Confidence: HIGH (95%+) — All markers confirm genuine Republic Period (1930s–1950s) manufacture. No restoration. No modern overpainting.
Market Positioning
Specialist Retail
€850
High Confidence1stDibs consignment / direct collectors
Fair Market
£380–450
High ConfidenceEtsy/eBay comparable sales
Insurance Value
£550–700
High ConfidenceReplacement cost
€839 for the pair
This piece is available for private sale. We welcome enquiries from collectors, interior specialists and institutions. Viewing by appointment in Poznań. Shipping to Europe and internationally arranged on request.
Gallery reference: SG-CN-005 · stittgallery.com
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