Description:
Dutch delft dry drug jar with a dark blue cartouche on one side with a straight panel labeled "P" in the small semicircular area (characteristic of Dutch design) over "ALOEPHANGIN"; and a brass cover with finial knob, which is probably original. Aloephanginae were scented pills ("P" on the label) made from aloes, aloe wood, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, myrrh, rose petals, and other ingredients, which were used to treat epilepsy, vertigo, migraines, and melancholy. "Grey's Supplement to the Pharmacopia" states: "The use of aloes has been advised in loss of appetite and dyspepia, to reproduce the haemorrhoidal discharge, to promote the secretion of bile in certain cases, in cerebral affectations, and as an anthelmintic; it is usually administered in the form of a pill." The cartouche is decorated with the peacock design, the most common design on Dutch delft jars that appeared before 1665 and lasted into the mid 18th century. However, attribution can be difficult since the peacock motif was also produced in England, Belgium, northern France, Berlin, and possibly Copenhagen. The top center fruit basket is perched on a mask (a Dutch design) flanked by four flattened arches and a peacock on a scroll at each top corner facing the basket. The shaped botton edge has a cherub's head with a plain pendant cross, folded wings, scrolls, swags with fruit, and tassels. The baluster-shaped jar has a flat, circular base with an incurving foot swelling to broad shoulders, and a smooth, straight neck. This form of jar with its straight neck, which was common in the second half of the 18th century, was fitted with metal, wooden, or pottery covers.
Subjects:
Pottery; Brass; glaze (coating by location) Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+53.030 |
