Art

Panorama of the Army of the Cumberland

The National Museum of American History is not an art museum. But works of art fill its collections and testify to the vital place of art in everyday American life. The ceramics collections hold hundreds of examples of American and European art glass and pottery. Fashion sketches, illustrations, and prints are part of the costume collections. Donations from ethnic and cultural communities include many homemade religious ornaments, paintings, and figures. The Harry T Peters "America on Stone" collection alone comprises some 1,700 color prints of scenes from the 1800s. The National Quilt Collection is art on fabric. And the tools of artists and artisans are part of the Museum's collections, too, in the form of printing plates, woodblock tools, photographic equipment, and potters' stamps, kilns, and wheels.

Resource Type: Bottles

ESS SERPENT

This free-blown glass container has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The baked white enamel circular shield is flanked by green leaves. At the top of the shield is a red crown with a yellow orb.
Description (Brief)
This free-blown glass container has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The baked white enamel circular shield is flanked by green leaves. At the top of the shield is a red crown with a yellow orb. Below the oval shield is the coat of arms for the Duchy of Saxony Marseburg and the house of Marseburg. Due to a crack that bisects directly through the left pendant the coat of arms is somewhat obscured. The shield is marked in red and black ESS/ SERPENT.
In the Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue, George Urdang notes that this jar was made prior to 1738, as the dukes of Saxony no longer resided in Marsebreg after that date.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1738
ID Number
1991.0664.0226
catalog number
M--05374
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 83
catalog number
1991.0664.0226

Apothecary Bottle, OL ROSAR

This glass apothecary jar has a baked enamel label marked OL ROSAR. The mouth of the bottle is sealed with a dark, sticky unknown substance.Currently not on view
Description
This glass apothecary jar has a baked enamel label marked OL ROSAR. The mouth of the bottle is sealed with a dark, sticky unknown substance.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0419
catalog number
M-05568
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 280

OL ANETHI

This blown and molded square-shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and flared lip. It has a baked white enamel label surrounded by a gold and brown escutcheon with a crown at the top. The label is marked OL ANETHI in black, with the first letter in red.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and flared lip. It has a baked white enamel label surrounded by a gold and brown escutcheon with a crown at the top. The label is marked OL ANETHI in black, with the first letter in red. The bottle would have contained oil of anethum, or oil from the dill herb. The oil of anethum was often prescribed for its carminative properties.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0452
catalog number
M-05601.02
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 313
catalog number
1991.0664.0452

SPIR THERIAC CAMPH

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a baked enamel label marked SPIR THERIAC CAMPH.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a baked enamel label marked SPIR THERIAC CAMPH. Theriac, an opium compound preparation, was thought to be a panacea for a variety of diseases and an antidote for poison.
The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment. The generic blue and yellow decoration with its stylized crown above the cartouche is similar to glass drug jars in the collection of the Deutsche Apotheken Museum in Heidelberg, Germany.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0245
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05393
collector/donor number
SAP 102
catalog number
1991.0664.0245

Bottle

This blue and white bottle has a flared mouth and is marked "1705.” Urdang attributes this bottle to Verona.Currently not on view
Description
This blue and white bottle has a flared mouth and is marked "1705.” Urdang attributes this bottle to Verona.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1705
ID Number
1991.0664.0620
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05832
collector/donor number
SAP 544
catalog number
1991.0664.0620

BUTYR ANTIMON

This blown and molded square glass jar has a narrow neck, a flared lip, and a circular glass stopper. The number "13" has been etched into the stopper. The baked white enamel label is flanked by blue flowers on the sides and top, and a blue ribbon sits on top of the label.
Description
This blown and molded square glass jar has a narrow neck, a flared lip, and a circular glass stopper. The number "13" has been etched into the stopper. The baked white enamel label is flanked by blue flowers on the sides and top, and a blue ribbon sits on top of the label. The label readsBUTYR ANTIMON in black text. This jar would have contained butter of antimony (antimony trichloride), which was used as a caustic. Antimony tricholoride is toxic and is used today as a flame retardant.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0420
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05569
collector/donor number
SAP 281
catalog number
1991.0664.0420.01
1991.0664.0420.02

SP MINDER

This square, blown and molded glass bottle has an applied neck and flat collar. The bottle is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche, framed by stylized blue leaves and yellow and red flowers. It is marked SP MINDER in black.
Description
This square, blown and molded glass bottle has an applied neck and flat collar. The bottle is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche, framed by stylized blue leaves and yellow and red flowers. It is marked SP MINDER in black. The bottle would have contained Spirits Mindererus, a solution of ammonium acetate. It was used as a cathartic to stimulate the bowels and as a diaphoretic to increase perspiration.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0210
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05358
collector/donor number
SAP 67
catalog number
1991.0664.0210

