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: Jars

Syrup Jar

This ovoid syrup jar has a flared foot, pinched spout, and an applied handle. The jar is decorated with deep yellow, blue, green, and grey motifs including a double–headed eagle holding a golden shield.
Description
This ovoid syrup jar has a flared foot, pinched spout, and an applied handle. The jar is decorated with deep yellow, blue, green, and grey motifs including a double–headed eagle holding a golden shield. The foot is decorated with blue and yellow concentric circles.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0578
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05790
collector/donor number
SAP 502
catalog number
1991.0664.0578

MAG MARCASIT

This blown and molded square jar has a flared lip. The white oval baked enamel shield is framed by a chain of blue leaves interspersed with four yellow flowers. The container is marked MAG MARCASIT in black lettering.The jar would have contained Magistery of Marcasite.
Description
This blown and molded square jar has a flared lip. The white oval baked enamel shield is framed by a chain of blue leaves interspersed with four yellow flowers. The container is marked MAG MARCASIT in black lettering.
The jar would have contained Magistery of Marcasite. Marcasite is a white iron pyrite mineral. It would have been dissolved and purified in an acidic solution to create a magistery, a substance possessing healing or curative powers.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0220
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05368
collector/donor number
SAP 77
catalog number
1991.0664.0220

ROOB EBUL

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1700 - 1799
ID Number
1991.0664.0754
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05966
collector/donor number
SAP 678

Apothecary Jar

This free blown urn-shaped glass container has a wide lip and an applied circular foot. The white oval cartouche is surrounded by a wreath of blue leaves capped with a yellow crown.
Description
This free blown urn-shaped glass container has a wide lip and an applied circular foot. The white oval cartouche is surrounded by a wreath of blue leaves capped with a yellow crown. The baked enamel label is marked in black, "TEMPER", with an alchemical symbol.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0144
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05292
collector/donor number
SAP 1

Apothecary Jar

This mouth jar is marked ANTISP/H below an alchemical symbol for powder. Its wide mouth makes it easy to remove powdered substances.Currently not on view
Description
This mouth jar is marked ANTISP/H below an alchemical symbol for powder. Its wide mouth makes it easy to remove powdered substances.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0149
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05297
collector/donor number
SAP 6

jar

Slightly flared conical-shaped stoneware container with a lead stopper and a pewter lid. According to Urdang, this container was produced in Mettlach in the Rhineland region of south western Germany It was used for hygroscopic (moisture absorbing) powder.
Description
Slightly flared conical-shaped stoneware container with a lead stopper and a pewter lid. According to Urdang, this container was produced in Mettlach in the Rhineland region of south western Germany It was used for hygroscopic (moisture absorbing) powder. The interior has a brown glaze as does the exterior with raised blue, white, black and green decorative motifes. The makers mark is on the bottom of the container.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0861
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06073
collector/donor number
SAP 785
catalog number
1991.0664.0861

Apothecary Jar, CAMP

Cylindrical, blown glass drug jar with a round, flat-shaped stopper. The container tapers slightly and has an applied foot. The baked enamel motif is a yellow shield surrounded by blue and red flowers. The interior of the shield is marked CAMP with three alchemical symbols.
Description
Cylindrical, blown glass drug jar with a round, flat-shaped stopper. The container tapers slightly and has an applied foot. The baked enamel motif is a yellow shield surrounded by blue and red flowers. The interior of the shield is marked CAMP with three alchemical symbols. The opaque white color of the glass comes from the addition of tin oxide and was meant to imitate porcelain.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0476
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05625
1991.0664.0476.01
1991.0664.0476.02
collector/donor number
SAP 337

Apothecary Jar: DIAGR

This glass urn-shaped widemouthed jar, with its oval cartouche of baked white enamel and blue stylized vines, and yellow crown is typical of German pharmaceutical containers of the 17th and 18th centuries. The label is marked DIAGR above the alchemical symbol for sulphur.
Description
This glass urn-shaped widemouthed jar, with its oval cartouche of baked white enamel and blue stylized vines, and yellow crown is typical of German pharmaceutical containers of the 17th and 18th centuries. The label is marked DIAGR above the alchemical symbol for sulphur. This jar is pictured on page 18 in the Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0152
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05300
1991.0664.0152
collector/donor number
SAP 9

