Italian Albarello Maiolica Jar

A fine late 17th-century Italian albarello (apothecary jar), decorated in underglaze blue with stylised foliage and landscape motifs. The cylindrical waisted form with everted rim is characteristic of drug jars produced for pharmacies, designed to hold dry medicines, herbs, or ointments.
This jar belongs to the long tradition of Italian maiolica pharmacy wares, produced in centres such as Faenza, Deruta, and later Savona, which by the late 17th century had adopted blue-and-white decoration influenced by Chinese porcelain and Dutch Delft. The broad brushwork and stylised floral landscapes seen here are typical of the period, combining utility with bold painterly decoration.