Guest Picks: Pay Decorating Homage to Temple Jars
Set out these classic chinoiserie accessories for a table or shelf worthy of veneration
Every decorator and designer loves to use the temple jar as an accessory. What exactly is a temple jar? Simply, it is a ginger jar–style vase with a lid on it. Some say the cover resembles a Chinese general's hat from the old days, and some say that it is symbolic of the roof of an Asian temple. You might think that temple jars are old school, and while I prefer to call them classic, they have found their way into stylish modern rooms. Hip designers like Miles Redd, Tobi Fairley and Mary McDonald use temple jars as a go-to accent. And now you can too, as I present this roundup of temple jars. — Valorie from The Visual Vamp
Legends of Asia Temple Jar, Lime
Who doesn't know that green is the hot color happening right now? However, green is as timeless as temple jars, so why not get one or two?
Porcelain 16-Inch Carved Lattice Decorative Temple Jar
The pierced ceramic temple jar can go traditional or modern, depending on how it's styled in your home.
Handmade Chinese Red Porcelain Ginger Jar Vase
Brights! I love this orange temple jar. Don't shy away from the eBay link; it's for a store that can restock any item.
Legends of Asia Celadon Dragon Lotus Temple Jar, Large
Traditional Chinese designs are often associated with temple jars. I love this green and white pattern with a dragon for a fresh yet traditional look.
Temple Apple Green Jar
If you don't like a shiny surface, the more matte finish on this green temple jar is just the thing.
Zelda Temple Jar
You can't go wrong with white, often called blanc de chine. I love this modern take on the temple jar with the delicate gold pattern and the ring on top of the lid.
Port 68 Cherry Branch Jar
Here's a more traditional white temple jar with embossed flowers. It's a great transitional piece.
Aquilla Tan Temple Jar
Are earth tones your thing? I love this very affordable pierced temple jar in a natural stone color.
Legends of Asia Plain Glazed Porcelain Temple Jar, White
How much more versatile can you get than this clean white temple jar? It could be used in every room of any house.
Maitland Smith Hand-Painted Brown and White Porcelain Temple Jar, Floral Motif
Another take on earth tones is this more traditional temple jar with an all-over brown and white pattern.
Mesa Carved Brown Modern Southwestern Ginger Jar
The rustic, organic texture on this temple jar has a nice masculine vibe.
Tan Ceramic Temple Jar With Lid
The large open piercings on this neutral temple jar make it stand out.
Maitland Smith Hand-Painted Blue and White Crackled Porcelain Temple Jars
Temple jars are most often thought of in the classic blue and white pattern. These are sold as a set of two.
Teal Blue Round Porcelain Temple Jar
Robin's egg blue is a more modern interpretation of the classic blue temple jar.
Oriental Porcelain Temple Jar, Light Celadon
Here's another shade of soft blue that gives the temple jar a contemporary vibe.
Porcelain 18-Inch Blue and White Floral Temple Jar
Nothing beats the classic blue and white temple jar, and you can use it in any decorating scheme: traditional, transitional or modern.
Howard Elliot 34054 Cobalt Blue Glaze Ceramic Jars with Lids
A strong bright cobalt blue temple jar gives a big visual bang for the buck. These beauties are sold as a set.
Legends of Asia Ceramic Temple Jar, Oxblood Red
This deep oxblood red temple jar is stunning. Mix it in with other reds, pinks and oranges.
Brighton Jar With Stand
Could this be the little black dress of temple jars? The chinoiserie pattern is so chic and current.
Hand-Painted Yellow Flower Chinese Porcelain Ginger Jar Vases
As far as temple jars go, the thinking is the bigger the better. But if you don't have room for grand gestures, this pair of small yellow jars is a way to get in on the fun.
Imperial Yellow Carved Floral Design Chinese Porcelain Jar Vase
Whether you use one temple jar or pair them up, just make sure that you add them to your tool box of decorating must-haves.
Next: Chinoiserie Sends Rooms on Flights of Fancy
Next: Chinoiserie Sends Rooms on Flights of Fancy
See more ways to use temple jars