Pair of Chinese Blue and White Floral Ginger Jars

A rich, monochrome red glaze coats this ginger jar shaped contemporary vase, drawing attention to its updated profile and its sculptural Fu dog top. Referred to as shizi, these mythi...

This large ceramic block is actually a form of Chinese headrest or neck pillow. Popular during the Qing dynasty, rigid headrests such as this were used by upper-class women to protect their elaborate hairstyles by elevating the head during slumber. This example dates to the early 20th century and is glazed in the blue-and-white style with rich, cobalt-blue color. The headrest is decorated on all sides with mythical fu lion dogs playing with ribbon-tied brocade balls, a motif that evokes the idiom "may you and your descendant achieve high rank." A powerful and benevolent guardian, the fu lion (shizi) is the perfect force to protect against nightmares and bad energy. A geometric meander trims the corners and small dragon-like bats frame coin...

This contemporary ginger jar continues the tradition of Chinese blue-and-white ceramics with classic curves and auspicious, hand-painted decorations. Symbols that would surely give a...

This round, porcelain ginger jar is brightly glazed in the blue-and-white manner. A combination of stenciled linework and hand-brushed shading, the jar is decorated with mountain-and...