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Small PHARMACY JAR or ALBARELLO
Catalonia region, Spain
Late 16th – early 17th century
Earthenware
H.: 13.5; Diam.: 11 cm
(restoration)
This small Hispano-Moresque pharmacy jar, called an albarello, is made of majolica in a spool shape: cylindrical, curved at the waist (to make it easier to grip) and with a shoulder at the level of the beaded neck (to attach a ligature and close the container). It is entirely covered with a polychrome decoration organized in floral cartouches of blue pigments on a white background.
The upper and lower edges are animated with slightly lighter threads.
Albarelli were prized by apothecaries and pharmacies, who kept ointments, medicinal plants and other powders in them thanks to the non-porous properties of these containers.
Text and photos © FCP CORIDON
Ref.: 5190
Ref: B69SEHOR0L