Persimmon Ginger Jar
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Ceramics
Porcelain
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Jars
Gold Leaf
Early 20th Century Chinese Ceramics
Porcelain
People Also Browsed
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bottles
Gold Leaf
20th Century French Empire Decorative Bowls
Crystal, Bronze
Early 20th Century Chinese Other Ceramics
Ceramic
1890s Tonalist Landscape Paintings
Canvas, Oil
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Vases
Brass, Enamel
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics
Porcelain
Antique Early 1900s Chinese Qing Ceramics
Porcelain
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bottles
Gold Leaf
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Ceramics
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese and East Asian Rugs
Wool, Cotton
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Jars
Porcelain
Antique 1890s Chinese Ceramics
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Jars
Gold Leaf
Antique Early 18th Century Chinese Chinese Export Porcelain
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Other Ceramics
Ceramic
Recent Sales
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Vases
Porcelain
Vintage 1920s Chinese Art Deco Ceramics
Porcelain
Vintage 1920s Chinese Art Deco Ceramics
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Ceramics
Porcelain, Paint
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Jars
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Ceramics
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Vases
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Ceramics
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Vases
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Vases
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Vases
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Ceramics
Gilt Metal
Early 20th Century Chinese Vases
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Ceramics
Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary American Paintings
Canvas
Finding the Right vases-vessels for You
For thousands of years, vases and vessels have had meaningful functional value in civilizations all over the world. In Ancient Greece, ceramic vessels were used for transporting water and dry goods, holding bouquets of flowers, for storage and more. Outside of utilitarian use, in cities such as Athens, vases were a medium for artistic expression — pottery was a canvas for artists to illustrate their cultures’ unique people, beliefs and more. And pottery skills were handed down from fathers to sons.
Every antique and vintage vase and vessel, from decorative Italian urns to French 19th-century Louis XVI–style lidded vases, carries with it a rich, layered story.
On 1stDibs, there is a vast array of vases and vessels in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes. Our collection features vessels made from delicate materials such as ceramic and glass as well as durable materials like rustproof metals and stone.
A contemporary vase can help introduce an air of elegance to your minimalist space while an antique Chinese jar would make a luxurious addition to an Asian-inspired interior. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a statement piece, consider an Art Deco vase crafted by Italian architect and furniture designer Gio Ponti.
Vases and vessels — be they handmade pots, handblown glass wine bottles or otherwise — are versatile, practical decorative objects, and no matter your particular design preferences, furniture style or color scheme, they can add beauty and warmth to any home. Find yours on 1stDibs today.
- What are ginger jars?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Ginger jars are blue and white patterned jars that were once used for transporting spices in Ancient China. Today, they serve decorative purposes in homes.
- What is a ginger jar lamp?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A ginger jar lamp pairs a lovely lampshade with an ornate Chinese spice jar to create a visually appealing lamp. The lampshades can be neutral or colorful to create a beautiful effect. Find a collection of antique and vintage table lamps on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The original purpose of a ginger jar was to transport herbs and spices. It was European traders who gave the highly decorative containers their name. Today, people use ginger jars as decorations. Find a selection of ginger jars on 1stDibs.
- Why is it called a ginger jar?1 AnswerPAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020
With a similar shape to the baluster jar, Chinese porcelain ginger jars have a rounded form, with broad shoulders tapering to the base and a narrowed neck topped by a domed lid. The unusual name comes from the export market, wherein salt and spices such as ground ginger travelled West in lidded storage vessels.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A ginger jar is a typically round jar that widens toward the top, or ‘shoulders’ of the jar. The narrower mouth is topped by a smooth domed lid. A temple jar features a handle or knob on the top of the lid. The jar itself is more curved as well. On 1stDibs, find a selection of ginger jars and temple jars.
- Lotus GallerySeptember 23, 2020
Chinese ginger jars were originally made as utilitarian vessels used to store various herbs and spices. Today, they are almost exclusively decorative objects.
- Lotus GallerySeptember 23, 2020
Chinese ginger jars are defined by their round, compact shape, wide mouth, short neck, and fitted cover.
- Lotus GallerySeptember 23, 2020
A Chinese ginger jar should be fairly compact in size, with a rounded, globular or ovoid body, high shoulders, a wide circular mouth, short neck, and a fitted cover.
Read More
African Travel Plans on Hold? This Ardmore Leopard Vase Brings the Beauty of the Savanna to You
It’s an excellent example of the sought-after ceramics coming out of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.
With a High-Tech Flagship and Cool Collabs, Lladró Is Breaking the Mold for Porcelain Production
Thanks to its new leadership, the Spanish maker of figurines, busts and lighting is on a mission to update the art of porcelain for the 21st century.
Zoë Powell’s Magnolia 05 Vessel Is Handmade from Clay She Unearthed Herself
The free-form stoneware piece is inspired by the magnolia tree and its associations with home.
8 Ways to Breathe New Life into a Space with Plants
The pair behind the Instagram account @houseplantclub share their tips for making any room of the house gloriously green.
Paris Gallerist Sandy Toupenet Gets Fired Up over 20th-Century Ceramics and Inventive New Makers
Her space on the city’s Left Bank mixes mid-century pieces by the likes of Jean Cocteau and Pablo Picasso with whimsical contemporary creations.
These Soft Sculptures Are Childhood Imaginary Friends Come to Life
Miami artist and designer Gabriela Noelle’s fantastical creations appeal to the Peter Pan in all of us.
This Vivacious Teapot Has Agnes Martin on One Side and Jean-Michel Basquiat on the Other
Ceramist Roberto Lugo brings a street-art sensibility to a dainty serving vessel while paying homage to his artistic heroes.
This Rare Set of 100 Alessi Vases Includes Designs by Scores of International Artists
Alessandro Mendini, Michael Graves, Ettore Sottsass and other design luminaries contributed to this unusual collection of porcelain wares representing a time capsule of late-20th-century decorative art.