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LicenseIvory pharmacy sign in form of unicorn's head, perhaps English or Dutch, 1700-1870. Full view, blacb background.
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Ivory pharmacy sign in form of unicorn's head, perhaps English or Dutch, 1700-1870
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
Pharmacy sign in form of unicorn's head, perhaps English or Dutch, 1700-1870
'Unicorn horns' were believed to have medicinal qualities. As the unicorn is a mythical beast the apothecary had to find a substitute ingredient. Usually this was the long horn of a male narwhal whale, which was ground into a powder to be used in treatments. Unicorns were also a medieval symbol of purity and chastity. Mounted on an oak stand, the ivory shop sign was probably made in England or the Netherlands.
Details
- Category:
- Pharmacy-ware
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A631343
- Materials:
- narwhal tusk and oak
- Measurements:
-
overall: 749 mm x 376 mm x 405 mm, 7.28 kg
- type:
- shop sign
- taxonomy:
-
- visual and verbal communication
- sign - promotional or advertising artefact
- credit:
- Loan, Wellcome Trust