OL PETERA

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has an applied neck and flared collar. The clear glass is decorated with a white baked enamel cartouche on a blue background, framed by a yellow C scroll design and capped by a crown.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has an applied neck and flared collar. The clear glass is decorated with a white baked enamel cartouche on a blue background, framed by a yellow C scroll design and capped by a crown. George Urdang, author of The Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue attributes this bottle to the Court Pharmacy of Pillnitz. It is marked in red and black OL PETERA. The bottle would have contained Oleum Petera, or Peter’s Oil. Petra is Latin for rock, so this is rock oil, commonly known as petroleum. Petroleum was used as an antispasmodic, a liniment, and an expectorant.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0187
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05335
1991.0664.0187
collector/donor number
SAP 44

Z: ALUM: UST

This urn-shaped blown-glass jar has rounded shoulders and a flared neck with a round glass stopper in its mouth. The opaqueness of the glass comes from the addition of tin oxide in an attempt to mimic porcelain.
Description
This urn-shaped blown-glass jar has rounded shoulders and a flared neck with a round glass stopper in its mouth. The opaqueness of the glass comes from the addition of tin oxide in an attempt to mimic porcelain. The jar has a gold shield decorated with red and blue flowers, with a label inside the shield that reads ALUM UST in black. This jar would have contained Alumen ustum, or heated alumen. Alumen ustum was chiefly used as a caustic for irritating the skin.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0473
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05622
1991.0664.0473.01
1991.0664.0473.02
collector/donor number
SAP 334

OOL PERFOL EXPR

This square-shaped blown and molded jar has a baked enamel label marked in red and black OOL PERFOL EXPR.Currently not on view
Description
This square-shaped blown and molded jar has a baked enamel label marked in red and black OOL PERFOL EXPR.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0279
catalog number
M-05428
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 137

ELIX APERIT CLAUD

This blown and molded square glass bottle has a narrow neck, a flared lip, and round glass stopper. it has a baked white enamel label surrounded by stylized blue vines with yellow ribbons. The label is marked ELIX APERIT CLAUD in black text.
Description
This blown and molded square glass bottle has a narrow neck, a flared lip, and round glass stopper. it has a baked white enamel label surrounded by stylized blue vines with yellow ribbons. The label is marked ELIX APERIT CLAUD in black text. APERIT CLAUD means Open/Closed in Latin. Prescriptions indicate that this elixir contained Aqua foenicul or fennel water, and tincture Opii crocut. The elixir was used to help alleviate some of the symptoms, cramps, and excessive bleeding associated with menses.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0434
catalog number
M-05583
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 295
catalog number
1991.0664.0434.01
1991.0664.0434.02

AQ VERONIC VINO

This blown and molded bottle has a label which reads AQ VERONIC VINO in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The bottle would have contained Aqua Veronicæ Vino, or water of veronica with wine.
Description
This blown and molded bottle has a label which reads AQ VERONIC VINO in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The bottle would have contained Aqua Veronicæ Vino, or water of veronica with wine. The herb Veronica beccabunga (also known as Brooklime or European speedwell) was used in this solution as a bitter aromatic or mild stimulant.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0276
catalog number
M-05425
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 134
catalog number
1991.0664.0276

Apothecary Bottle, SPIR: LAVEND

This blown glass bottle is marked SPIR: LAVEND: The opaque white color of the glass comes from the addition of tin oxide and was meant to imitate porcelain. The flowers and leaves of the Lavender plant were used as an aromatic and to eliminate pests.
Description
This blown glass bottle is marked SPIR: LAVEND: The opaque white color of the glass comes from the addition of tin oxide and was meant to imitate porcelain. The flowers and leaves of the Lavender plant were used as an aromatic and to eliminate pests. Lavender was used as a medicinal by mixing it with other herbs. It was also used to cure headaches, apoplexy and loss of speech.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0478
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05627
collector/donor number
SAP 339
catalog number
1991.0664.0478

Florentine Bottle

This free blown green glass container has a long neck, a slightly flared lip, a round squat body, and a twisted spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.Currently not on view
Description
This free blown green glass container has a long neck, a slightly flared lip, a round squat body, and a twisted spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0941
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06337
collector/donor number
SAP 1029
catalog number
1991.0664.0941

Chemicals

Three round-cut glass containers filled with unknown chemicals. Each bottle is marked. Bottle number 341 has "Bray" etched into the bottom of the jar. Bottle number 342 is marked "COD.”Currently not on view
Description
Three round-cut glass containers filled with unknown chemicals. Each bottle is marked. Bottle number 341 has "Bray" etched into the bottom of the jar. Bottle number 342 is marked "COD.”
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0979.02
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06375
collector/donor number
SAP 1067
catalog number
1991.0664.0979.02

Apothecary Bottle, AQ ARTHEMIS

This square-shaped bottle has a blue, yellow, and white Baroque-style baked enamel label is marked in red and black, "AQ ARTHEMIS". The reverse side of the container has a stained paper label marked, "Spirit Rorismarin."Currently not on view
Description
This square-shaped bottle has a blue, yellow, and white Baroque-style baked enamel label is marked in red and black, "AQ ARTHEMIS". The reverse side of the container has a stained paper label marked, "Spirit Rorismarin."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0397
catalog number
M-05546
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 258
catalog number
1991.0664.0397

