A blue and white porcelain ginger Jar China, Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912), Kangxi (1661 - 1722) This exquisite ginger jar, dating from the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, exemplifies the refined elegance and technical mastery of Chinese blue and white porcelain. The jar features a classic ovoid shape with a short, flared neck and a wide, circular mouth. The exterior is adorned with a meticulously shaped panels of boys amongst lotus on whorl pattern grounds, on a ground of scattered lotus sprays. Ginger jars, also known as "general jars" (将军罐) in Chinese, were originally used to store and transport ginger and other spices. However, they soon became popular decorative objects, prized for their aesthetic appeal and cultural symbolism. Provenance: French private collection - Galerie art asiatique, Marseille Height: 17 cm