What were lidded urns used for originally?

These covered vessels served both practical and decorative functions in historic interiors, often containing dry goods, spices, tobacco, or fragrant potpourri mixtures. Their sealed lids preserved the contents while presenting a polished ornamental object on mantelpieces, sideboards, or dedicated display furniture. Over time, many examples transitioned into purely decorative focal points, prized for their imposing scale and cobalt-painted surface designs. Wealthy households displayed them in matched pairs or garniture sets to demonstrate refined taste and global trade connections.

How do I distinguish Japanese Imari from European copies?

Examine the body paste, weight, and pigment characteristics under magnification to determine the origin of an Imari piece. Japanese export porcelain from Arita typically exhibits a dense, greyish-white body with subtle iron spotting beneath a clear glaze, paired with deep cobalt and iron-red pigments. European factories like those in England and Germany produced faithful interpretations using softer earthenwares or different porcelain formulas, often revealing distinct kiln-support marks or characteristic factory ciphers. The orange-peel texture of the glaze and the specific hue of the gilding also offer clues to whether a piece originated in Japan or a Western revival workshop.

What is the difference between an urn and a ginger jar?

Ginger jars traditionally feature a broad shoulders tapering smoothly to a flat base, topped with a domed lid that sits flush with the rim without handles or pedestals. Originally designed to transport spices and preserves from East Asia, their stout proportions became a staple of decorative ceramic production. Urns generally incorporate raised pedestals, distinct necks, and structural handles, drawing inspiration from classical architectural forms used in funerary or commemorative contexts. While both fall under the broader category of covered vessels, urns tend to emphasise verticality and ceremonial dignity compared to the functional origins of ginger jars.

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Blue Ceramic Lidded Urns

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Blue ceramic lidded urns bring together centuries of global kiln traditions, offering commanding decorative presence and refined storage through historic forms.

Fielding’s Crown Devon Vase and Cover, English Circa 1920

1900 - 1920

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Fielding’s Crown Devon Vase and Cover, English Circa 1920

From Robert Belcher Antiques

£1,250

3+ MONTHS AGO

vases

William Moorcroft Macintyre Aurelian Ware Twin Handled Vase, C.1898

19th century

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William Moorcroft Macintyre Aurelian Ware Twin Handled Vase, C.1898

From Ritas Bazaar

£650

3+ MONTHS AGO

vases

18th century

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C18th Italian Lidded Vase

From Fernyhough Antiques Ltd

£1,495

3+ MONTHS AGO

vases

Large Pair of French Faience Urns with Lids from 1860

19th century

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Large Pair of French Faience Urns with Lids from 1860

From Vanbrugh West Antiques Ltd

£2,950

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Exhibition Quality Pair of Lidded Sèvres Vases to Commemorate Napoleon Bonaparte

19th century

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Exhibition Quality Pair of Lidded Sèvres Vases to Commemorate Napoleon Bonaparte

From Georgian Antiques

£9,500

3+ MONTHS AGO

vases

Masons Ironstone Imari Pot Pourri & Cover, C. 1815.

18th century

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Masons Ironstone Imari Pot Pourri & Cover, C. 1815.

From Philip Carrol Antiques

£380

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

A Good Imari Vase and Cover, Circa 1910 / 1920.
Japanese. Asian Porcelain.

19th century

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A Good Imari Vase and Cover, Circa 1910 / 1920. Japanese. Asian Porcelain.

From Frank Craig Antiques

£250

3+ MONTHS AGO

vases

19th century

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Pair of Quality Antique Japanese Imari Lidded Vases

From London City Antiques

£2,250

3+ MONTHS AGO

vases

19th century

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Pair of Mason’s Ironstone “Bandana” Pattern Lidded Vases, C.1810–1815

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£400

3+ MONTHS AGO

vases

A Fine Vase and Cover Decorated in the Edo Manner Circa 1910. French Vase

1900 - 1920

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A Fine Vase and Cover Decorated in the Edo Manner Circa 1910. French Vase

From Frank Craig Antiques

£550

3+ MONTHS AGO

vases

Some historic tobacco jars feature inner lids to keep herb mixtures moist, proving that antique storage prioritised proper humidity long before modern humidors.

Gorgeous Antique Japanese Imari Porcelain Covered Jar / Ginger Jar – Circa 1880

19th century

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Gorgeous Antique Japanese Imari Porcelain Covered Jar / Ginger Jar – Circa 1880

From Kingsdown Antiques

£275

3+ MONTHS AGO

vases

Exceptional Quality Antique Japanese Imari Octagonal Baluster Vase and Cover

1900 - 1920

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Exceptional Quality Antique Japanese Imari Octagonal Baluster Vase and Cover

From Unique Antiques by Emma Jade

£495

3+ MONTHS AGO

vases

18th century

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18th Century Dutch Delft Tobacco Jar.

From Youngs Antiques

£450

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Large Mid C19th Japanese Meiji Period Porcelain Vase and Cover Decorated in the Imari Palette.

19th century

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Large Mid C19th Japanese Meiji Period Porcelain Vase and Cover Decorated in the Imari Palette.

From M Lees and Sons

£1,850

3+ MONTHS AGO

vases

A Large Late C19th / Early C20th Chinese Qing Dynasty Blue and White Porcelain Vase and Cover of C18th Kangxi Period Design.

1900 - 1920

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A Large Late C19th / Early C20th Chinese Qing Dynasty Blue and White Porcelain Vase and Cover of C18th Kangxi Period Design.

From M Lees and Sons

£1,950

3+ MONTHS AGO

vases

1900 - 1920

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Pair of Losol Vases & Covers

From Heathcote Antiques - S.A Webster

£145

3+ MONTHS AGO

vases

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Blue Ceramic Lidded Urns

Fielding’s Crown Devon Vase and Cover, English Circa 1920

William Moorcroft Macintyre Aurelian Ware Twin Handled Vase, C.1898

C18th Italian Lidded Vase

Large Pair of French Faience Urns with Lids from 1860

Exhibition Quality Pair of Lidded Sèvres Vases to Commemorate Napoleon Bonaparte

Masons Ironstone Imari Pot Pourri & Cover, C. 1815.

A Good Imari Vase and Cover, Circa 1910 / 1920. Japanese. Asian Porcelain.

Pair of Quality Antique Japanese Imari Lidded Vases

Pair of Mason’s Ironstone “Bandana” Pattern Lidded Vases, C.1810–1815

A Fine Vase and Cover Decorated in the Edo Manner Circa 1910. French Vase

Gorgeous Antique Japanese Imari Porcelain Covered Jar / Ginger Jar – Circa 1880

Exceptional Quality Antique Japanese Imari Octagonal Baluster Vase and Cover

18th Century Dutch Delft Tobacco Jar.

Large Mid C19th Japanese Meiji Period Porcelain Vase and Cover Decorated in the Imari Palette.

A Large Late C19th / Early C20th Chinese Qing Dynasty Blue and White Porcelain Vase and Cover of C18th Kangxi Period Design.

Pair of Losol Vases & Covers

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