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Ginger Jars: The History
Originally made of blue and white porcelain, Ginger Jars are a classic and iconic home decor accessory. They are also known as Temple Jars, though there is a difference. Ginger jars are typically round with a flat top, while temple jars are rounder near the top and get narrower toward the bottom. A temple jar has a round lid with a protrusion at the top. I tend to use the term “ginger jar” generically for all of them though.
They were originally used in ancient China for storing spices such as salt and ginger, hence the name. They became popular as decor pieces in the 17th century in Europe and the classic, elegant design still graces homes today.
Classic Blue is the Pantone color of the year for 2020 and the blue and white ginger jars and vases fit right in. They are classic decor pieces that will never go out of style. Today, ginger jars come in many colors, textures and patterns.
My Ginger Jar Collection
I first fell in love with blue and white ginger jars on a trip to the Antique Market in Round Top, TX in March of 2018. They had tents filled to the brim with gorgeous antique blue and white ginger jars, temple jars, vases and bowls. I bought my first one there and have been hooked ever since!
Over the past few years I’ve acquired some really gorgeous blue and white pieces to add to my collection. I’ve also expanded my collection to include pure white temple jars and ginger jars as well. I’ve never been one to collect things, but I just can’t seem to pass up these beautiful jars.
My collection consists of large and small pieces and I even have doubles of some. I love to create statement making vignettes with them or I’ll use them on their own as a centerpiece or flanking my mantle. They look great on a bookshelf and are just gorgeous behind glass cabinet doors.
How to Style Ginger Jars
These timeless jars can be styled in any room and can work with any decor style. Use them anywhere you need a little something extra or to take your space up a notch. There is no right or wrong when it comes to styling ginger jars. Today I’m sharing some ways I’ve styled temple jars and ginger jars in my home.
The Entryway
I love to welcome guests into my home with a well styled entryway. Ginger Jars are the perfect addition to console tables in the entryway. I like them alone, flanking the mirror, and with the lid on or off and filled with flowers.
The Dining Room
Formal dining rooms and elegant ginger jars are a match made in heaven. They make great centerpieces for the dining room table and look beautiful when used as a vase filled with florals. They are beautiful on bar carts and buffet tables as well. I especially like them paired with chippendale furniture.
The Living Room
Ginger jars look great in the living room. They can make a statement when placed on the coffee table, console, mantle, or flanking the hearth. They are also the perfect piece for bookshelves and look great in a cluster or standing alone.
The Kitchen
Since ginger jars were originally meant to hold spices, why not use them in your kitchen? They look beautiful in the center of the island. I’ve also used them at the coffee station to hold our coffee pods and tea bags. My favorite spot to place them, however, is flanking the stove.
The Breakfast Nook
Our breakfast nook is a bit less formal then the dining room, however I love styling my ginger jars on the breakfast table. They look just as beautiful in a casual space. My favorite way to style them is to double them up with something in the center.
The Bedroom
Ginger Jars work well in the bedroom too. I frequently arrange them on our nightstands and dressers.
The Bathroom
I placed blue and white temple jars around our tub and loved the look. They helped create a peaceful and relaxing spa-like vibe. The blue and white garden stool went perfectly with the chinoiserie jars and is the perfect spot to hold towels and bath time essentials. They also looked beautiful in the powder room for Valentine’s day.
Where to Find Ginger Jars
Real antique ginger jars and temple are hard to come by and are quite expensive. Lucky for us, replicas of these iconic jars are now mass produced and are much more affordable and easier to find.
My absolute favorite place to score blue and white ginger jars and temple jars is Homegoods. You have to be patient and visit quite frequently, but I’ve been very lucky and have gotten some really beautiful pieces there.
I’ve also seen some blue and white chinoiserie jars, vases, bowls, decorative balls, and planters at discount stores like Ross, Hobby Lobby, Joannes and Michaels. My eyes are always peeled when I’m out and about.
Luckily they can be found at many retailers online as well. I’ve sourced beautiful ginger jars and temple jars at various price points for large and small budgets below.
ONLINE RETAILERS
JOSS AND MAIN
WAYFAIR
WILLIAMS SONOMA
PIER 1
AMAZON
OVERSTOCK
HOUZZ
CAITLIN WILSON DESIGN
ONE KINGS LANE
WALMART
ALICE LANE HOME
THE WELL APPOINTED HOUSE
BELLE AND JUNE
My ginger jars are my absolute favorite decor pieces to date. They are so versatile and can make an elegant decor statement in any room. I hope you have as much fun building up a collection as I have had. Do you have a collection of these beauties in your home or are you building your collection? Let me know in the comments how you like to display them in your home.
I have used these iconic jars to decorate for every season and holiday this year. Check out the posts below to see how they work with everyday and seasonal decor.
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