Famille Rose Ginger Jar with Boys at Play

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.

This oval ginger jar is decorated on all sides with a scene of boys at play in a garden setting. A popular theme in Chinese decorative arts, this scene conveys a wish for many successful sons. Each boy is shown carrying an object with auspicious meaning - a lotus for harmony among sons, an ingot and brush for passing exams with honors, and a mouth organ for many distinguished sons, among others. A band of rectangular lappets borders the base and ruyi border the neck. The underside is stamped with a decorative reign mark of the Tongzhi era (1862-1873). With its vibrant play of colors and playful decoration, this jar is a lovely way to brighten any interior.