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LicenseTin glazed earthenware storage jar
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Tin glazed earthenware storage jar, bright polychrome labelled "Confe.Ro.ALEXA", probably Venetian, Italian, 1551-1600
The inscription painted on this earthenware jar is a shortened form of the Latin phrase Conserva di Rose Alessandrino, which translates as “Conserve of Alexandrian Roses”. The petals of these roses would have first been pounded in a mortar along with sugar. Once a jam-like product had been formed, the treatment would be taken orally, acting as a strong laxative. The vase is decorated with the figure of a soldier in Italian armour and dress.
Details
- Category:
- Medical Ceramic-ware
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A97374
- Materials:
- earthenware (tin glazed)
- Measurements:
-
overall: 333 mm 365 mm, 5.63kg
- type:
- drug jar
- credit:
- Sotheby's
