Famille Noire Ginger Jar Prunus Decoration, Kangxi Mark
October 2013 Auction by Far East Asian Art

The ginger jar appears to be an 18th century ceramic with form and foot consistent with the period of the Kangxi mark. But as is well known, many period ginger jars were skinned and the famille noire decoration - prunus being a favorite though often with birds - added later. When added is often a mystery but it is known that the Dowager Empress Cixi was fond of the palette and commissioned many such conversions...