What were glazed ceramic drug jars used for?

Apothecaries and chemists utilised these vessels to store dry herbs, ointments, electuaries, and liquid syrups used in historical medical treatments. Each jar typically carried a painted label indicating the specific preparation contained within. Over time, these utilitarian vessels transitioned from working dispensary containers to decorative objects collected for their historic painted decoration and craftsmanship.

How do I identify a wet drug jar?

Wet drug jars and jugs usually feature a handle and a lip or spout designed for pouring liquid medicines and syrups. They frequently include fitted covers and inscriptions denoting liquid preparations. In contrast, dry jars such as albarellos maintain an open cylindrical form suited for solid ointments and botanical ingredients.

Where were these apothecary jars made?

Production centres spanned England, the Netherlands, and Italy, encompassing traditions like English delftware, Dutch delft, and Italian majolica. Specific regional styles emerged from workshops in places such as Savona and Naples. Maker marks, such as the cardiac symbol or letter 'P', occasionally appear alongside Latin inscriptions detailing the apothecary contents.

How should I display a drug jar?

Place these jars on stable shelving or mantelpieces away from direct heat sources and high humidity to protect the earthenware body and tin glaze. Ensure they rest securely to prevent tipping, especially taller albarello forms. Lighting should highlight the hand-painted cobalt pigment or polychrome details without exposing the ceramic to prolonged direct sunlight.

Search 0

9,404 PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 16 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS

Sorted by

Per page

VISITOR LOGIN JOIN AS A SELLER DEALER LOGIN

Saved

GIFTS

Glazed Ceramic Drug Jar

16 ITEMS ADDED TODAY

Visitor Login (saved items)

Sort Order

Items Per Page

Glazed Ceramic Drug Jar

19 items · page 2 of 2

← Page 2 of 2 →

These glazed ceramic drug jar examples are historical apothecary vessels holding old remedies, sought after for their painted surfaces and connection to early medicine.

C. 1709 South Italian 'Naples' Majolica Blue & White Albarello Drug Pharmacy Jar

18th century

Save

C. 1709 South Italian 'Naples' Majolica Blue & White Albarello Drug Pharmacy Jar

From Artsonline

£395

FOR SALE

ceramics

Rare Pair 17thc Italian Savona Majolica Albarello Drug Pharmacy Jar Bottles

17th century

Save

Rare Pair 17thc Italian Savona Majolica Albarello Drug Pharmacy Jar Bottles

From Artsonline

£690

FOR SALE

ceramics

C. 1850 Large Pair Italian Delft Faience Apothecary Pharmacy Albarello Drug Jars

19th century

Save

C. 1850 Large Pair Italian Delft Faience Apothecary Pharmacy Albarello Drug Jars

From Artsonline

£495

FOR SALE

ceramics

← 1 2 →

65,690

Antiques For Sale

Antiques Approved Today

653

Antique Uploads This Month

445,886

Total Antiques Sold

Glazed Ceramic Drug Jar

C. 1709 South Italian 'Naples' Majolica Blue & White Albarello Drug Pharmacy Jar

Rare Pair 17thc Italian Savona Majolica Albarello Drug Pharmacy Jar Bottles

C. 1850 Large Pair Italian Delft Faience Apothecary Pharmacy Albarello Drug Jars

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Period

Style

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Recently Added

Online Payments

Categories