Currently Collecting: Ginger Jars

mark d sikes home by habitually chic

mark d sikes home tour by habitually chic

ginger jars - via lonny

williams sonoma ginger jars

Me, into collecting antiques. Who would’ve thunk it? I’ve mentioned here before how my grandmother and I have a really special bond and mutual love for finding and appreciating beautiful, meaningful objects in the home, but one thing I probably haven’t mentioned is that growing up, I was dragged to all sorts of auctions and antique stores, usually located in the middle of nowhere. I hated it, then. Now, I couldn’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon!

This past holiday season, I mentioned to my grandmother that I had been on the hunt for an antique ginger jar for our living room. The overall palette in the room is very light and neutral; however, from the get go, I wanted to accent with soft blues to keep the room feeling traditional, yet warm and welcoming (I realize this is hard to envision sans pictures…we’re still working on getting a few pieces and artwork in place!). Whatever their current trendiness, I’ve been looking for an antique ginger jar for a few years, but have never been able to find the right combination of pattern, shape, size, and price that fit the bill.

“Oh, you should’ve told me sooner!” my grandmother said to me, “I used to have tons of those things and I practically gave them all away at garage sales.” Total face palm moment. But then, there was a silver lining: “I’ll look for one for you!” she told me. When my grandmother goes hunting for a particular antique, you can basically guarantee that she will find it.

Shortly after Christmas, a very beautiful, uniquely shaped ginger jar arrived on my doorstep. I really loved that she found me something from the 19th century, that had  a little patina and was the real deal. But then, last week she sent me an email and said to keep an eye out for something else. “I just had to do it,” she told me. Another (surprise) ginger jar to add to my collection! I’m totally unashamed to say that even at my age, she still knows how to spoil me (after all, what are grandmothers for?). With two ginger jars kicking off my collection, I fear she’s created a monster. There are so many pretty patterns, and it’s really interesting to dabble in their background (there are a few great articles explaining the history of the ginger jar here, here and here).

Are you as big a fan of ginger jars as I am? And is there anything you’re currently collecting?

A FEW GOOD GINGER JARS, NEW AND OLD:

 

Images: Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic; Ruthie Sommers’ home photographed by Patrick Cline for Lonny, July/August 2011; Williams Sonoma Home

17 Comments

  1. 1.27.14
    Heidi said:

    Such a great story! Those ginger jars will be a great story starter from now on.

    http://jax-and-jewels.blogspot.com

  2. 1.27.14
    meg said:

    These are sweet! I love how they are displayed.

    http://happinessiscreating.com/

  3. 1.27.14

    Gorgeous!
    The Style Storm
    <3, Christina

  4. 1.27.14
    jillian said:

    aww i love that story. i am really close to my grandma too so anything she gives me i keep close :) xo jillian – cornflake dreams

  5. 1.27.14
    Abby said:

    With blue being my favorite color, I just love these!

  6. 1.27.14

    what an awesome grandma you have! i seem to have created an accidental collection of antique bottles and vases :)

    Molly {Dreams in HD}
    http://www.dreamsinhd.blogspot.com

  7. 1.27.14

    Ginger jars are the most amazing! An instant sprucer to a library, a small vignette, or a well-placed end table. My apartment is painted in blue and whites =) xo Sallie

    http://www.bluebonnetsforsal.com

  8. 1.27.14

    So pretty! Love these

    http://www.designsbykaty.com

  9. 1.27.14
    Nina said:

    grandmothers are the best!

  10. 1.27.14
    Katherine said:

    I noticed today that we have several of these around my office as decor (at least 4). I always thought they were lovely, but didn’t know what they were!

    • 1.27.14
      Victoria McGinley said:

      Yay, now you can educate your co-workers! :)

  11. 1.27.14
    Erica said:

    LOVE the look of these! So pretty
    Erica
    sweet-endeavors.com

  12. 1.27.14

    I love ginger jars and although I am not a fan of clutter or over-styling with one item I love the look a grouping of ginger jars give to a space. They are classic and really are a great conversation piece. Your grandmother sounds adorable!

  13. 1.27.14
    ailee said:

    I love that I just signed onto One Kings Lane and saw a Ginger Jar sale – I had never heard the name for these until reading your post earlier. Good selection on OKL!

    • 1.28.14
      Victoria McGinley said:

      Ooh, good to know — thank you!

  14. 1.29.14

    Ginger jars are a weakness of mine, too. I love ’em all! When our new house is finished being built, I want to combine 5-7 jars of different heights and sizes to create a long centerpiece for our dining room table.

    P.S. Your grandmother sounds fab!

  15. 1.31.14

    I can’t get enough of them…I always love a good find!! They are so classic and beautiful!

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