Ceramic Ginger Jar & Temple Jars | Classic Hamptons Style Chinoiserie Porcelain Ginger Jars

A ceramic ginger jar is the perfect classic addition to your home, with its timeless design allowing it to integrate into any space. With French Knot's range featuring both traditional designs and those with a more modern twist, you're sure to find a jar that is a perfect fit for your home.

Blue And White Ginger Jar

Choose a blue and white ginger jar for your home from our gorgeous range. Handcrafted from ceramic, each one is beautifully decorated with lush designs to create the perfect look. We curate a lovely collection ranging from large jars to impress down to dainty trinket boxes for small spaces - so you'll find the perfect piece.

Since merchants first began importing Chinese porcelain into Europe, pieces like these have been signs of luxury and have been prized for the beauty and exotic flair they bring to a home. Large ginger jars take pride of place on console tables or buffets. Often a matching pair will be placed one at each end of the console to create an impressive and symmetrical display. Small chinoiserie ceramics such as vases and trinket boxes are perfect for placing on coffee table trays, bookshelves or bedside tables to take that touch of traditional elegance throughout the home.

What is the history of ginger jars?

Ginger jars have a long and fascinating history, dating back to the Tang dynasty in China, from 618 to 907AD. These jars were originally used for the storage and transportation of spices, including ginger, which is how they got their name. Ginger jars were also traditionally made from porcelain, a material prized for its beauty and durability.

Over time, ginger jars evolved from simple storage items to being used as decorative pieces such as vases or as statement pieces. They're adorned with intricate designs, such as floral patterns, landscapes and calligraphy, and were highly valued as works of art. Today ginger jars continue to be a popular element of home decor, adding a touch of elegance and a sense of history to any space. They can be used as statement pieces on shelves or tables or as functional yet stylish containers for plants or other decorative objects. Whether used as a nod to their rich cultural heritage or simply as a beautiful addition to your decor, ginger jars remain a beloved element of homewares and interior design.

What is the difference between a ginger jar and a temple jar?

Ginger jars and temple jars are both similar yet distinct types of decorative containers that are often used in homewares and interior design. While they share some similarities in their shapes and styles, there are some key differences between the two.

Perhaps the most notable difference is the size and shape, where ginger jars are typically smaller and more rounded than temple jars, with a domed lid that fits snugly on top. They are often adorned with intricate designs, such as floral patterns or landscapes and were originally used for storing and transporting spices. Temple jars are larger and more cylindrical, hosting a taller lid that often features an intricate pointed tip. They were traditionally used in Chinese temples for storing offerings of food and other items, and as such are often adorned with more intricate designs and patterns than ginger jars.

Despite these differences, both temple jars and ginger jars can be used as a beautiful yet functional addition to your home decor and interior design. They can be used as a statement piece on a shelf or table, as a container for plants or other decorative objects, or even as storage for your spices. Whether you prefer the simple elegance of a ginger jar or the grandeur of a temple jar both are versatile and well-suited to add a touch of culture and history to any space.

What style of furniture goes well with blue and white pottery?

Blue and white pottery is a timeless and versatile addition to your home that can complement a wide range of furniture styles. Here in Australia, blue and white ginger jars are most popular in Hampton's style homes. They will be teamed with furniture that combines clean tailored lines with some traditional touches. Bookshelves, coffee tables and consoles will usually be made from timber and painted white while large dining tables may come in a light natural wood colour such as oak. Sofas and chairs will be soft and comfortable yet with an elegant tailored style and light-coloured fabrics will be favoured.

For an elegant and traditional look, blue and white pottery pairs with antique-style furniture pieces, such as wooden tables and carved chairs, creating a sophisticated, refined look that evokes a sense of timelessness and history and the beauty of European stately homes. In this look, you will include furniture in natural wood colours and use a wider range of colours in your furnishing fabrics to create a rich, layered effect.

To pair with a more contemporary or eclectic look, blue and white pottery pairs well with modern or mid-century furniture pieces. Notably the clean lines and minimalist design of modern home decor provide contrast to the intricate patterns and designs within blue and white pottery. Ultimately, the versatility of blue and white pottery means that it can work with an extensive range of furniture styles and can be used to achieve a variety of decorative effects.

Do ginger jars make good urns for ashes?

The timeless elegance and intricate designs of ginger jars make them a unique and tasteful option to store the ashes of a loved one. These jars, which were originally designed to store spices, are gaining popularity as urns for storing ashes thanks to their beautiful appearance and ability to blend seamlessly into any home decor. When selecting the perfect ginger jar to serve as an urn, it is important to consider the size and volume required to hold the ashes, as most ashes are roughly 3 to 3.5 litres, which can comfortably fit in a ginger jar of moderate size.

While larger ginger jars can make a bold statement piece in your home, a smaller jar measuring around 25 to 30cm high should be sufficient for holding the ashes whilst also maintaining a subtle presence. These jars come in a variety of styles, patterns and colours, allowing you to choose the one that best reflects the memory of your loved one. Not only do ginger jars serve as functional and attractive vessels for ashes but they also act as a heartfelt reminder of the many cherished memories you shared with your loved one. By repurposing these jars as urns, you create a unique tribute that is both beautiful and meaningful within your home.

Can I store spices in my ginger jar?

Although ginger jars were traditionally used for storing food, they may not be the most ideal choice for modern spice storage. The porcelain material and non-airtight seal will not provide the ideal conditions for keeping spices fresh and flavourful over time. Depending on the spice, moisture and air can both impact the quality of spices and ginger jars may not offer sufficient protection against these elements.

Instead, it's recommended to store most spices in airtight containers made from materials such as glass or stainless steel, which can help to keep them fresh and flavourful for longer. These containers should be stored in a cool, dry place away from any direct sunlight or moisture. Ginger jars can still be used in your spice collection but only for spices that don't require an airtight seal to remain fresh such as salt.

Browse our entire range of Hamptons Style Decor and explore our beautiful rattan furniture to complement your fresh coastal Hamptons home. Our gorgeous home accessories make a beautiful gift idea for someone special.