Tin glazed earthenware pill tile
- Made:
- 1601-1700
Tin glazed earthenware pill tile, elongated octagonal, decorated in polychrome with the arms of the Society of Apothecaries, English, 17th century
The coat of arms of The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of England – which came into being in 1617 – is painted on to the surface of this pill tile showing that the original owner was a member of the society. In it, Apollo, the Greek god of light, music and healing, is surrounded by two unicorns and a rhinoceros. The motto translates from Latin as “And I am called throughout the world the bringer of aid”.
Details
- Category:
- Pharmacy-ware
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A79020
- Materials:
- earthenware (tin-glazed)
- Measurements:
-
overall: 270 mm x 235 mm x 18 mm, 1.72 kg
- type:
- pill tile
- credit:
- Loan, Wellcome Trust
