What were Chinese ginger jars used for?

Beautiful set of Chinese ginger jars 18th century or earlier.  

This large 1950s Chinese ginger jar is made of many bright, contrasting and vibrant colors. The

Pair Famille Rose Chinese Ginger Jars with Bronze Mounts in Louis XVI Style.

petite ginger jar is decorated in the famille rose style with a lively scene of young boys playing in a

This turquoise Chinese ginger jar is a striking example of mid-20th century porcelain, crafted

A circa 1930's Chinese ginger jar-shaped covered urn with floral decoration and gilt details

An unusual and very attractive large Satsuma parasol shaped bowl signed Chin Jukan and attributed to Chin Jukan XII (1835 - 1906), Meiji Period, circa 1890, Japan. The bowl of whims...

A large and fine Japanese pure silver (99%) "hobnail" tetsubin style teapot, late Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan. The beautifully executed teapot of kettle form, featuring a stunni...

An lovely Chinese cobalt glazed and gilt decorated porcelain pear shaped vase, yuhuchunping, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China. The elegant vase of typical yuhuchunping (pear sha...

A small and well cast Chinese archaistic bronze tripod incense burner, censer, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China. The small censer features a squat and bulbous body, very short n...

A striking Japanese cast and carved patinated bronze trumpet mouth vase for flower displays, Edo to Meiji Period, mid 19th century, circa 1860, Japan. The tall and elegant bronze fl...

A vibrant Japanese turquoise ground and silver wire cloisonne vase, now mounted as a lamp, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan. The tall vase of elegant rouleau shape, with a straight neck and body, slightly tapered food, and everted mouth. Crafted in the cloisonne technique upon a copper ground, the silver wires stand out and shimmer against the bright turquoise enamel ground. An ebullient design of blossoming peony (botanical) and morning glory (asago) graces the body of the vase. The large and heavy blooms of white peony especially striking and contrasting nicely with the more delicate and almost shy pastel morning glory blossoms hiding behind the large leaves. The cloisonne enamels especially well done within the silver cloisons, with the leaves and flowers displaying masterful shading. The foot decorated with a geometric and floral border. The vase drilled and wired and now mounted as a lamp. Set upon two wood bases. The actual lamp of brass plate, set with a single socket and tall, adjustable harp. The lamp is topped by an antique 19th century Chinese Qing Dynasty tumble polished natural rock crystal. The crystal finial originally served as a Chinese Mandarin hat finial...

A fantastic Japanese Satsuma incense burner, koro, with phoenix and brocade designs and a silver lid, Meiji Period, late 19th century, Japan. The cens...