Syrup jar used for Syrup of Roses, England, 1670-1740

Syrup jar, tin glazed earthenware, songbird motif, used for aperient rose syrup, English, 1670-1740

This drug jar has the label “SYR: ROSARSOL”, which can be translated from the Latin as “syrup of roses”. This was a preparation mentioned in ancient Greek texts and for many centuries was used mainly as a purgative and laxative.

Drug jars have a number of different shapes, design motifs and decorative styles which can help date the objects. This jar has an unusually straight spout and handle. It also carries a relatively crudely executed design which is typical of numerous English jars of the period. A winged cherub below the base of the spout is a common feature and the jar also features a songbird motif in blue and white.