Drug jar for Conserve of Alexandrian Roses, Venice, Italy, 1560-1580

Made:
1560-1580 in Venice
Tin glazed earthenware storage jar

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Tin glazed earthenware storage jar
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Tin glazed earthenware storage jar, bright polychrome labelled "Confe.Ro.ALEXA", probably Venetian, Italian, 1551-1600

The inscription painted on this earthenware jar is a shortened form of the Latin phrase Conserva di Rose Alessandrino, which translates as “Conserve of Alexandrian Roses”. The petals of these roses would have first been pounded in a mortar along with sugar. Once a jam-like product had been formed, the treatment would be taken orally, acting as a strong laxative. The vase is decorated with the figure of a soldier in Italian armour and dress.

Details

Category:
Medical Ceramic-ware
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A97374
Materials:
earthenware (tin glazed)
Measurements:
overall: 333 mm 365 mm, 5.63kg
type:
drug jar
credit:
Sotheby's