Albarello vase for terra sigillata, Portugal, 1701-1800

Made:
1701-1800 in Portugal
maker:
Unattributed
Albarello, Portuguese(?), 18th century, blue and white maiolica Albarello, Portuguese(?), 18th century, blue and white maiolica

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Albarello, Portuguese(?), 18th century, blue and white maiolica
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Albarello, Portuguese(?), 18th century, blue and white maiolica
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Albarello, Portuguese(?), 18th century, blue and white maiolica, used for terra sigillata rossa

The vase was used to store “TERRA SIGILLA ROSSA”. This refers to terra sigillata, a clay believed to have medicinal qualities, first used on the Greek island of Lemnos. The clay was crushed into a powder and taken with liquids or made into a paste and applied to the body. Terra sigillata was believed to fight against a number of diseases including plague and was highly sought after during epidemics. An increased demand needed an increased supply and sources were found elsewhere in Europe. Albarello vases originated in Persia. The characteristic hourglass shape was invented so that lots of jars could be put on one shelf, but each one could still be safely removed by grasping it around the middle.

Details

Category:
Medical Ceramic-ware
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A42919
Materials:
earthenware (tin-glazed) and complete
Measurements:
overall: 245 mm x 175 mm, 1.49kg
type:
albarello vase