MYRTUS

Description:

This albarello drug jar is decorated with stylized cobalt blue leaves. The top portion of the albarello, badly cracked and repaired, is decorated with orange–brown leaves. There are two medallions on each side of the container. One is the profile of a man wearing a hat. The second medallion is framed in cobalt blue and white and is inscribed MYRTUS. Myrtus is the common myrtle berry which grows in Southern Europe and North Africa. Over the centuries myrtle was used for ulcers and to strengthen the bones. Throughout Europe myrtle is incorporated into wedding bouquets.

Location: Currently not on view

Attributed To: Italy: Tuscany

Subject: Pharmacy

Subject:

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Medicine, Health & Medicine, European Apothecary, Art

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Related Publication: Urdang, George and Ferdinand William Nitardy. The Squibb Ancient Pharmacy: A Catalogue of the Collection, Margaret B. Freeman. Herbs for the Mediaeval Household

Credit Line: Gift of American Pharmaceutical Association and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1991.0664.0541Accession Number: 1991.0664Catalog Number: M-05753Collector/Donor Number: SAP 465Catalog Number: 1991.0664.0541

Object Name: jaralbarello

Physical Description: ceramic (overall material)Measurements: overall: 29 cm x 15.2 cm; 11 13/32 in x 5 31/32 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a8-9391-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_993680

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