Originally considered ordinary blue-and-white pottery, a ginger jar, absent its lid, was revealed as a 300-year-old Chinese gem. The 9-inch ceramic pot surfaced among various items exhibited in an Oxfordshire farmhouse, catching the attention of Paul Fox, a valuer at Hanson Holloway’s Auctioneers in Banbury, amid a display of Copeland- and Staffordshire-made plates and bowls, as reported by SWNS.
Intrigued by its vibrant blue hue, Fox expressed interest, seeking permission to conduct further research on the ginger jar. The owner, unidentified, had placed the jar alongside less valuable bowls and plates, assuming it held no significant worth.
Specialists have officially verified that the ginger jar was crafted during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, who governed China from 1661 to 1722.
Anticipated to be auctioned for $1,200 to $1,900 (Rs 99,000 To Rs 1.5 Lakh) at Hanson Holloway’s next month, the 17th-century piece, adorned with cobalt blue paint and floral motifs amidst leafy scrollwork, was initially overlooked by its owner. Notably, Hanson’s Asian consultant, Adam Schoon, recognized the inky-blue design as indicative of the Kangxi period, contributing his expertise to the valuation.
Schoon expressed his pleasure in examining the jar, predicting its success at auction, especially with collectors from the Far East eager to repatriate such items. Fox referred to it as a ‘remarkable farmhouse find,’ highlighting the thriving era of blue-and-white ceramics during Kangxi’s reign.
He suggested the popularity of blue-and-white ceramics in China, noting that King William III of England even housed a substantial collection at Hampton Court Palace. Fox added that in Chinese culture, the colour blue holds deep significance, symbolising growth, and advancement, and representing the element of wood. Kingfisher Blue, in particular, held great appeal to the Chinese court and the Emperor himself.
The Chinese ginger jar is set to be auctioned at Hanson Holloway’s Banbury Fine Art and Antiques auction on Feb 3. Fox encourages individuals to reassess their antiques and heirlooms, emphasizing the importance of getting items valued. He stressed that many people may have valuable objects tucked away, possibly inherited, without realizing their worth. Fox pointed out that the ginger jar’s unexpected value came as a pleasant surprise to the owner, who initially regarded it as just another piece of blue-and-white pottery.
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