CORT: CINNAM: ZEYLO

This drug jar is marked "CORT: CINNAM: ZEYLO", and is used as an aromatic. Cinnamon was also used as a tonic for stomach ailments and topically as an astringent.
Description (Brief)
This drug jar is marked "CORT: CINNAM: ZEYLO", and is used as an aromatic. Cinnamon was also used as a tonic for stomach ailments and topically as an astringent. Pharmaceutical historian George Urdang attributes the containers 1991.0664.0760 through 1991.0664.0825 to Hanau in the late 18th century based on the floral design surrounding the medallion and the initials "HN" on the bottom of many of the jars in the series. However, in a letter to museum curators dated August 1983, pharmaceutical historian Wolfgang-Hagen Hein wrote that the containers without initials and those marked "FH" were made in Florsheim in the German state of Hesse twenty-three miles southwest of Hanau.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1790-1810
Date made
1775 - 1799
ID Number
1991.0664.0796
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 720
catalog number
1991.0664.0796

EMETIC

This baked enamel label is marked, EMETIC", along with the alchemical symbol for Tartarus (Tartar). Emetic Tartar is the same as Antimonium Tartarisatum. It was used to induce vomiting because of poisoning, intoxication, and other conditions.Currently not on view
Description
This baked enamel label is marked, EMETIC", along with the alchemical symbol for Tartarus (Tartar). Emetic Tartar is the same as Antimonium Tartarisatum. It was used to induce vomiting because of poisoning, intoxication, and other conditions.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0199
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05347
1991.0664.0199.01
1991.0664.0199.02
collector/donor number
SAP 56

Drug jar

This blue monochrome drug jar has a cobalt blue stylized floral motif and scrolls. There is a cobalt blue and yellow-brown escroll in the center of the container inscribed with gothic script.Currently not on view
Description
This blue monochrome drug jar has a cobalt blue stylized floral motif and scrolls. There is a cobalt blue and yellow-brown escroll in the center of the container inscribed with gothic script.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1500
Date made
1500 - 1550
ID Number
1991.0664.0497
catalog number
M-05709
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 421
catalog number
1991.0664.0497

SYRUP CAPILLOR VEH?ERIS

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1700 - 1799
ID Number
1991.0664.0749
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05961
collector/donor number
SAP 673
catalog number
M-05961.01

E STOMACHI uteri

Squat-shaped cylindrical jar with a wooden lid. Whitie and blue tin-glaze is decorated with a cobalt blue cartouche and a basket of fruit fanked by two peacocks.
Description
Squat-shaped cylindrical jar with a wooden lid. Whitie and blue tin-glaze is decorated with a cobalt blue cartouche and a basket of fruit fanked by two peacocks. C-scrolls, swags of fruit, tassels and the head of an angel surround the cartouche which is marked "E STOMACHI uteri".
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
18th Century
ID Number
1991.0664.0840
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06052
1991.0664.0840.01
1991.0664.0840.02
collector/donor number
SAP 764

Albarello

This blue and white albarello is decorated with a landscape of hills, trees, and several buildings.Currently not on view
Description
This blue and white albarello is decorated with a landscape of hills, trees, and several buildings.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0602
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05814
collector/donor number
SAP 526
catalog number
1991.0664.0602

jar

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1700 - 1799
ID Number
1991.0664.0731
catalog number
M-05943
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 655

VITR ANTIMON

This blown and molded square jar has a flared lip. The white oval baked enamel shield is framed by a chain of blue leaves interspersed with four yellow flowers. The container is marked VITR ANTIMON.
Description
This blown and molded square jar has a flared lip. The white oval baked enamel shield is framed by a chain of blue leaves interspersed with four yellow flowers. The container is marked VITR ANTIMON. Antimony Vitrum, or glass of antimony, is very strong emectic on its own and is also used in the preparation of other alchemical compounds.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0219
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05367
collector/donor number
SAP 76
catalog number
1991.0664.0219

