What were Chinese ginger jars used for?

Beautiful set of Chinese ginger jars 18th century or earlier.  

This large 1950s Chinese ginger jar is made of many bright, contrasting and vibrant colors. The

Pair Famille Rose Chinese Ginger Jars with Bronze Mounts in Louis XVI Style.

Crafted in China during the mid-20th century, these ginger jars exemplify the classic blue and

A large vintage 'Straits style' ginger jar. Crafted in China towards the latter half of the 20th

A small porcelain ginger jar, crafted in China during the 1980s. Hand-painted with the bright and

An elegant and ethereal Japanese bronze censer, koro, in the form of a deer, Meiji Period, late 19th century, Japan. The deer is portrayed standing upon thin, spindly legs, one leg ...

A very finely painted Japanese Satsuma plate with miniature figural paintings, signed Kinkozan for the Kinkozan workshops, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan. The lovely plate crafted ...

A Japanese maik-e decorated black lacquer sutra box, kyobako, with peony mon design, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan. The elegant lacquer box originally crafted to hold sutras, sacr...

A very finely cast Japanese bronze water coupe in the form of the courtesan Eguchi riding an elephant, signed Kazutada, Edo to Meiji Period, mid 19th century, Japan. The small and e...

A very fine partial set of six Japanese Satsuma bowls decorated with flowers and birds of the months, signed Kinkozan, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan. The set of six exquisitely pa...

A charming vintage Burmese Mandalay Style carved, lacquered, and gilt wood figure of a reclining Buddha, 1970's, Burma. The delightful Buddha figure is portrayed resting comfortably...

A large and impressive Japanese Imari porcelain fluted charger with scalloped rim, signed Kaji(chu?), Edo to Meiji Period, mid 19th century, Japan. The magnificent Japanese Imari charger measures 25" in diameter, and is decorated in the typical imari palette of underglaze blue with overglaze red, orange, blue, and green enamels with gilt highlights. The large charger also features fluted sides and a scalloped gilt rim. The design of the charger is centered on a central floral medallion with three large chrysanthemum blossoms and vegetal scrolls. Radiating out from the central medallion are various brocade patterned sections that roughly follow the shape of the fluting. Some larger sections feature images of cranes and minogame (turtles with long tails), both symbols of longevity, while other feature dragons and phoenix, symbols of authority and power. Four large reserves depict charming scenes of a scholar and his students within a bamboo grove having discourse and examining scrolls. The back of the charger decorated in underglaze blue with bold floral and vegetal scrolls. With a three character inscription in underglaze blue reading Kaji(chu?) Sei. The charger is fitted with an antique metal hanger...