Pair Of Nevers Earthenware Pharmacy Jars In A Monochrome Palette Featuring Lemon Balm And Betony, 18th Century

A pair of bottle-shaped apothecary jars with a flattened body and long neck, made of Nevers earthenware in shades of blue, decorated with plant arabesques surrounding the Latin names AQUA MELISSAE SIM (lemon balm water) and AQUA BETONICAE (betony water), dating from the 18th century.

These jars are in good overall condition. They have their original cork stoppers.

Please note: some chipping, particularly at the base, and glaze defects on the sides of the body; signs of age—please examine the photos carefully.

* Pharmacy bottles were used to hold distilled water, liqueurs, and other liquids. To facilitate frequent handling, they were often stored on low shelves. They have long necks and generally hold two liters. Sometimes, the body of the bottle is flattened on both sides, resembling a gourd. According to François Dorvault (1886), the term “distilled water,” or “hydrolats,” refers to ordinary water enriched, through distillation, with the volatile constituents of plants. Actuarius was the first author to mention hydrolats. The materials used to produce hydrolats include water, as well as roots, wood, bark, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds.

Reference: 500 1010
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