El. PLIRI. ARGO

This albarello has a yellow background surrounded by a green wreath with yellow and blue berries. An image of an angel stands above a blue and white scroll reads EL PLIRI ARGOR in black.An albarello is a type of jar made from tin-glazed earthenware known as Majolica.
Description
This albarello has a yellow background surrounded by a green wreath with yellow and blue berries. An image of an angel stands above a blue and white scroll reads EL PLIRI ARGOR in black.
An albarello is a type of jar made from tin-glazed earthenware known as Majolica. This type of jar was used in apothecary shops from the time of the Middle Ages. Majolica pottery received its name from the Italian town of Majorca, where this style of earthenware was developed. The tin glaze of majolica resulted in an opaque whiteness that mimics porcelain. The jar would then be painted with vivid colors.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th century
Date made
1600 - 1699
ID Number
1991.0664.0538
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05750
collector/donor number
SAP 462
catalog number
1991.0664.0538

UNGV DIGESTIV

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1700 - 1799
ID Number
1991.0664.0750
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05962
collector/donor number
SAP 674

DENT APLI

This blown glass drug jar has a label marked in red and black, DENT APLI. The jar opening is secured with a paper label and tied with a string at the neck. The jar contains a white powder substance.Currently not on view
Description
This blown glass drug jar has a label marked in red and black, DENT APLI. The jar opening is secured with a paper label and tied with a string at the neck. The jar contains a white powder substance.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0443
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05592
collector/donor number
SAP 304
catalog number
1991.0664.0443

ELLEET E EVC ROS

This albarello features a painted yellow oval baroque shield with a knight’s helmet at the top. The shield is framed by blue flowers. The interior of the shield features an image of a castle tower with three stars above, and the initialsG C in between the stars.
Description
This albarello features a painted yellow oval baroque shield with a knight’s helmet at the top. The shield is framed by blue flowers. The interior of the shield features an image of a castle tower with three stars above, and the initialsG C in between the stars. Below the lower shoulder the jar is also marked ELLEET E ESVC ROS. The jar would have contained an electuary of rose, a paste composed of rose water and rose petals that was used as a salve.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0575
catalog number
M-05787
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 499
catalog number
1991.0664.0575

S/ROSAR: C: SENN

Syrup jar with a flared foot has an applied spout and handle. The white and blue tin-glazes container is decorated with a cartouche marked, "S/ROSAR: C: SENN:"Currently not on view
Description
Syrup jar with a flared foot has an applied spout and handle. The white and blue tin-glazes container is decorated with a cartouche marked, "S/ROSAR: C: SENN:"
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
18th Century
ID Number
1991.0664.0847
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06059
collector/donor number
SAP 771

R. Nardi Yndica

This urn–shaped drug jar has a grayish–white glaze, a straight neck and a round domed foot. A rectangular label is formed at the center of the jar by thin brown and yellow stripes topped by four C–scrolls to form a blue cartouche with a yellow center.
Description
This urn–shaped drug jar has a grayish–white glaze, a straight neck and a round domed foot. A rectangular label is formed at the center of the jar by thin brown and yellow stripes topped by four C–scrolls to form a blue cartouche with a yellow center. The label creates a frame for the jar’s inscription. The outer frame is surrounded at the top and bottom with blue and green vines and yellow swags of beads.
The jar is marked R. Nardi Yndicae.” Correspondence in 1954 between Division of Medicine Associate Curator George Griffenhagen and George Urdang notes that the jars appear to be of Catalonian–Aragonese origin. The jar would have contained Radice Nardus Indica. Nardi (Nard or Nardus) Indica comes from the root of Indian nard or spikenard. Nard comes from the Valerian family of plants and was used as incense in the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. Nard was also used to induce menstruation and reduce gas in the stomach. It also served as a sedative, a perfume, and a cure for insomnia.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0567
catalog number
M-05779
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 491
catalog number
1991.0664.0567

jar

This Albarello drug jar has a flared lip and foot. The central motif is a double-headed eagle wearing a crown and a shield with a grayish-white glaze with blue, yellow, green and magnesium decoration.
Description
This Albarello drug jar has a flared lip and foot. The central motif is a double-headed eagle wearing a crown and a shield with a grayish-white glaze with blue, yellow, green and magnesium decoration. The eagle is flanked by two putti sitting among blue and green foliage.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
18th Century
ID Number
1991.0664.0577
catalog number
M-05789
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 501

CONDIT CYDONIOR

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
18th Century
ID Number
1991.0664.0727
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05939
collector/donor number
SAP 651

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