Albarello drug jar used to store badger fat, Italy, 1585

Made:
1585 in Castelli
Tin-glazed earthenware albarello, polychrome decoration Left hand side - A42493, Tin-glazed earthenware albarello

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Tin-glazed earthenware albarello, polychrome decoration
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Left hand side - A42493, Tin-glazed earthenware albarello
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Tin-glazed earthenware albarello, polychrome decoration, labelled "GRO. D. TASSO," badger fat, possibly from Castelli, Italy, 1585

Animal fats were used as a common base for a number of ointments. Each animal was credited with special properties. The jar on the right is labelled Grasso di Tasso, Latin for “Badger Fat”. It was believed to have soothing and pain relieving qualities and to mend broken bones and muscles or reduce fevers and inflammation. The symbol painted above the date, 1585, is probably a mark of a monastery. It is shown here with a drug jar for horse fat (A42493).

Details

Category:
Medical Ceramic-ware
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A42514
Materials:
earthenware (tin-glazed)
Measurements:
overall: 184 mm 140 mm, .73kg
type:
drug jar
credit:
Robinson & Fisher