Small Ginger Jar

I was told this small jar was called a Ginger Jar but I always thought those jars were much bigger.

Also I was looking at the marks on the bottom of the jar and I haven't been able to identify any of them and I was wondering what the significance of the two flower blossoms on the other side are.

Judging by the bright colors I am assuming that this jar was made in the twentieth century but any information you could provide about it would be greatly appreciated.

I also have the lid for the jar and painted on top of it are two ducks, which match the ones on the jar.

Chinese mid 20th century

"Ginger Jar" is in this case more referring to the commonly recognized shape than the likely content, which I would guess rather might be sweets than something as big and sticky as preserved Ginger.

Regarding the "two flower blossoms" my guess is that they are actually butterflies. Butterflies are considered "birds" in China and we are therefore looking at a pair of birds.

This do makes more sense, since "Ginger Jars" of the best quality were often used to contain a gift where the actual Jar was supposed to be brought back to the owner.

A pair of birds is the symbol of luck, especially wedded bliss, so they might therefore be seen as an appropriate decoration on something that might have been supposed to contain a gift.

The yellow upper border is also made up of pomegranates, a fruit symbolizing many children.

Now, this mark is a mid 20th century mark more or less just saying "Made in China". It is stamped and in no way either "antique" or "Imperial", but nevertheless quite distinctive and interesting.

Together with the bright faces and the modern clothes of the children looking after their geese, I think we have here a really optimistic - not to say propagandistic - Peoples Republic ware which I believe might turn out to be quite interesting, in time.

Thank you for your interest.

Best regards,
Jan-Erik Nilsson