Petite Famille Rose Ginger jar

During the 18th century, Europeans provided an eager market for Chinese export porcelain, especially the colorful and fanciful ware known as “famille rose.” Named for a palette of opaque overglaze enamels that favored roses and pinks, famille rose porcelain ware was crafted with the same technical virtuosity as imperial porcelain but designed for Western tastes. Contrasted by a crisp white field, this petite ginger jar is decorated in the famille rose style with a lively scene of young boys playing in a courtyard garden.

A popular theme in Chinese decorative arts, this scene conveys a wish for many successful sons. Many of the boys carry objects used in daily life, like a fan, lantern, or qin, the musical instrument most depicted by Chinese literati symbolizing Chinese high culture. The qin is depicted again on the round lid, draped in ribbons as a scholar's object. With its intricate decoration and fanciful coloring, this famille rose ginger jar is a delightful way to brighten up any interior.