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.

Fine Quality Pair of Antique Japanese Imari Lidded Vases

1900 - 1920

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Fine Quality Pair of Antique Japanese Imari Lidded Vases

From London City Antiques

£1,250

FOR SALE

vases

Fine Quality Antique Victorian Royal Vienna Vase Garniture

19th century

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Fine Quality Antique Victorian Royal Vienna Vase Garniture

From Unique Antiques by Emma Jade

£1,475

FOR SALE

vases

17th century

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Rare Pair C17th Century Japanese Arita Blue and White Porcelain Lidded Vases.

From Patrick Moorhead Antiques

£10,000

FOR SALE

vases

1900 - 1920

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Pair of Losol Vases & Covers

From Heathcote Antiques - S.A Webster

£145

FOR SALE

vases

19th century

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19th Century Chinese Blue and White Vase

From Shackladys Antiques

£475

FOR SALE

vases

19th century

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A Monumental Pair of Late 19th/early 20th Century Sevres Style Porcelain and Ormolu Mounted Lidded Vases

From H & H Gallery

£75,000

FOR SALE

ceramics

19th century

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Rare 19th Century Japanese Imari Lidded Vase.

From Patrick Moorhead Antiques

£1,100

FOR SALE

vases

19th century

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A Monumental 19th Century Japanese Blue and White Lidded Palace Vase. 6'High

From Patrick Moorhead Antiques

£48,000

FOR SALE

ceramics

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

FOR SALE

vases

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

FOR SALE

vases

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

19th century

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A Rare Pair of Mason's Ironstone China Vases

From Clive Payne Antiques

£3,980

FOR SALE

vases

18th century

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18th Century Delft Jar and Lid

From Treaders Collectables

£450

FOR SALE

ceramics

19th century

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Large Pair of 19th Century Vienna Porcelain Urns

From Patrick Moorhead Antiques

£11,000

FOR SALE

ceramics

19th century

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19th Century Japanese Lidded Imari Vase.

From Patrick Moorhead Antiques

£2,800

FOR SALE

vases

Large Japanese Imari Lidded Vase, Circa 1880. 35"

19th century

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Large Japanese Imari Lidded Vase, Circa 1880. 35"

From Patrick Moorhead Antiques

£5,500

FOR SALE

vases

19th century

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Large Pair Late 19th Century Sevres Style Porcelain Vase.

From Patrick Moorhead Antiques

£45,000

FOR SALE

vases

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Blue Ceramic Lidded Urns

Fine Quality Pair of Antique Japanese Imari Lidded Vases

Fine Quality Antique Victorian Royal Vienna Vase Garniture

Rare Pair C17th Century Japanese Arita Blue and White Porcelain Lidded Vases.

Pair of Losol Vases & Covers

19th Century Chinese Blue and White Vase

A Monumental Pair of Late 19th/early 20th Century Sevres Style Porcelain and Ormolu Mounted Lidded Vases

Rare 19th Century Japanese Imari Lidded Vase.

A Monumental 19th Century Japanese Blue and White Lidded Palace Vase. 6'High

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

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

A Rare Pair of Mason's Ironstone China Vases

18th Century Delft Jar and Lid

Large Pair of 19th Century Vienna Porcelain Urns

19th Century Japanese Lidded Imari Vase.

Large Japanese Imari Lidded Vase, Circa 1880. 35"

Large Pair Late 19th Century Sevres Style Porcelain Vase.

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