• Set of Four Blue-and-White Apothecary Syrup Jars
  • Set of Four Blue-and-White Apothecary Syrup Jars
  • Set of Four Blue-and-White Apothecary Syrup Jars
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Set of Four Blue-and-White Apothecary Syrup Jars

Period
1680 - 1720
Origin
Italy or France
Dimensions
W 5 1/2" diameter" × H Largest 8 1/2"
Reference
#Marh2843

This piece has been sold. It is shown here for reference in our archive.

Description

A characterful group of four early pharmacy vessels—so-called syrup jars (It. boccale da sciroppi, Fr. pot à sirop)—each thrown in an ovoid baluster and raised on a spreading socle foot. The bodies are painted in rich cobalt with Baroque scrolled cartouches crowned and flanked by stylised dolphins, enclosing Latin drug names that identify the original contents. Three examples have short pouring spouts and strap handles; one has a circular aperture to the front for a pewter tap (now lacking), a feature associated with dispensing thicker preparations.
Inscribed labels
PAPAV. ALB. — Papaver album, white poppy; sedative/opiate preparations.
ROSARUM. — Rose preparations (cooling waters, syrups and conserves).
MASTICHINUM. — Mastic resin; used for gums and digestion.
NARDIN. COM. — Compound of nard/spikenard; aromatic tonic.

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