How were apothecary jars used?

Apothecaries used these cylindrical jars to store dried herbs, syrups, and medicinal ointments in pharmacies. The distinctive waist allowed pharmacists to grip the jars easily from crowded shelves. Over time, many of these utilitarian vessels transitioned into decorative objects collected for their painted blue and white or polychrome decoration.

What is the difference between majolica and terracotta?

Majolica is earthenware coated in an opaque white tin glaze that serves as a canvas for painted pigments. Terracotta consists of fired clay left unglazed or treated with a transparent glaze, retaining its natural reddish-brown colour. While terracotta forms tend to emphasise the sculptural qualities of the clay, majolica relies on surface decoration and vibrant colour.

How do I care for antique glazed pottery?

Keep these pieces away from direct sunlight and areas subject to sudden temperature fluctuations to protect the ceramic body and glaze. Dust them gently with a soft, dry cloth and avoid using liquid cleaners. Display them on stable surfaces where they will not be knocked, as the earthenware bodies can chip or crack upon impact.

How can I tell a revival piece from an older one?

Revival pieces, such as those produced in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, often combine historic forms like Renaissance Revival styles with cleaner modern manufacturing marks. Examining the wear on the base, the composition of the glaze, and any factory stamps helps clarify the date. Stylistic cues and pigment characteristics also provide clues to distinguish seventeenth-century or eighteenth-century originals from later interpretations.

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Italian Glazed Pottery

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Italian glazed pottery brings centuries of painted tin-glazed earthenware and terracotta into the home, prized for vibrant pigment and historical forms.