15th Cty Small Terracotta Albarello Or Ointment Jar, Normandy / Beauvaisie
Artist: Ateliers Normands, Beauvaisie /rouen, Xve S
Haute Epoque / Archaeology
A charming little medieval gray terracotta albarello. These small wheel-thrown pots were intended to hold ointments and medicinal remedies, in the tradition of the larger Italian apothecary jars, the albarelli.
Normandy / Beauvais area
15th century
Dimensions:
8.5 cm high and 6 cm in diameter
A comparable example in terracotta, made on a potter’s wheel and of similar small dimensions, is published in Danièle Alexandre-Bidon’s book "In the Apothecary’s Workshop" (2013, PICARD Editions, p. 80). This reference model come from the Cluny Museum's collections in Paris.
"Found at most residential sites in Rouen in 15th- and 16th-century layers, they are often remarkably well-preserved due to their small size and compact shape. They are characterized by a concave cylindrical body, a tapered base, and a rolled rim separated from the body by a protruding step. Just like albarelli used by apothecaries, it is assumed that these small vases were intended to hold ointments and salves that needed to be stored in a watertight, non-porous material. The small neck, which tucks under the rim, likely facilitated securing a leather or cloth lid with a cord. The majority of the recovered examples come from the workshops of Beauvais; however, certain specimens with a more atypical profile have not yet been attributed... The gray surface is colored with red ochre and ash. The clay ranges from beige to pinkish sandstone."
Our specimen retains on its base a remarkable handwritten label affixed upon its discovery in the late 19th century, which amusingly and erroneously states "Gallic goblet, found 4 meters above a Roman pot during excavations... August 1869... Paris"
In perfect condition, without restoration, damage, or chips...
The body, with its fine surface ripples, movingly conveys the creative act of the potter who shaped it on the wheel with his hands some six centuries earlier...
Please also check out in my previous listings, 2 small medieval pottery pieces of similar or close origin https://www.proantic.com/1647090-xive-s-2-poteries-medievales-pichet-a-anse-et-pt-vase-2-anses-ile-de-france.html
A charming little medieval gray terracotta albarello. These small wheel-thrown pots were intended to hold ointments and medicinal remedies, in the tradition of the larger Italian apothecary jars, the albarelli.
Normandy / Beauvais area
15th century
Dimensions:
8.5 cm high and 6 cm in diameter
A comparable example in terracotta, made on a potter’s wheel and of similar small dimensions, is published in Danièle Alexandre-Bidon’s book "In the Apothecary’s Workshop" (2013, PICARD Editions, p. 80). This reference model come from the Cluny Museum's collections in Paris.
"Found at most residential sites in Rouen in 15th- and 16th-century layers, they are often remarkably well-preserved due to their small size and compact shape. They are characterized by a concave cylindrical body, a tapered base, and a rolled rim separated from the body by a protruding step. Just like albarelli used by apothecaries, it is assumed that these small vases were intended to hold ointments and salves that needed to be stored in a watertight, non-porous material. The small neck, which tucks under the rim, likely facilitated securing a leather or cloth lid with a cord. The majority of the recovered examples come from the workshops of Beauvais; however, certain specimens with a more atypical profile have not yet been attributed... The gray surface is colored with red ochre and ash. The clay ranges from beige to pinkish sandstone."
Our specimen retains on its base a remarkable handwritten label affixed upon its discovery in the late 19th century, which amusingly and erroneously states "Gallic goblet, found 4 meters above a Roman pot during excavations... August 1869... Paris"
In perfect condition, without restoration, damage, or chips...
The body, with its fine surface ripples, movingly conveys the creative act of the potter who shaped it on the wheel with his hands some six centuries earlier...
Please also check out in my previous listings, 2 small medieval pottery pieces of similar or close origin https://www.proantic.com/1647090-xive-s-2-poteries-medievales-pichet-a-anse-et-pt-vase-2-anses-ile-de-france.html
640 €
Period: Before 16th century
Style: Renaissance, Louis 13th
Condition: Perfect condition
Material: Terracotta
Diameter: 6cm
Height: 8,5cm
Reference (ID): 1776789
Availability: In stock
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