Blue and White Double Happiness Covered Jar

This early 20th century blue-and-white ginger jar was originally used for storing spices. Bordered by a simple meander, the jar is densely patterned with trailing vines and orchid blossoms, symbols of love and beauty. On either side of the round jar is the 囍 symbol for "double happiness," a traditional symbol of marriage and conjugal bliss. Chinese blue-and-white porcelain has inspired ceramists worldwide since cobalt was first introduced to China from the Middle East thousands of years ago, and continues as a time-honored tradition to this day.