Apothecary Bottle

Containers with blank labels could be filled with different ingredients depending on the apothecary’s needs. When the contents of the jars were replaced with different ingredients the apothecary would write the appropriate name in the medallion.
Description
Containers with blank labels could be filled with different ingredients depending on the apothecary’s needs. When the contents of the jars were replaced with different ingredients the apothecary would write the appropriate name in the medallion. This example is decorated in blue and white baked enamel and is blown and molded with a flared lip.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0422
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05571
collector/donor number
SAP 283
catalog number
1991.0664.0422

ESS CROC

This blown and molded square-shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. It has a baked white enamel label encircled by a stylized golden wreath. A red bow is at the bottom of the label, and a crown with a red interior at the top.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. It has a baked white enamel label encircled by a stylized golden wreath. A red bow is at the bottom of the label, and a crown with a red interior at the top. The label is marked ESS CROC in black text. The bottle would have contained the essence of crocus, obtained by steeping the crocus sativus flowers in an alcohol solution. The essence of crocus was used as an aromatic, cordial, narcotic, antihysteric, and emmenagogue, herbs used to promote the flow of blood.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0459
catalog number
M-05608
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 320
catalog number
1991.0664.0459

SP VITRIOL ACID

This square blown and molded bottle has a flared collar and a glass stopper. The glass bottle is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche. The white circle is framed by stylized blue leaves and yellow flowers and red ribbon. It is marked in black SP VITRIOL ACID.
Description
This square blown and molded bottle has a flared collar and a glass stopper. The glass bottle is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche. The white circle is framed by stylized blue leaves and yellow flowers and red ribbon. It is marked in black SP VITRIOL ACID. Spirits of Vitriol Acid was imbibed as a tonic or applied topically as an astringent and an antiseptic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0218
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05366
collector/donor number
SAP 75
catalog number
1991.0664.0218.01
1991.0664.0218.02

NAPHTA OI.

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a baked enamel oval cartouche outlined with blue vines, red and yellow flowers and a three pointed crown. The label reads NAPHTA Ol. Naptha is a crude oil found in natural gas and coal tar.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a baked enamel oval cartouche outlined with blue vines, red and yellow flowers and a three pointed crown. The label reads NAPHTA Ol. Naptha is a crude oil found in natural gas and coal tar. As a distilled product it was used internally as a cathartic, and externally as a liniment.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0383
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 244
catalog number
1991.0664.0383

ELIX ACID DIPP

This blown and molded bottle has a naqrrow neck and a flared lip. The baked enamel label is framed by a Baroque style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads “ELIX ACID DIPP” in black text, with the first initial of each word in red.
Description
This blown and molded bottle has a naqrrow neck and a flared lip. The baked enamel label is framed by a Baroque style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads “ELIX ACID DIPP” in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The bottle would have contained Dippel’s Acid Elixir, which consists of 1 part sulphuric acid, 5 parts spirits, and 2 parts kermes and saffron. Johann Conrad Dippel (1673–1734) was a German alchemist who is credited with several alchemical recipes. Dippel’s Acid Elixir was used as an astringent or antiseptic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0299
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05448
collector/donor number
SAP 157
catalog number
1991.0664.0299

Florentine Bottle

This free blown green glass container has a long neck, a slightly flared lip, a round squat body, and a twisted spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.Currently not on view
Description
This free blown green glass container has a long neck, a slightly flared lip, a round squat body, and a twisted spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0936
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06332
collector/donor number
SAP 1024
catalog number
1991.0664.0936

Apothecary Bottle, ESS FUMAR

This blown and molded square glass bottle with a round flat stopper. The blue, red, yellow and black baroque enamel label is marked ESS FUMAR.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This blown and molded square glass bottle with a round flat stopper. The blue, red, yellow and black baroque enamel label is marked ESS FUMAR.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0329
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05478
collector/donor number
SAP
catalog number
1991.0664.0329.01
1991.0664.0329.02

ESS ASAR

According to George Urdang, author of The Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue, the two "eagles" flying toward the sun indicate that this jar was made for the orphanage pharmacy (Waisenhaus Apotheke) in Halle, Germany.
Description
According to George Urdang, author of The Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue, the two "eagles" flying toward the sun indicate that this jar was made for the orphanage pharmacy (Waisenhaus Apotheke) in Halle, Germany. Urdang also states that the manufacturer of this particular jar and 1991.0664.0231 can be attributed to the Globsow glass works, dating from about 1775.
The bottle is marked ESS ASAR. Asarum is also known as Asarabacca and Hazelwort. The rhizome's roots and leaves are used to make tonics, cathartics, and diuretics.
The Deutsche Apotheken-Museum in Heidelberg, Germany has very similar containers from the same Waisenhaus Apothecary. This blown glass bottle with a round stopper is illustrated on page 22 of the Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue. It is a similar decoration to 1991.0664.0230.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0231
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05379
collector/donor number
SAP 88
catalog number
1991.0664.0231.01
1991.0664.0231.02

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