Small POT at PHARMACY or ALBARELLO

Region of Catalonia, Spain

End of the 16th – beginning of the 17th century

Earthenware

H.: 13.5; Diam.: 11 cm

(restoration)

This small Hispano-Moresque medicine jar, called an albarello, is made of majolica in the shape of a spool: cylindrical, curved at the waist (to make it easier to grip) and with a shoulder at the level of the beaded neck (allowing a ligature to be attached and closed). the container). It is entirely covered with a polychrome decoration organized in floral cartridges of blue pigments on a white background.

The upper and lower edges are animated with slightly lighter lines.

Albarelli were prized by apothecaries and pharmacies, who stored ointments, medicinal plants and other powders in them thanks to the non-porous properties of these containers.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref.: 5190