Storage jar in form of serpent, perhaps Italian, 1801-1900, majolica
Used in a pharmacy or an apothecary shop, this unusual snake-like storage jar is made of earthenware. The original contents of this jar are unknown, but snakes have had links with medicine since ancient Greek times when they were connected with Asklepios, the Greek and Roman god of medicine. The jar is shown here with a similar example (A633618).
Details
- Category:
- Medical Ceramic-ware
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A633617
- Materials:
- earthenware (tin-glazed), green
- Measurements:
-
overall: 130 mm x 350 mm, 225 mm, 1.39kg
- type:
- storage jar