A rare Italian early 18th century wet drug jar in a maiolica tin glaze.  The style of the jar with the floral decoration and dominant yellow colour attributes it to the Bassano region in Northern Italy.  It is hand thrown and you can see the potting lines to the interior of the jar.  It has the label for the contents around the top 'Ollio: D'Ipericon Semplice'  This medicinal oil preparation is noted in the Italian medicinal recipe book: Ricettario Fiorentino di Nuouo Illustrato - published in 1623.  It is a preparation of St. John's Wort used to help with burns and wounds.  The label uses the early form and spelling from the 1623 book rather than the more common later form.

Along with the label there is a name around the base: Ciriaco - this would be the name of the apothecary, and it is quite a rare feature on this already rare form of drug jar.  Note also the religious figure to the front of the jar making a hand gesture.  An early and rare form for the collector.

Condition

Losses to the glaze with significant patches missing - see images for exterior condition.  Some hairlines and cracks from stresses and some chipping.  Spout cut right down.  Still a rare survivor from some 300 years ago.

Measurements (Approx)

Width: 20 cm ( 8 inches )

Height: 13 cm ( 5 1/8 inches )

Weight: 748 grams (before packing).

Stock Code:  1947 OC19-1