Qing dynasty ginger jars -- features indicating production period

[peterp]

Please note:  all said here is a rule of thumb; exceptions are always possible.

1. As a rule the majority of Qing dynasty ginger jars have an unglazed neck and shoulder (the area adjoining the neck). These were only glazed from about the late 19th century, in the Guangxu reign, but not all of them. For example, the small ginger jars that were exported in the Guangxu reign often show a glazed neck.
2. The neck is usually straight up, not outward bent.
3. Ginger jars with a full shoulder are more likely found on early Qing items (Kangxi, Yongzheng reigns). A shoulder that is  sloping down from the neck is more likely a later item.

There might be a few exceptions to (1), above, for jars that have a Ming style lid, which were inserted inside the jar mouth. However, most Qing ginger jars were made for lids that covered the mouth on the onside. Hence the unglazed neck/shoulder.

Jars with outward bent necks or a decorated neck in blue and white would normally be from either the Ming dynasty or 20th century items.