APOTHECARY JAR called ALBARELLO
Central Italy
Dated 1631
Earthenware
H.: 23 ; Diam.: 13.5 cm
(slight missing parts)

This medicine jar, called an albarello, is made of majolica and is shaped like an albarello: cylindrical, slightly 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 the container to be closed).
It is entirely covered with a polychrome decoration of a medallion in a crown of laurel leaves, centered with a coat of arms, below which is inscribed: "Pettorale" and the date 1631.

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.

Ref.: 6379

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON