Ex. Absint.

Description:

This albarello drug jar depicts two lions flanking a cartouche topped by a crown. The interior of the cartouche has a cross at center and the letter P at the left and the letter A on the right. The jar is very similar in style to the ones seen in objects 1991.0664.0669–.0673. The jar is labeled “Ex. Absint” in black gothic text. The jar would have contained an extract of absinthe, made from wormwood, and used as a stimulating tonic, stomachic (appetite and digestive aid), diuretic, and emmenagogue (to stimulate menstrual flow).

Date Made: 18th century

Location: Currently not on view

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

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

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1991.0664.0673Accession Number: 1991.0664Catalog Number: M-05885Collector/Donor Number: SAP 597Catalog Number: 1991.0664.0673

Object Name: jarOther Terms: jar; Pharmaceutical Container

Physical Description: ceramic (overall material)Measurements: overall: 12.5 cm x 8.7 cm; 4 29/32 in x 3 7/16 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a8-7292-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_993628

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.