Antique Chinese Pewter Jade & Carnelian Cabochons Ginger Trinket Jar With Lid

  

This is a charming late 19th century antique Chinese ginger jar with lid. It could be used for multiple purposes, including tea caddy, trinket container/jar, etc. It has been created with pewter, brass, carnelian and jade precious stones. The pewter surface has a satin finish.

There are two layers of continuous lotus flowering vines which wrap themselves around the jar. These have been inlaid in brass upon the pewter body. The lid has an elegant plum blossom brass inlay.

What makes this jar distinct from others are the contrasting metals and carnelian and jade semi-precious stones housed in cabochons leaves. Furthermore, these have created on raised or embossed pewter, giving it yet another added dimension of uniqueness.

Considering its age, this antique is in very good condition. There are no dents on either the lid or the container. The lid sits securely on the container. Due to the fact that pewter is malleable, there are scratches and some blemishes apparent. The artisan created the seam joint on the container slightly visible both on the exterior and interior. This is barely visible and does not distract from the beauty of the piece. China is stamped on the bottom underside of the container.

This antique has a number of different uses: tea caddy, spice jar, storage container for knickknacks, amongst others. Carnelian is one of the oldest known gemstones, with written records dating back over 4000 years. It was highly prized and worn by many of the world's noble people throughout ancient times.

Carnelian holds an extraordinary place in the Christian religion. According to holy scriptures, carnelian was one of the twelve gemstones worn on the breastplate of Aaron, the first high priest of the Israelites and a prophet. Carnelian also played significant roles in ancient Greek, Roman and Babylonian cultures. It was popularly worn in amulets and talismans and commonly used for the making of insignia rings and seals.

Jade has been known and treasured for more than 7,000 years. But only in 1863 was it discovered that jade is actually not a single mineral. What was traditionally called jade is in fact two separate and distinct minerals: jadeite and nephrite.

This item is in the category "Antiques\Asian Antiques\China\Other Chinese Antiques". The seller is "antiquehaus" and is located in this country: CA. This item can be shipped to Canada, all countries in Europe, United States.

1. Other features: Lid has raised/embossed pewter leaves
2. Region of Origin: China
3. Height: 3.7 inches
4. Features: jade and carnelian stones, cabochons
5. Age: Circa late 19th century
6. Primary Material: Pewter, Brass, Jade, Carnelian
7. Maker: Unknown
8. Original/Reproduction: Antique Original
9. Flowers: Lotus, prunus (plum blossom)
10. Diameter: 2.8 inches
11. Weight: 335 grams
12. Color: Multi-Color