Drug jar for cinchona bark

Tin glazed earthenware pharmacy vase

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Tin glazed earthenware pharmacy vase
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Tin glazed earthenware pharmacy vase, decorated with apostles and for cinchona bark, Castelli ?, Italian, 1701-1730

This earthenware jar was used to store cinchona bark. Cinchona was used to prevent heavy bleeding and diarrhoea but is better known as a source of quinine. The active ingredient of cinchona bark, quinine was used for pain relief and to prevent fevers but was primarily a treatment for malaria.

The jar is painted with the figures of the Christian Apostles (the twelve original followers of Jesus) and is believed to be from the Castelli region of Italy.

Details

Category:
Medical Ceramic-ware
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A158234
Materials:
earthenware (tin-glazed)
Measurements:
overall: 361 mm 159 mm, 1.54kg
Vase: 270 mm 126 mm,
lid: 100 mm 159 mm,
type:
drug jar
credit:
Loan, Wellcome Trust