Vintage Jingdezhen Porcelain Ginger Jar with Foo Dog Finial, Co-Op Era Pre Cultural Revolution

Jingdezhen, one of the greatest if not the greatest porcelain capital in the world. For centuries it produced ceramics at the zenith of craftsmanship. After the Xinhai Revolution in 1911, Jingdezhen had slowly fallen into disuse. 

During the late 1940s to 1950s, it was briefly revitalised by the Communist government, when individual kilns were reorganised into cooperatives. This began in late 1952 and continued into 1956, which is approximately when this ginger jar dates from (which is also the year Chinese simplified characters was introduced).  (Murck, Beijing, 2004) 

This places this ginger jar at a unique period in history, the only time when the Jindezhen kilns were revitalised during the 20th century. Afterwards, as the Cultural Revolution raged on, Jingdezhen would not regain its prominence until modern times.

A lovely overglaze in tones of red, with shou motifs and vintage Jingdezhen enamels. Other details include a small and almost naively shaped foo dog finial with charming handpainted features as well as lingzhi shaped motifs all over the main body of the vase.

Overall an artistic piece and interesting bit of history that is sure to appreciate in value.

Hong Kong merchants who were active during this give accounts that the base mark was used in pieces dating from the 40s; this piece is likely to be no later than the 1950s.

See the below piece of 1950s Jingdezhen ware as an example of how museums are beginning to appreciate this particular era’s historical and artistic value:

https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/145.2003/#exhibitions

Price marked at $500 AUD.

Measurements: 

7.4 base diameter

26.5cm total height 

10cm approx at widest pt

Excellent vintage condition with light wear to glaze and base as pictured.