Albarello pharmacy jar, Spain, 1600-1625
- Made:
- 1600-1625 in Talavera de la Reina
- maker:
- Unattributed

Albarello, earthenware, from monastery of El Escorial, made at Talavera, Spain, 1600-1625, inscribed L. SAPHIRUS abbreviation of Lapis Saphirus, Latin for sapphire stone, an ingredient in several drugs; with two armorial crests. above the inscription: shield with gridiron (associated with the martyrdom of Saint Lawrence, and golden crown; below the inscription: a Spanish royal crest, golden lion rampant, cross, tassels and petasus (hat). Jar made for the royal monastery at San Lorenzo (Saint Lawrence) de El Escorial, commissioned by Philip II of Spain.
The jar has the label “L. SAPHIRUS”, which refers to Lapis Saphirus. This translates from the Latin as “sapphire stone”. Sapphires were used as an ingredient in several drugs, as were other precious stones such as emeralds and rubies. The Spanish royal coat of arms can be seen below the inscription and this jar is just one of a set made for the royal monastery at El Escorial. The monastery was commissioned by Philip II of Spain following his father, Charles V’s dying wish to found a religious monument and be buried there. It is believed that this example was made in the Spanish city of Talavera de la Reina.
On display
Science Museum: Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries
If you are visiting to see this object, please contact us in advance to make sure that it will be on display.
Details
- Category:
- Medical Ceramic-ware
- Object Number:
- A43014
- type:
- albarello
- taxonomy:
-
- furnishing and equipment
- container - receptacle
- drug jar
- credit:
- Loan, Wellcome Trust
Cite this page
Rights
We encourage the use and reuse of our collection data.
Data in the title, made, maker and details fields are released under Creative Commons Zero
Descriptions and all other text content are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence
Download
Download catalogue entry as json
View manifest in IIIF viewer
Add to Animal Crossing Art Generator
Download manifest IIIF
Our records are constantly being enhanced and improved, but please note that we cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information shown on this website.