"Apothecary Jar Called Albarello - Central Italy - Dated 1631 "
APOTHECARY JAR known as ALBARELLOCentral Italy
Dated 1631
Earthenware
H.: 23; Diam.: 13.5 cm
(slight damage)
This apothecary jar, called an albarello, is made of majolica in the shape of an albarelle: cylindrical, slightly curved at the waist (for easy handling) and with a shoulder at the neck with a rim (allowing a ligature to be attached and the container to be closed).
It is entirely covered with a polychrome decoration of a medallion surrounded by a laurel wreath, centred on a coat of arms, below which is inscribed: ‘Pettorale’ and the date 1631.
Albarelli were prized by apothecaries and pharmacies, who used them to store ointments, medicinal plants and other powders thanks to the non-porous properties of these containers.
Ref.: 6379
Text and photos © FCP CORIDON
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